Running
Jonah 1:1-17
Series: Jonah
Jonah defiantly runs away from the call of God to offer mercy and grace to the hated Ninevites.  This national prejudice towards them is highlighted as we journey through the story with Jonah and the consequences of his wrong choices.  Contrasting this is God’s wonderful grace, mercy, redemption, discipline and restoration, even despite Jonah's disobedience.

Getting Started
1. When you were a child, what were you so afraid of that you ran away from it?  One time or constantly?

Digging In
2. Read Jonah 1.  As you read this passage, what do you notice are the consequences of Jonah's running? 

3. What does this chapter show us about the charcater of God?  Why is this important?

Living It
4. Share a time in your life (past or present) where you were running from God (what He was/wasn't asking you to do; what He was calling you to be; where/whom He was directing you, etc.).  Why did you do this?  What price did you have to pay or are paying?

5. Pastor Jesse spoke of the difference between confession, asking for forgiveness and repentance. Explain the differences of these three. For true forgiveness to be given from God, why is it essential that all three of these actions be present?

6. Read Hebrews 12:5-11.  Give a personal example of how God's mercy been shown to you in the midst of His loving disicpline?

7.  What might be your Ninevah (running from or running to)?  What do you need to do?

Homework
Note a specific area in your life where you have or presently are ‘running’ from God’s will.
In this area, take time to live in all three actions (confession, asking for forgiveness and repentance) so that forgiveness can be realized in your life.
-Read Jonah 1 and 2