SF702 - THE DANGER OF RUNNING AHEAD OF GOD - 4 of 4 LIVING LIFE ON THE RUN (Jonah 4 1-3)

Jonah 4:1-3

Introduction

Living Life on the Run

Running from God

Running to God

Running with God

If I had been writing the book of Jonah, I would have ended with chapter three.

Chapter four is a testimony to the divine inspiration of scripture.

Ø      If men had been writing this chapter by their own design, we would never tell of Jonah's pouting and doubting.

However, God holds back nothing.

Ø      When most would be rejoicing, we find Jonah pouting and fussing at God.

We see the Dangers we face when we run Ahead of God - When we try to tell God how to do His Work!

Three Dangers we Face…

Being Displeased with God

Being Discouraged with Life

Being Disciplined by God

1A.      Jonah was Displeased with God  (2-4)

1B.       Because God was Gracious

"gracious" = to show grace

(Psalms 145:8 NIV)  "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."

Had he forgotten that it was God's grace that had preserved him and given him another chance?

2B.       Because God was Gentle

"Compassionate" = describes a mother's love

3B.       Because God was Patient

"Slow to anger" = patient, longsuffering

(2 Peter 3:9 NIV)  "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

4B.       Because God was Faithful

"Abounding in love" = describes God behavior in the covenant relationship

5B.       Because God was Merciful

"relents…" = to sigh, God desires to forgive

Ø      He was angry because God did not give up on the Ninevites.

Ø      Where would Jonah had been if God had given up on him

2A.      Jonah became Discouraged with Life  (5-9)

1B.       His Self-Centered Statements

When we take our eyes off God's goodness, we begin to become spiritual introverts

"It would be better for me to die than live."  (8b)

''I do,' he said. 'I am angry enough to die.'"

Whenever, what I want supersedes in my mind what others need, I am heading for trouble.

2B.       His Self-Serving Deeds

He searched of shelter and comfort.

He did not care what happened to the Ninevites.

The Ninevites' eternity was not as important to Jonah as was his own comfort.

3B.       His Self-Destructive Attitude (8b)

“He wanted to die…”

The Devil after the Dove!

A Pity Party for Three

I had a little party, this afternoon at three.
Twas very small, Three guest in all;
I, myself, and me
Myself ate up the sandwiches,
And I drank up the tea
Twas I also that ate up the pie,
And passed the cake to me.

3A.      Jonah was Disciplined by God  (10-11)

1B.       God Confronts Jonah's Sin.  (10)

He points out the shallowness of Jonah's life

Ø      Jonah was more concerned about physical needs than spiritual needs.

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26 NIV)

Ø      Jonah missed the point, and so do we when we are more concerned over physical matters than the souls of people.

2B.       God Calls Jonah to Repentance (11)

He reminds Jonah that the important things in life involve the eternity of men, women, boys, and girls.

He calls to Jonah and reminds him of the magnitude of the need in Nineveh.

The story closes with God leaving Jonah to determine his own response.

The real question is, “Will we change?”

Ø      Will we repent of our prejudice and selfishness?

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV).

Application

Jonah forces us to examine ourselves our motives, our mission, and our message.

Four lessons stand out.

First, we must not only listen to God; we must obey Him quickly and completely

Second, we must seek God first and frequently

Third, we must be faithful to God’s calling no matter what it involves.

Finally, we must refuse to tell God how to do His work.

We must take seriously our call.

We must value our souls and the souls of others

We must refuse to “Play Games at the Foot of the Cross.”

THE DANGER OF RUNNING AHEAD OF GOD
Living Life on the Run - Part 4 of 4
Jonah 4:1-3 - August 24, 1997 a.m.

1A.      Jonah was __________________ with God  (2-4)

1B.       Because God was __________________

"gracious" = to show grace

(Psalms 145:8 NIV)  "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."

2B.       Because God was _______________________

"Compassionate" = describes a mother's love

3B.       Because God was ________________________

"Slow to anger" = patient, longsuffering

(2 Peter 3:9 NIV)  "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

4B.       Because God was Faithful

"Abounding in love" = describes God's behavior in the covenant relationship

5B.       Because God was ______________________

"relents…" = to sigh, God desires to forgive

2A.      Jonah became _________________ with Life  (5-9)

1B.       His Self-______________ Statements

Whenever, what I want supersedes in my mind what others need, I am headed for trouble.

2B.       His Self-_________________ Deeds

3B.       His Self-__________________ Attitude  (9b)

3A.      Jonah was _____________________ by God  (10-11)

1B.       God Confronts Jonah's ________________

2B.       God Calls Jonah to ___________________

He reminds Jonah that the important things in life involve the eternity of men, women, boys, and girls.

He calls to Jonah and reminds him of the magnitude of the need in Nineveh.

The story closes with God leaving Jonah to determine his own response.

The real question is, “Will we change?”

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV).