WEEK 1: 

Read: Jonah Chapter 1

God’s Word is eternal. God’s character is flawless. God’s presence is everywhere.

Yet, we sometimes don’t want or expect God’s calling.

Intellectually and doctrinally, we know that God wants to save people. Biblically, we know that we are His priests, ministers, and ambassadors. Logically, we would agree that He desires to use us to reach our families and communities. Practically though, we don’t like to leave our comfort zones, take relationship risks, or communicate the gospel during the week. If we are honest, we often feel intimidated, lazy, spiritually sleepy, selfish, and remain silent. We won’t answer the call until we admit that we have dropped the ball.

There is always a cost to rebellion.

We need to wake up, step up and speak up where we live, work, learn, and play. We can relate to Jonah. May God redirect our hearts and restore our purpose. May the entire body of Christ recommit to Jesus. May we answer the call together and be faithful. It’s time for revival and God will lead us. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and mighty to save.

Hope Point: The calling of God in your life is personal, specific, benevolent, and trustworthy.

Reflection Questions:

1) What has God been communicating to you? (Jonah 1:1-2)
2) How does Jonah respond to God and his calling? (Jonah 1:3-6)
3) What is it like to try to run away or hide from God? (Jonah 1:7-10)
4) What are some of the consequences of rebellion? (Jonah 1:11-13)
5) How does God bring good results out of a bad situation? (Jonah 1:14-17)
6) Who can you share this Scripture with during the upcoming week?

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for pursuing and calling us. Your plans are full of wisdom and kindness. Forgive us Lord for being reluctant to trust You and missing opportunities to glorify You. We are too often sleepy spiritually and running with our own plans instead of Yours. We sense that You are doing a new work in our lives, and we want to honor You. We worship You with obedience today. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In your mighty name we ask this Lord Jesus, amen.

Click HERE for sermon points, scripture used in the sermon, and printable Life Group questions.