Week of September 22
Jonah 3
Opener
- Describe a time you got a “second chance” in life. How did you respond? How did it turn out?
Discussion
God gives Jonah a second chance to respond to his grace and go offer his grace to Ninevah.
- Read Jonah 3:1-3. This is the second time God comes to Jonah. How is Jonah’s response different this time? What does this reveal about the development of his character?
- How does Jonah’s experience in chapters 1-2 prepare him for his call and mission in chapter 3? Have you experienced anything similar?
- Read Jonah 3:4. How does Jonah’s sermon reveal his lingering attitude toward the Assyrians? How are you tempted to have a similar attitude toward certain people?
- Read Jonah 3:5. The people of Nineveh immediately believed God. What are some things God has said that are difficult for you to believe?
- The people of Nineveh show their repentance through fasting and dressing in sack-cloth. What are some ways we can show our repentance?
- Read Jonah 3:6-8. The people of Nineveh immediately obey God by turning from their violence and oppression. What’s one way you need to obey God this week?
- Read Jonah 3:9-10. Revival comes to Ninevah through God’s word and God’s control over human hearts. What’s one part of God’s word you could share with one person this week?
Action Step
- Memorize this verse as a group: Through him we have access in one Spirit to the Father. So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, (Ephesians 2:18-19)