Second Chances
Jonah 2:10-3:10
Series: Jonah
In the story of Jonah, God makes it clear that He is gracious and compassionate, constantly giving second chances.  If people come to Him in repentance (turning from sin and turning to God) and trust that He is God, He forgives and restores.  In the account of Jonah, we see that even in his direct disobedience, God still gives him the opportunity for a second chance at obedience. 

Getting Started
1.  Share a time in your life where someone gave you a second chance.  Why did they do this?  How did you respond?  Why did you respond this way?

Digging In
2. Read Jonah 2:10-3:10.  What does this passage say about why God had compassion and grace on the city of Nineveh?
 
3. Compare and contrast Jonah 1:1-2 and 3:1-3.  Why is this important?  What changed in Jonah’s heart toward God? 

Living It
4. By God's grace and compassion through second chances, how has He used a failure or sin in your life to minister or help someone else in a similar situation? Why did you choose to respond in a way that used your experience of forgiven failures to help others?

5. What is God giving you a second chance in right now? In this area, how is God asking you to surrender to Him more?

6. Pastor Jesse noted that God is in the business of using those who were once lost (who ran from God, were disobedient, knowingly or not)  to go and share the treasure of Jesus and His Kingdom with others. How can you allow God to work more in you or in your Growth Group to have a desire to reach those who don't trust in Jesus?  How does coming under God's authority more help you to do this?

Children
-Read or listen to Jonah 3 (Jonah obeying and Nineveh repenting)
-Do an activity or drama re-enacting this account that involves the kids
-Watch this specific part in 'Jonah: A Veggietales Movie' and ask the kids what happened, why and what they learned?

Homework
--Read 2 Peter 3:8-9; Rom 2:4; 1 Tim. 2:3-4
--Spend some time reflecting back on your life and how God has given you second chances
--Praise Jesus specifically for each of these times and thanking Him that His mercy and compassion gave you another opportunity at obedient love