Key Takeaways

Get up, go, and deliver the message.

Sometimes we wonder what God wants from us, especially when we are trying to figure out what following him looks like. Jonah reminds us that God’s call is often clearer than we make it: get up, go, and deliver the message. We may not be able to control how people respond, but we can choose to be obedient, trust God with the outcome, and step into the circles he has already placed us in.

• Jonah – God tells Jonah to get up, go to Nineveh, and deliver the message. Jonah initially runs in the opposite direction, but God gives him the same command again. God’s call had not changed.
• God sees the trouble – God saw what was happening in Nineveh and cared about people who had gotten themselves into trouble without him. God sees the people around us the same way. He sees our families, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, and friends who may be far from him, and he sends us into those places.
• We can run in the opposite direction – Sometimes, we know what God wants us to do but allow fear, discomfort, or uncertainty to keep us from doing it. We may wait for the “perfect” opportunity to talk about Jesus or worry about saying the wrong thing.
• Obedience is in our hands – Jonah could deliver God’s message, but he could not control how Nineveh responded. We cannot make someone believe in Jesus either. Our responsibility is to say yes, share what Jesus has done in our lives, and trust God with the outcome.
• Who’s your one? – Pray for boldness and take a step toward one person this month. We may not know what God will do through our obedience, but we can trust him with the rest.

Want a printable version of this Message Guide? Download it through the link below!

Pray

Pray for God to give you the courage to recognize and seize imperfect moments to share what Jesus has done in your life with the people around you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for what you have accomplished in my life. You rescued my heart by not only sending your son, but also creating a space for me to receive that free gift.

When I think about all that you have done, I recognize the times I have been unwilling to share that transformation with others. Father, please forgive me for the moments I have stayed quiet or withheld your truth because I was afraid, uncomfortable, or unsure of what to say. When I feel like I don’t have the right words to share your life-changing message with others, remind me that you can accomplish extraordinary things through ordinary people who are faithful to your calling.

Help me recognize the imperfect moments you place before me. Give me the courage to speak when you call me to speak, the words to share when I don’t know what to say, and a heart that sees the people around me who desperately need you.

For it’s in Jesus I pray, Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set into your slot and spot this week and praise him for the opportunity to share our faith.

Faithfulness – Lakewood Music

Bless God – Brooke Ligertwood

Inhabit – Lakewood Music

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” – Jonah 1:1

• Scripture – Jonah 1
• Scripture – Jonah 2
• Scripture – Jonah 3
• Read – Burst Your Christian Bubble – A 5-day devotional
• Watch – Jonah from Bible Project
• Listen –Jonah 1 from Through the Word
• Listen –Jonah 2 from Through the Word
• Listen –Jonah 3 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

In Jonah 1:1-2, God gives Jonah a clear message.

• Have you ever received a clear message from God?
  • If yes, what was it? How did you react to it?
  • If not, have you ever prayed for one?

In Jonah 1:3, Jonah chose to run the opposite direction of where God wanted him to go. Reflect on a time you knew you were doing the opposite of what God wanted from you.

• What did you do? How did it turn out?
• What was the turning point at which you changed direction to obey God?

Jonah’s decision brought about a storm that affected the others in his boat.

• How did your decision to disobey God affect others?

We learned that only 55% of Christians actively share their faith with others.

• Tell about the last time you shared your faith with someone. What prompted the conversation? How did the person react?
• Who is one person you’d like to share your faith with?
• What do you need to feel more comfortable sharing your faith with others?

Next Steps

• Throughout our Sent series we have Sent Slot and Spot Guides to help you take what you are learning in the message and continue it throughout your week. Follow along each day during your Slot and Spot.

• J-Groups are small groups of people doing life together to connect with God and each other. If you haven’t joined a group yet, it’s not too late. Find a group and show up this week – we’re stronger when we encourage each other to follow through.

What’s one thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week? Share it in the comment section below.