Gods Mission in Jonah Part 1 of 3

God’s Mission in Jonah Part 1 of 3: ‘Jonah in the Ship’

Introduction: V The book of Jonah is a very unique and interesting ‘prophetic book’. V This is because it is more of a biography of the prophet Jonah rather than prophecies

V We will be studying it from the view of God’s mission. V This study will be covered in 3 parts based on these topics: a) The Ship (Jonah 1: 1 -17) b) The Fish (Jonah 2: 1 -10) c) The City (Jonah 3: 1 -4: 11) S F C

Part 1 of 3: ‘Jonah in the Ship’

1. The Background to Jonah: 2 Kings 14: 25 25. . . in accordance with the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, spoken through his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher. V Jonah was truly a God-fearing prophet used by God in Israel.

V The Lord instructs him to go ‘international’ - Nineveh, Assyria (Jonah 1: 1 -2). V But Jonah decides to flee from God to Tarshish (Jonah 1: 3) because he did not want God to be merciful to the Assyrian city of Nineveh (Jonah 4: 2).

2. In the Belly of the Ship: Jonah 1: 3, 5 b 3 Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare & went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD 5. . . Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down & fallen sound asleep.

V He was attempting an ultimately futile effort - run from God (Psalm 139). V The ship became his new ‘comfort zone’ - where he falls into a deep sleep. V But God had not given up on Jonah yet and had a plan to restore him.

3. The Storm & the Ship: Jonah 1: 4 -5 4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.

V God in His sovereign purpose and power sends a great wind and storm that causes a great stir in the ship. V The sailors out of their fear begin to do all that is necessary to save their dear lives - practical & spiritual.

4. Jonah Witnessing in the Ship: Jonah 1: 6 -8 6 the captain approached him & said, “How is it that you are sleeping? Get up, call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish. V Jonah is awakened by the ship captain & urged by him to call upon his God (v. 6).

V The sailors cast lots (v. 7) and confront Jonah to ask him these questions (v. 8) a) On whose account has this calamity struck us? b) What is your occupation? c) And where do you come from? d) What is your country? e) From what people are you? ”

Jonah 1: 9 9 I am a Hebrew, & I fear the LORD God of heaven who made the sea & the dry land. V Jonah witnessing about himself, his failure (v. 10) & his God (1 Peter 3: 15).

Conclusion: Jonah 1: 14 -16 14 Then they called on the LORD and said, “We earnestly pray, O LORD, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O LORD, have done as You have pleased. ”. . . 16 Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.

V Jonah’s witness and the circumstances bring the sailors to faith Jonah’s God. They: a) Prayed earnestly b) Feared the Lord c) Offered sacrificed & made vows

Mission & Evangelism Month Sharing – Part 1

God’s Mission in Jonah Part 1 of 3: ‘Jonah in the Ship’