Sermon Study Guide

Use this guide for personal study or small group discussion. Click "Print" to save as PDF or print a copy.

Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Compassion in the Midst of Judgement | Jonah 1:7-16 | Pastor Mark Griffin (9/13/24)

Pastor Mark Griffin|Saturday, September 14, 2024

Scripture References

Jonah 1:7-16Proverbs 16:33Numbers 32:23Romans 6:23Isaiah 29:131 Timothy 4:161 John 5:1-2Acts 2:37-40Romans 2:14Ezekiel 18:23-32John 11:43-45Hebrews 10:31

Sermon Summary

Pastor Mark Griffin examines Jonah 1:7-16, highlighting how God uses a supernatural storm and a wayward prophet to reveal His sovereignty. The sermon contrasts Jonah’s religious hypocrisy with the sailors' genuine conversion to the one true God.

Key Takeaways

1God's sovereignty ensures that no sin remains hidden forever; He exposes it to bring us to repentance.
2Correct theology and religious identity are worthless if they are not accompanied by a heart submitted to God's commands.
3Our personal disobedience often results in 'collateral damage,' causing suffering for innocent people in our lives.
4God does not delight in the destruction of the wicked but desires that they turn from their ways and live.
5God can use even our failures and the most unlikely circumstances to bring others to a saving knowledge of Himself.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do we often find it easier to point out the sins of others rather than examine our own hearts when disaster strikes?
2Jonah had correct doctrine but a rebellious heart. How can we guard ourselves against having 'head knowledge' without spiritual fruit?
3The sailors showed more compassion to Jonah than Jonah showed to the people of Nineveh. What does this teach us about God's grace working in unexpected places?
4How does the realization that our 'private' sin affects others (like the sailors on the ship) change your perspective on obedience?
5Pastor Griffin mentioned that God's exposure of sin is an act of love. Have you ever experienced a time when being caught in a sin was actually a mercy from God?
6What is the difference between mere confession (admitting guilt) and true repentance as seen in the contrast between Jonah and the sailors?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Examine your heart during trials to see if there is unconfessed sin, rather than immediately blaming others or circumstances.
Watch your life and doctrine closely, ensuring that your daily actions align with your theological professions.
Do not wait to be 'caught' in sin; proactively confess and repent to avoid the 'storms' of God's discipline.
Pray for those who seem 'pagan' or far from God, remembering that His compassion extends to all nations and peoples.
Respond immediately to the Holy Spirit's prodding rather than hardening your heart against God's pursuit.

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

Tip: Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save as PDF

Back to Sermon