Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n There were lessons for both the Jews of old and for Christians today. (Rom 15:4)

Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n (Romans 15:4 NKJV) “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n Have you ever thought of an individual or a race of people as being beyond redemption?

Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n Have you ever thought of an individual or a race of people as being beyond redemption? n Often we have such a confidence in our "wisdom" that we fight God.

Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n Have you ever thought of an individual or a race of people as being beyond redemption? n Often we have such a confidence in our "wisdom" that we fight God. n In the book of Jonah we learn some important lessons about God.

Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n Have you ever thought of an individual or a race of people as being beyond redemption? n Often we have such a confidence in our "wisdom" that we fight God. n In the book of Jonah we learn some important lessons about God. n As Christians we must come to think like God! (2 Cor 10:5)

Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV) “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”

Why did God have the book of Jonah written? n The same problem within Jonah is faced by Christians today.

Background of the book of Jonah n Who was Jonah?

Background of the book of Jonah n Who was Jonah? n Jonah's name means, "dove." He was the one to make peace between the heathen city of Nineveh and God.

Background of the book of Jonah n Who was Jonah? n Jonah's name means, "dove." He was the one to make peace between the heathen city of Nineveh and God. n Jonah lived about the time of Jeroboam II (II Kings 14:23-25).

Background of the book of Jonah n (2 Kings 14:23-25 NKJV) “In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, became king in Samaria, and reigned forty-one years. {24} And he did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin.

Background of the book of Jonah n {25} He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.”

Background of the book of Jonah n Lived in Gathhepher about 20 miles north of Joppa.

Background of the book of Jonah n Lived in Gathhepher about 20 miles north of Joppa. n He was a truly zealous prophet for God. He wants all nations who refuse the Lord to be destroyed.

Background of the book of Jonah n What do we know about Nineveh? (Jonah 1:2)

Background of the book of Jonah n (Jonah 1:2 NKJV) “”Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.””

Background of the book of Jonah n This is one of the oldest cities in history.

Background of the book of Jonah n This is one of the oldest cities in history. n This city was mentioned shortly after flood (Gen 10:8-12).

Background of the book of Jonah n (Genesis 10:8-12 NKJV) “Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth. {9} He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.” {10} And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

Background of the book of Jonah n {11} From that land he went to Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, {12} and Resen between Nineveh and Calah (that is the principal city).”

Background of the book of Jonah n Nineveh was located on the Tigris River.

Background of the book of Jonah n Nineveh was located on the Tigris River. n It was approximately 8 miles in circumference. The walls enclosed 1800 acres of land.

Background of the book of Jonah n Nineveh was located on the Tigris River. n It was approximately 8 miles in circumference. The walls enclosed 1800 acres of land. n Hence, it was three days' journey around the city (Jonah 3:3)!

Background of the book of Jonah n (Jonah 3:3 NKJV) “So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent.”

Background of the book of Jonah n At this time it was the capital of Assyria.

Background of the book of Jonah n At this time it was the capital of Assyria. n Nineveh was known for its wickedness and cruelty of its people.

Background of the book of Jonah n It was called "the Robber city" because it overran and robbed other countries to make itself rich.

Some lessons about God n He is concerned for all men.

Some lessons about God n He is concerned for all men. n How could God show concern for such a wicked people? He did! (Jonah 1:1-2)

Some lessons about God n (Jonah 1:1-2 NKJV) “Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, {2} “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.””

Some lessons about God n How did God view these people? (Jonah 4:11)

Some lessons about God n n Jonah 4:11 (NKJV) - And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?”

Some lessons about God n Do we have the mind of Christ concerning the gospel and the wicked? (2 Pt 3:9; Mk 6:34; 2 Tim 2:24-26)

Some lessons about God n (Mark 6:34 NKJV) “And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.”

Some lessons about God n (2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV) “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, {25} in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, {26} and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

Some lessons about God n (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV) “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Some lessons about God n He is able to accomplish His purpose.

Some lessons about God n He is able to accomplish His purpose. n God wanted him to go. Would you have questioned the wisdom of this? (Jonah 1:3)

Some lessons about God n (Jonah 1:3 NKJV) “But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.”

Some lessons about God n Unlike Jonah, God does not directly make us aware of when a door of opportunity opens in the life of an individual. Still we are to teach all men. (Mt 28:18-19)

Some lessons about God n (Matthew 28:18-19 NKJV) “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. {19} “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

Some lessons about God n Are we ready for the opportunity of the open door. (Esther 4:14-15)

Some lessons about God n (Esther 4:14-15 NKJV) “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” {15} Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai:”

Some lessons about God n He is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34-35)

Some lessons about God n (Acts 10:34-35 NKJV) “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. {35} “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”

Some lessons about God n What would God do if they repented? (Jonah 3:10)

Some lessons about God n (Jonah 3:10 NKJV) “Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.”

Some lessons about God n Do we think that God will allow us to go to heaven if we do any less? (Mt 12:41)

Some lessons about God n (Matthew 12:41 NKJV) “The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.”

Some lessons Jonah learned n You cannot hide from God.

Some lessons Jonah learned n You cannot hide from God. n Jonah was one who allowed his emotions to overcome him. He knew this in his heart, but he ran anyway. (Jonah 1:3; 2:1-3)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 1:3 NKJV) “But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.”

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 2:1-3 NKJV) “Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish’s belly. {2} And he said: “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice. {3} For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows

Some lessons Jonah learned n Listen carefully to this verse. (Psa 139:1-10)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Psalms 139:1-10 NKJV) “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. {2} You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. {3} You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. {4} For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

Some lessons Jonah learned n {5} You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. {6} Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. {7} Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? {8} If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

Some lessons Jonah learned n {9} If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, {10} Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.”

Some lessons Jonah learned n There in no place in the universe where we can run from God. (At work with non- Christians, on a date, filling out taxes, on vacation.)

Some lessons Jonah learned n There in no place in the universe where we can run from God. (At work with non- Christians, on a date, filling out taxes, on vacation.) n We cannot even run from Him in our imaginations!

Some lessons Jonah learned n There is a great power in prayer

Some lessons Jonah learned n There is a great power in prayer n Jonah knew the character of God and pleaded with God on that basis. (Jonah 2:1, 7-9)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 2:1 NKJV) “Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish’s belly.”

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 2:7-9 NKJV) “”When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple. {8} “Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. {9} But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.””

Some lessons Jonah learned n Jonah is honest with God in his prayer. (Jonah 4:2-3)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 4:2-3 NKJV) “So he prayed to the LORD, and said, “Ah, LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. {3} “Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!””

Some lessons Jonah learned n Some may say things in prayer and not mean it. (Ex. What a great opportunity to be here…but often forsake the assembly.)

Some lessons Jonah learned n Some may say things in prayer and not mean it. (Ex. What a great opportunity to be here…but often forsake the assembly.) n If you have a bad attitude, tell God about it. He can help!

Some lessons Jonah learned n Some may say things in prayer and not mean it. (Ex. What a great opportunity to be here…but often forsake the assembly.) n If you have a bad attitude, tell God about it. He can help! n Jonah knew the power of preaching God's word.

Some lessons Jonah learned n He knew that God's word would do its work. (Jonah 1:3; Heb 4:12-13)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV) “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. {13} And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Some lessons Jonah learned n He knew that direct, courageous preaching is the only way to teach! (Jonah 3:3-4)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 3:3-4 NKJV) “So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. {4} And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!””

Some lessons Jonah learned n Jonah left the results up to God. Many today try to hold back and use their "wisdom" to change His word. This will not give God's results. (1 Cor 3:6-7)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NKJV) “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. {7} So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”

Some lessons Jonah learned n Jonah learned that country must not be more important than souls. (Mt 16:26)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Matthew 16:26 NKJV) “”For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Some lessons Jonah learned n Jonah learned of the crippling power of self- pity. (Jonah 4:3,8)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 4:3 NKJV) “”Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!””

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 4:8 NKJV) “And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.””

Some lessons Jonah learned n Jonah learned to see things as God does. (Jonah 4:6-11)

Some lessons Jonah learned n (Jonah 4:6-11 NKJV) “And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. {7} But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered.

Some lessons Jonah learned n {8} And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” {9} Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!”

Some lessons Jonah learned n {10} But the LORD said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. {11} “And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left; and much livestock?””

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n Consider the weaknesses of Abraham, Peter, and Jonah.

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n Consider the weaknesses of Abraham, Peter, and Jonah. n These men had some good traits in common.

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n Consider the weaknesses of Abraham, Peter, and Jonah. n These men had some good traits in common. n They acknowledged their weaknesses.

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n Consider the weaknesses of Abraham, Peter, and Jonah. n These men had some good traits in common. n They acknowledged their weaknesses. n They were honest. (Lk 8:15 KJV)

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n Consider the weaknesses of Abraham, Peter, and Jonah. n These men had some good traits in common. n They acknowledged their weaknesses. n They were honest. (Lk 8:15 KJV) n They were willing to repent.

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n All of us have some weaknesses. (1 Jn 1:10-2:1)

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n (1 John 1:10 NKJV) “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n (1 John 2:1 NKJV) “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n God can still accomplish His will through you.

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n God can still accomplish His will through you. n Can you be humble, honest and penitent?

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n God can still accomplish His will through you. n Can you be humble, honest and penitent? n Some have the false concept that you are either perfect or a hypocrite.

God can use men in spite of their weakness. n God can still accomplish His will through you. n Can you be humble, honest and penitent? n Some have the false concept that you are either perfect or a hypocrite. n What have you learned from Jonah?