Jonah: Growing in Obedience
Week 6 - Maintaining Joy
June 1st, 2025
Pastor Kyle Johnson
Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. —Jonah 4:5 (NIV)
Our
What are we
Finding
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. —1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
Happiness is based on
Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” —Jonah 4:6-8 (NIV)
Joy is based on
But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” —Jonah 4:10-11 (NIV)
Jonah was never
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” —Matthew 9:36-38 (ESV)
When we focus on the immediate
Notes:
Discussion Questions:
1 – Talk about the difference between happiness and joy. Why do so many people get caught up seeking happiness?
2 – What is something in life that has brought you the most joy?
3 – Read Jonah 4:6-8. In what ways do we focus on the temporary things around us versus the lasting things God is doing?
4 – Read Matthew 9:36-38. Where is God sending you to work for His harvest?