SF513 - RESISTING COMMITMENT (Jonah)

SF513

RESISTING COMMITMENT

Jonah

INTRODUCTION

If we believe God is who he says why would we ever resist being committed to Him?

Jonah is the perfect example of someone knowing what God wants him to do but resisting it.

Walk Through Jonah

Jonah Running From God

Jonah’s sin (1:3-5a)

Jonah’s sentence (1:11-15)

Jonah’s salvation (1:16-17)

Jonah Running To God

When Jonah prayed (2:1)

What Jonah prayed (2:9)

Jonah Running With God

Jonah’s commission (3:1-4)

Nineveh’s conversion (3:10)

Jonah Running Ahead Of God

Jonah was displeased with God (1)

Jonah was discouraged with life (3)

Jonah was disciplined by God (10-11)

Three Questions To Consider...

WHY DO WE RESIST COMMITMENT TO GOD?

Because of Fear

That we might fail

That we might not like success (4:1-3)

Of the unknown

(Hebrews 11:1)  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Because of Selfishness

We don’t want to change our minds

Jonah was prejudice

We don’t want to leave our comfort zones (4:5-9)

We must adjust to join God!

Because of a Poor Self-Image

This was Gideon’s problem

(Judges 6:12‑13)  When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." {13} "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?...

HOW DO WE RESIST GOD?

We Argue With God

Moses...

We Offer A Substitute Plan

Saul and the Amalekites

Partial obedience is the same as no obedience.

We Ignore His Call

We put more weight on outside counsel than on God’s clear command.

We simply explain it away - rationalize.

We Run From God’s Call

Running is costly - it results in guilt and defeat.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO RESIST GOD’S WILL?

You stand to Lose...

Your Peace

Solomon died a very troubled man

Your Joy

(Psalms 51:12)  Restore to me the joy of your salvation...

Your Power with God

Samson

Your Opportunities To Serve

Moses

Your Health and Finances

(2 Chronicles 7:13‑14)  "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, {14} if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

APPLICATION

Everyday you live resist commitment to God you pay interest on a debt of sin that bears 100% interest.

What opportunities have you already lost?

Are you walking in full obedience?