1. Jonah

2. Background Jonah (a dove) son of Amittai (true) is the main character, if not the author – Jonah 1:1 Jonah’s prophecy was retold during the days of Jeroboam the Second – 2 Kings 14:23-25 The book must have been written on or before 800 B.C. Jesus spoke of it as a true story in Matthew 12:38-42

3. Running Away from God His works show a spiritual rottenness –Works denied he even knew God (Titus 1:6; James 2:19 –Jonah 1:6 Heathen captain amazed He endangered others (Jonah 1:4, 7, 11-12; Romans 14:7) We cannot hide from God (Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 139:7-12 Note: We have a commission to preach (Matthew 28:18-20)

4. Running to God Jonah 2:7 – to escape the trouble he had gotten himself into, Jonah had to run to God in prayer This helps us see God is the only true hiding place –Psalm 32:7 –Psalm 121:1-8

5. Running With God God’s message did not change – Jonah 3:2 God’s message to Nineveh – Jonah 3:4 Nineveh’s response to the message – Jonah 3:5-6 –They were spared – Matthew 12:41 –Jeremiah 18:7-8; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30

6. Running Ahead of God He was displeased with God’s response – Jonah 4:1-2 Jonah had more concern for a gourd than for lost souls! Jonah 4:4, 9 –Notice: In Jonah 4:11, God speaks of 120,000 who do not know the difference between their right hand and their left We cannot change God’s word – Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:6-9