Jonah – Study #4
Jonah 3: The God of Second Chances
Why didn’t God cut loose on Ninevah like He declared?
This week’s teaching highlighted the importance of responding wisely and humbly to a God who, graciously, gives people second chances to respond to His offer of forgiveness and life. The teaching truth is: Only a humbled, genuine repentance makes sense when a second chance God extends his grace.
This study’s objective is to equip us as Jesus’ disciples to understand, and to be ready to helpfully make clear to others, the opportunity which is ours in these days to respond to a God, a God who continues to be patient and grace-oriented to us.
GETTING STARTED (some getting-the-juices-flowing questions)
When you think of someone in your life who has been patient with you, who comes to mind?
Is there a specific incident which comes to mind where you were the benefactor of patience and grace?
What are the experiences in your everyday life where you find others are not patient, or are very quick to judge/condemn?
What’s our reputation as Christians? Do you think others view us as grace-oriented or judgment-oriented?
GROUP STUDY – This week’s teaching underscored God’s approach with Ninevah. Specifically…
He gave to Ninevah a clear-cut, unambiguous warning
He allowed the Ninevites time to respond
He himself responded with relenting from judgment and extending life
In these days after the Cross but before the Return of Jesus, we who follow the Savior are to not be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17), but rather be willing to “proclaim it to every creature” (Mark 16:15), sharing both God’s offer of forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-5) as well as the unique hope we have even when suffering unjustly (1 Peter 3:15).
What does the Scripture say about the CLEAR –CUT WARNING which people need to hear and respond? [put each of the following ‘warnings’ in your own words]
How does Peter describe it to those in Jerusalem, in Acts 2:29-40?
How does Paul describe it to the Athenians in Acts 17:22-31?
How does Paul describe it to King Agrippa in Acts 26:19-29?
What warning do you think people need to hear today from the Lord?
What does Scripture say about having TIME TO RESPOND to the Lord’s offer of grace? Discuss 2 Peter 3:1-13
Do you think people feel an urgency to respond to God’s offer today? Why or why not?
What is GOD’S PROMISE when someone responds genuinely to God’s offer of grace and life? Discuss Isaiah 1:18 & Ephesians 1:3-10
How would you summarize what God does when we genuinely respond to Him in humble faith?
PRAYER TOGETHER – Clear about “a warning,” “time to respond,” and “God’s promise”
Is there anyone you know who does not feel an urgency to know God or respond to His offer of grace?
PRAY for that person
Do you personally feel prepared to share an appropriate warning and offer of grace?
PRAY about your preparation to share the gospel
How might your Connect Group be used by the Lord to offer God’s grace to others?
PRAY about being used of God as a team
“Let’s be ready to share our life experiences with God with someone else. Your personal testimony is powerful!”
Pastor David Staff
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