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Jun 28, 2009

Running from God

Passage: Jonah 1:1-3

Preacher: Tim Badal

Series:The Fugitive: Jonah The Runaway Prophet

Summary:

Part 1 Jonah 1:1-3 “Running from God” Our story begins with the main character being called by God to a special mission. But instead of following God’s clear command, Jonah runs from God. What would cause a prophet like Jonah to run from God? What causes us to run from God? The answer to both questions is the same: we don’t like the plans God has for us. So just like Jonah, we run from God. We think that if we can distance ourselves from His commands and plans, we’ll be better off. WRONG!!!! Today, we learn from a man who found out that no matter who you are or where you find yourself, God’s commands are to be obeyed, regardless of our feelings. Our tendency to run from God is remedied by: 1. Recognizing our similarities to a cer­­­tain man who was called by God. These similarities involve: Our common backgrounds. The baggage we all carry. Our belligerence towards God. 2. Responding biblically to the clear mandate that God gives. This mandate calls us to: Action. Engage in a particular activity. Stand against sin. God’s commands are to be obeyed, no matter how difficult or dangerous they may be. 3. Realizing the trouble that can result from our miscalculations about God. These miscalculations: Are deliberate. Come as a result of being deceived. May bring God’s discipline.

Detail:

Part 1

Jonah 1:1-3

“Running from God”

 

Our story begins with the main character being called by God to a special mission.  But instead of following God’s clear command, Jonah runs from God.  What would cause a prophet like Jonah to run from God?  What causes us to run from God?

The answer to both questions is the same:  we don’t like the plans God has for us.   So just like Jonah, we run from God.  We think that if we can distance ourselves from His commands and plans, we’ll be better off.  WRONG!!!! 

Today, we learn from a man who found out that no matter who you are or where you find yourself, God’s commands are to be obeyed, regardless of our feelings.

 

Our tendency to run from God is remedied by:

 

1.      Recognizing our similarities to a cer­­­tain man who was called by God.

These similarities involve:

  • Our common backgrounds.
  • The baggage we all carry.
  • Our belligerence towards God.

 

2.      Responding biblically to the clear mandate that God gives.

This mandate calls us to:

  • Action.
  • Engage in a particular activity.
  • Stand against sin.

 

 

 

God’s commands are to be obeyed, no matter how difficult or dangerous they may be.

 

 

3.     Realizing the trouble that can result from our miscalculations about God.

These miscalculations:

  • Are deliberate.
  • Come as a result of being deceived.
  • May bring God’s discipline.