Jonah: In Deep Water – When We Miss It

Jonah: In Deep Water – When We Miss It

Jonah 4
Sunday, July 18, 2021

Pastor Chris Laughlin

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. Displeasure comes with desires. (4:1-2)

But it greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry. Jonah 4:1 (NASB)

a. Unmet expectations lead to !

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 (NASB)

b. Anger leads to

“I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain. Job 10:1

Notes:

2. is desiring for ourselves what we won’t give to others. (4:3-4)

a. Complaining becomes .

“Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” Jonah 4:3

b. God’s response to His own is always

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1a

Notes:

3. Self-pity on needs. (4:5-8)

Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. Jonah 4:5

Notes:

4. God is always present, even during the . (4:9-11)

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 (NASB)

a. God is present in our .

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4a

b. God is present in our .

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:11

c. God is present even when we want to .

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Notes:

5. God wants our to match His.

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16

a. Without the proper , it is impossible to see clearly.

‘Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not; who have ears, but hear not.’ Jeremiah 5:21 (NASB)

b. We need to see as God sees them.

             1) Worthwhile

             2) Precious

             3) Valuable

             4) Priceless

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NASB)

What is the takeaway from Jonah?

We are all Jonah! We miss the grace of God.

• God is all about forgiveness—Remorse & Repentance
• We were bought with a price—Reconciled & Redeemed
• We were made new—Reborn & Renewed
• Jesus traded His righteousness for our sin.
• We must forgive based on our forgiveness.
• Who is there that you can’t forgive?

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:1-4

Closing:

It is impossible to love God and hate those made in His image!!