Sermon Discussion Guide 8-16-26

Sermon Discussion Guide
Jonah | Wherever You Go, There You Are | Jonah 4:1-4

Gathering Question
What is one way you’ve seen God at work in your life this week?

Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray. Amen.

Opening Questions
What stood out to you in the sermon?
What insights did you gain?
What questions did it raise?

Read Jonah 4:1-4

The Head

• Jonah quotes Exodus 34 almost word for word:  "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love." Why is it ironic that he uses these exact words to complain about God?
• The love of God is based on God, not us. What are some implications of this truth?

The Heart

• Reflect on the attributes of God that Jonah says versus how Jonah lives: 

• Look at the two columns side by side. Which pairing hits you as the most striking contradiction? Why?
• Think of a specific relationship or situation right now. If someone examined only your actions and reactions in it, which column would they conclude you actually believe about God?

What Do We Do? Confess and Surrender

• The cross, not our feelings, is where we know for certain that God's love is real and abounding. Why is it significant that Jonah wanted mercy withheld from his enemies, while Jesus went to the cross to provide mercy for His?
• What is one specific area of your life where you're holding back from fully surrendering to God's love and lordship?

Closing Prayer: Wesley Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for you or laid aside for you,
exalted for you or brought low for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and glory.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
You are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.