Jonah: In Deep Water – When We Listen

Jonah: In Deep Water – When We Listen

Jonah 3
Sunday, July 11, 2021

Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

How often do we get ourselves in trouble when we choose to not listen? Did your parents ever say to you, “You’re in deep water!” The mere definition of the phrase means to find yourself in trouble or difficulty. And often we continue to sink deeper and deeper once we make that initial decision. Jonah was given an assignment from God, and when he did not listen, he found himself swimming. God sent a storm to change Jonah’s plans and place him exactly where God originally wanted him to be. We can learn how our choices play a direct role in where we find ourselves today as we study the story of Jonah.

June 27 – In Deep Water: When We Run

July 4 – In Deep Water: When We Sink

July 11 – In Deep Water: When We Listen

July 18 – In Deep Water: When We Miss It

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

1. God is all about chances. (3:1)

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”  “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21-22

a. Jonah from God.

But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish. Jonah 1:3

b. God with Jonah.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Notes:

2. Jonah did not his new chance. (3:2-4)

a. He did not waste any .

A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. Proverbs 18:9

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

b. He did not waste any .

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:17

There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. Proverbs 29:20

Notes:

3. God’s salvation our expectations. (3:5-9)

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

a. A new was born.

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”  Matthew 10:28

b. A new was shown.

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

c. A new was evidence.

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Notes:

4. God’s was on display. (3:10)

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16

 a. Mercy was given a heart change.

 “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”                     Matthew 16:26

b. Mercy was set-up change occurred.

 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.      1 John 4:10

Notes:

5. What is stopping you from listening?

a. Jesus is for you to respond.

 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”   Revelation 3:20

 b. Salvation can be yours .

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9

Closing: When Jonah finally listened, new life was found all around him. What are you waiting for?