1. When Storms Are RagingJonah 1:4: "But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to break up."What are the specific "storms" (e.g., financial, relational, health, or fear of people) you are currently facing, and what is your default place of refuge (before you consciously turn to Christ)?2. Running and PursuedJonah 1:3: "But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."We saw that "even when you try to run away from God, you’re still His child. He loves you. He will pursue you with grace." In what area of your life have you experienced God's "pursuing grace" when you were actively trying to avoid His will or calling?3. The Nature of FearProverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."Biblical fear is "reverential awe, respect, and trust," not "cowering, craven dread." How does understanding this definition help you practically approach God in worship, obedience, and daily life?4. Exposing Hidden SinNumbers 32:23: "but if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out."God, in His grace, will expose our sin ("The lot fell upon Jonah"). Can you recall a specific instance where God used a circumstance or a person (perhaps even a non-believer) to expose a hidden sin or blind spot in your life? How did you respond?5. Seeking Wisdom vs. Special RevelationJames 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."We now have the complete Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, so we don't need to "cast lots" to determine God's will. What practical steps do you take (or need to take) to consistently "ask God" for wisdom and seek His will through the Scripture before making major life decisions?6. Identity Confusion2 Corinthians 5:20: "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."When we run from God, we "forget who we are." In what ways do you allow sin or the pressures of the world to confuse your identity, causing you to act more like Jonah than an ambassador for Christ?7. Confrontation through UnbelieversHebrews 12:6: "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."When an unbeliever or skeptic points out hypocrisy or criticizes your actions, how do you typically react? How can you cultivate a humility that seeks to hear God's voice even through unexpected sources?8. Fearing God vs. Fearing ManMatthew 10:28: "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."This is why so many Christians like Jonah have gone below deck and fallen asleep—because they fear men more than they fear the Lord. What specific opinions of people (family, friends, coworkers, or culture) are you allowing to dictate your behavior, silence your faith, or prevent you from being obedient to Christ?9. Confession vs. ConductJames 2:19: "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"Jonah had a theologically correct confession about God ("the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land") but his conduct did not match. In what areas of your life (e.g., trusting God's sovereignty during a crisis, giving generously, or loving your enemies) is your conduct falling short of your confession?10. Spreading the Fear of GodJonah 1:10: "Then the men were exceedingly afraid... and said to him, 'Why have you done this?'"The world gets a fear of God from us—when they see believers who fear God. How would your coworkers, neighbors, or customers answer the pagan sailors’ question about your life: "Why have you done this?" (i.e., Do they see a visible, God-fearing difference that prompts them to ask a question of faith or conviction?)
