Sermon Study Guide
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Maranatha Bible Church
Chicago
Sermon Study Guide
Book of Jonah (Part1) | God's Sovereign Mercy | Br. Mark Griffin
Scripture References
Sermon Summary
Br. Mark Griffin explores the opening of Jonah, highlighting the contrast between human rebellion and God's absolute sovereignty. The sermon emphasizes that while sin carries a heavy price, God's discipline is often a merciful call to repentance.
Key Takeaways
- 1God is the primary actor in history and Scripture; every event is ordained by His sovereign power.
- 2True Bible study requires a humble heart that 'trembles' at God's Word rather than just seeking intellectual knowledge.
- 3Disobedience is an expensive endeavor that costs us our resources, our peace, and our intimacy with God.
- 4God's discipline is a manifestation of His mercy, designed to lead His children to repentance before they face total destruction.
- 5Every Christian shares Jonah's call to 'go' and warn others of judgment while proclaiming the hope of the gospel.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
- 1Why does the speaker argue that God is the main character of Jonah? How does this change how we read the story?
- 2Isaiah 66:2 mentions 'trembling' at the Word. What does it practically look like to tremble at Scripture in our daily lives?
- 3The sermon mentions that Jonah found a ship easily. Why is the 'ease' of finding ways to sin often a sign of spiritual danger?
- 4How have you seen the 'price of disobedience' manifest in your own life or the lives of those around you?
- 5Discuss the phrase 'nothing just happens.' How does God's sovereignty over the weather and nature comfort or challenge you?
- 6In verse 4, the ship 'threatened' to break up but was preserved. How can we distinguish between God's judgment and His merciful discipline?
Application Points
Practical ways to apply this message to your life.
- Identify the 'Tarshish' in your life—any area where you are currently choosing your own path over God's clear commands.
- Audit your closest associations to see if your 'companions on the ship' are drawing you toward God or away from His presence.
- Commit to a 'slow reading' of Scripture this week, focusing on meditating on one verse until it moves from your head to your heart.
- Look for one opportunity this week to 'expose the works of darkness' by sharing the truth of the gospel with a neighbor or coworker.
- When facing a 'storm' or trial, ask God to show you if it is a disciplinary mercy meant to bring you back to Him.
Personal Reflection
Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.
How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?
What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?
Who can I share this truth with this week?
What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?
Prayer Points
- Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
- Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
- Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.
Notes
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