Runaway
Sermon Notes
How Far Will He Go to Bring You Back?
In our first week in our Jonah series, we explore Jonah 1 and the lessons it teaches us about running from God. We realize disobedience is the first step in running from God, leading to discipline and consequences. However, we also learn that God's love for runaways knows no bounds as He pursues us relentlessly. Ultimately, this message highlights the incredible love of God demonstrated through Jesus, who died for us while we were still sinners.
What Does Running From God Look Like?
Running from God:
Running involves disobedience to God's word, such as saying "no" or delaying obedience.
It often starts subtly, with one decision leading to another, causing a drift away from God.
Examples of running include disobedient actions, delaying forgiveness or confession, and resisting God's clear will.
Consequences of Running:
Running leads to God's discipline and experiencing the natural consequences of disobedience.
God may use storms or hardships to get our attention and bring us back.
God's Pursuit of Runaways:
God goes to great lengths to chase after runaways, using various means to bring them back.
The story of Jonah and Jesus' sacrifice illustrate God's relentless love and His willingness to restore those who have strayed.
What Does Running From God Lead To?
Consequences of Running:
Running from God leads to His discipline and the consequences of sin.
God may use storms and hardships as a form of discipline to bring wayward individuals back, not as punishment.
Discipline can be compared to good parenting, like a father correcting his child to guide them back to the right path.
God's Disciplinary Measures:
God's discipline can manifest as troubled circumstances, hardships at work or home, or plans going awry, all aimed at getting our attention and growing our faith.
Sometimes, God's discipline is like a storm that serves as His mercy to capture our attention.
Discipline might also involve experiencing the natural consequences of our sins, such as broken relationships or job loss, to make us reevaluate our choices.
Avoiding Others' Storms:
Be cautious about the relationships you build, as the storms resulting from others' disobedience can affect your life as well.
Sailors in the story experienced a storm due to Jonah's disobedience, highlighting how the choices of those around you can impact your life negatively.
How Far Will God Go To Bring Back the Runaway?
God's Pursuit of Runaways:
God goes to great lengths to bring back those who run from Him, as seen in Jonah's story.
His love extends even to those far from Him, like the Ninevites, whom He cared for by sending Jonah to them.God is continuing to initiate with you, and it is important to yield to His grace. His grace extends to both your own salvation and that of your loved ones who have found salvation.
God's Love for Runaways:
God's deep love for runaways is evident throughout history, and Jesus exemplifies this love by taking on humanity's sins on the cross.
The Sign of Jonah and God's Pursuit:
Jesus referred to the sign of Jonah, highlighting God's relentless pursuit of runaways.
Christians are called to share this message of God's sacrificial love for His enemies, offering a choice to be like Jesus, who seeks sinners.
Discussion Questions
How does God respond to people who run from Him, and what does this message teach us about His pursuit of runaways? Does God eventually give up on them?
The message mentions that running from God involves disobedience, saying "no" or "not now" to His commands, and drifting away slowly. Can you share examples from your life or experiences where you've seen these forms of running from God?
The message highlights that running from God can lead to discipline and consequences. What are some instances in your life where you've experienced God's discipline or faced the natural consequences of your actions?
How do you interpret the story of Jonah and the sailors' response to the storm and Jonah's situation? What does it reveal about the impact of one person's disobedience on others and the potential consequences they may face?
The message emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of runaways and love for all people, even when they've turned away from Him. How does this perspective change your understanding of God's character and willingness to forgive and restore those who run from Him?