A People Prepared to Meet God

A People Prepared to Meet God.

Jonah 3:1-10

September 14th, 2008

Introduction:

Ø  The Asmat people of New Guinea

o   Live in a swamp that is virtually impenetrable, a swamp so big that it makes the everglades look like a wading pool.

o   When you reach the Asmat you have to deal with the heat, humidity, and almost constant dampness brought on by over 22 feet of rain each year.

o   Yet this pales in comparison to the people themselves. Headhunters and cannibals.

o   Up until now there has been little or no success in sharing the gospel with these people.

o   You know that God has called you to go to these people but going could mean that you are the main course at the next feast.

o   Why should I obey God?

I)        Because our obedience brings honor and glory to God. (vv 1-3a)

A)     Jonah obeyed God

1)      In the process God was honored- God was honored because Jonah recognized that God’s way was the right way.

(a)    Submission to God’s will.

2)      The outcome of Jonah’s obedience was that God was glorified; we know this because we know the end of the story.  But what about when we don’t know the end of the story?  Am I willing to do the right thing so that God will be glorified even if it means I’m not? (our motivation for obedience)

(a)    Whatever you do whether in word or deed do everything for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

(b)   God’s glory is reserved for Him and Him alone. (Is. 42:8) (Ps. 115:1)

(c)    Man has exchanged the glory of God for idols.  (Rom. 1:21-25)

(i)      This is one the major reasons that God desires that we would share His word.

(ii)    In spite of this God has not given up on them as we shall see. (Ecc. 3:1) God has placed eternity into the hearts of men.

II)      Lives are changed. (vv. 3b-9)

A)     Through the preaching of God’s word. (v. 2)

1)      Rom. 1:16- I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone.

(a)    It is the gospel of God (the good news of God)

(i)      Giving to all who ask; forgiveness of sins, release from guilt, true peace, real joy, and everlasting life and hope.

B)      God’s word has the power to change lives.

1)      For now and eternity.  (the Ninevites believed God)

(a)    They repented of their sins- we are told that God saw that their repentance was genuine and He relented from what He was going to do.

(b)   Can you imagine what kind of change that must have caused?

(i)      Illustration: when revival came to the welsh mining towns.

2)      We will stand next to some of these in heaven, because of the decision they made to repent of their sins.

C)      God desires to see lives changed through His Word.

1)      Have we allowed the Word of God to change us?

III)    God is revealed for who He really is. (v. 10, 4:2)

A)     A God who genuinely cares about all people.

B)      Illustration : God working among the people in South East Asia