Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday evening 11/29/2009.
Disobedience and its Consequences
Jonah 1:4-9
I. God’s Chastisement of Jonah
“Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.” Psalm 135:6-7
II. Jonah’s Cluelessness (1:5-8)
“And this is the judgment; the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hated the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” Jonah 3:19-20
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
Question: Is Jonah the only one being affected by his sin?
III. Jonah’s Confession (1:9)
The problem with Jonah so far is that his confession or profession isn’t matching up with his lifestyle.
Jonah unwisely thought that he could run from God when he clearly understood that God is Lord of heaven and earth.
Application:
1. Jonah teaches us that it is NEVER wise to trust our feelings when it comes to pleasing God.
“Beware of overplaying the significance of feelings. Ahab felt exhilarated when he first claimed Naboth’s property, until he met Elijah. Saul felt great as he offered the sacrifices before battle, until he met Samuel. Herod felt quite content taking his brother’s wife until he met John the Baptist. Do not assume that pleasant feelings determine whether or not you are doing the will of God.” O. Palmer Robertson
2. Many Christians like the love of God associated with salvation and security. However, many fail to embrace the love of God associated with conviction of sin.
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12:6
