Think Like a Missionary

Main Point: Being on-mission for God might mean showing love and compassion to “those people.” Do it anyway.

Missions mindset lessons from Jonah chapters 1-2:

Lesson #1: When God gives you a mission, pursue it.

Lesson #2: If you resist God’s purposes, expect regret.

Lesson #3: God’s grace is sufficient for “those people” and even us! Repent, receive, regroup, and reroute.

Missions mindset lessons from Jonah chapters 3-4:

Lesson #1: When pursuing God’s purposes, also adopt God’s attitude. Our arrogance is out of place on any mission field.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. —1 Peter 3:15

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. —Philippians 2:3-5

Lesson #2: God will lovingly listen to your complaints. He will also lovingly set you straight.

Lesson #3: God’s grace is sufficient for “those people” and even us! Repent, receive, regroup, and reroute.

Takeaway: God is fulfilling his redemptive plan and graciously invites us to participate. Who’s in?

Discussion Questions
1. Has God ever asked you to do something that felt far outside your comfort zone? How did you respond? With what results?
2. Why do you think people tend to resist missions that are far away, either geographically and/or culturally, from what is close and/or familiar to them?
3. How can we be ready to do/go/act whenever and wherever God calls us?

Table Discussion Question – Do you know someone who is “on mission” for God, either in your own community or abroad? Share what characteristics and/or stories have you observed or heard about them that might inspire yourself and others.