When God’s Servants Say No! (Part 2)

You don't defy God without consequences. You don't defy God without consequences. That one can easily run from God and That one can easily run from God and That one can easily run from God and still sleep fine. Unconfessed sin still sleep fine. Unconfessed sin still sleep fine. Unconfessed sin follows you and affects more than just follows you and affects more than just follows you and affects more than just you. Always affects more than [music] you. Always affects more than [music] you. Always affects more than [music] just you. As a child of God entrusted just you. As a child of God entrusted just you. As a child of God entrusted with the gospel of hope to a lost world, with the gospel of hope to a lost world, with the gospel of hope to a lost world, how can you sleep? What will God have to how can you sleep? What will God have to how can you sleep? What will God have to send your way to wake you up, sleepy send your way to wake you up, sleepy send your way to wake you up, sleepy Christian? Christian? Christian? >> [music] >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. It is good to be with you here today. It is good to be with you here today. It is good to be with you here today. Thank you for coming. We have so much to Thank you for coming. We have so much to Thank you for coming. We have so much to be thankful for. As the young choir be thankful for. As the young choir be thankful for. As the young choir reminded us of, we can be glad, be glad, reminded us of, we can be glad, be glad, reminded us of, we can be glad, be glad, be glad because of what the Lord Jesus be glad because of what the Lord Jesus be glad because of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. The world Christ has done on our behalf. The world Christ has done on our behalf. The world is noisy and unstable, but we can come is noisy and unstable, but we can come is noisy and unstable, but we can come and gather as God's people and and sit and gather as God's people and and sit and gather as God's people and and sit under his word and and and be nourished under his word and and and be nourished under his word and and and be nourished and comforted by him. So, thank you for and comforted by him. So, thank you for and comforted by him. So, thank you for being here. Now, we've lots to cover being here. Now, we've lots to cover being here. Now, we've lots to cover today and so we're just going to jump today and so we're just going to jump today and so we're just going to jump right into it. Jonah chapter 1. Please right into it. Jonah chapter 1. Please right into it. Jonah chapter 1. Please turn in your copy of the scriptures to turn in your copy of the scriptures to turn in your copy of the scriptures to the book of Jonah, chapter 1. And what a the book of Jonah, chapter 1. And what a the book of Jonah, chapter 1. And what a story. remember story. remember story. remember action-packed twists and turns, irony action-packed twists and turns, irony action-packed twists and turns, irony upon irony, lots of relevance, and a upon irony, lots of relevance, and a upon irony, lots of relevance, and a real story, a historical story that God real story, a historical story that God real story, a historical story that God put in the scriptures to teach us about put in the scriptures to teach us about put in the scriptures to teach us about us and about himself and about life uh

us and about himself and about life uh us and about himself and about life uh aligned to his purposes. So wonderful aligned to his purposes. So wonderful aligned to his purposes. So wonderful lessons here and I want to dive in. But lessons here and I want to dive in. But lessons here and I want to dive in. But I do realize some of you may not have I do realize some of you may not have I do realize some of you may not have been with us a few weeks back and so I been with us a few weeks back and so I been with us a few weeks back and so I want to catch you all up in in the want to catch you all up in in the want to catch you all up in in the little bit that we've studied thus far little bit that we've studied thus far little bit that we've studied thus far in this book. Remember Jonah the prophet in this book. Remember Jonah the prophet in this book. Remember Jonah the prophet Jonah is an established celebrity pastor Jonah is an established celebrity pastor Jonah is an established celebrity pastor as it were in Israel in the mid8th as it were in Israel in the mid8th as it were in Israel in the mid8th century BC. century BC. century BC. Life is good for Jonah. Everyone loves Life is good for Jonah. Everyone loves Life is good for Jonah. Everyone loves him. God told him to preach on his him. God told him to preach on his him. God told him to preach on his behalf a message of prosperity behalf a message of prosperity behalf a message of prosperity even though God's people are wicked. even though God's people are wicked. even though God's people are wicked. That God's trying to win them back That God's trying to win them back That God's trying to win them back through kindness. Maybe kindness will through kindness. Maybe kindness will through kindness. Maybe kindness will work. Maybe kindness will will help work. Maybe kindness will will help work. Maybe kindness will will help develop within them gratitude and an develop within them gratitude and an develop within them gratitude and an appreciation for all that I have done appreciation for all that I have done appreciation for all that I have done for them. And so Jonah goes and preaches for them. And so Jonah goes and preaches for them. And so Jonah goes and preaches a a prosperity message. And guess what a a prosperity message. And guess what a a prosperity message. And guess what God does? He prospers them. He blesses God does? He prospers them. He blesses God does? He prospers them. He blesses them. So life is good for Jonah.

them. So life is good for Jonah. them. So life is good for Jonah. But God's people didn't turn back to But God's people didn't turn back to But God's people didn't turn back to God. God's people weren't grateful uh to God. God's people weren't grateful uh to God. God's people weren't grateful uh to him in the mid 8th century. Prosperity him in the mid 8th century. Prosperity him in the mid 8th century. Prosperity in fact bloated them. in fact bloated them. in fact bloated them. Prosperity bloated them with with Prosperity bloated them with with Prosperity bloated them with with national pride. Prosperity distracted national pride. Prosperity distracted national pride. Prosperity distracted them from from God's call on the them from from God's call on the them from from God's call on the nation's life to be a light to the nation's life to be a light to the nation's life to be a light to the nations to share with the the nations of nations to share with the the nations of nations to share with the the nations of the world the the compassion and the the world the the compassion and the the world the the compassion and the mercy and the love of the God of all mercy and the love of the God of all mercy and the love of the God of all nations. nations. nations. They they were big stuff you see now in They they were big stuff you see now in They they were big stuff you see now in the mid 8th century BC. They haven't had the mid 8th century BC. They haven't had the mid 8th century BC. They haven't had it so well since King Solomon ruled a it so well since King Solomon ruled a it so well since King Solomon ruled a couple of centuries earlier. couple of centuries earlier. couple of centuries earlier. So they had a little momentary blip in So they had a little momentary blip in So they had a little momentary blip in history where life was so good that they history where life was so good that they history where life was so good that they ignored God all the more. They got ignored God all the more. They got ignored God all the more. They got selfish they became self-absorbed. selfish they became self-absorbed. selfish they became self-absorbed. Now I God remember then has a new Now I God remember then has a new Now I God remember then has a new ministry assignment, a new chapter in ministry assignment, a new chapter in ministry assignment, a new chapter in ministry life for his prophet Jonah.

ministry life for his prophet Jonah. ministry life for his prophet Jonah. Life's been good in Israel, but now God Life's been good in Israel, but now God Life's been good in Israel, but now God calls them to the great pagan metroplex calls them to the great pagan metroplex calls them to the great pagan metroplex of Nineveh. of Nineveh. of Nineveh. All those pagans over there who don't All those pagans over there who don't All those pagans over there who don't know God, you're going to go to them, know God, you're going to go to them, know God, you're going to go to them, Jonah. And when God says, "Go, get up Jonah. And when God says, "Go, get up Jonah. And when God says, "Go, get up and go." Jonah says, "No, and go." Jonah says, "No, and go." Jonah says, "No, I'm not I'm not doing that. I don't want I'm not I'm not doing that. I don't want I'm not I'm not doing that. I don't want to go to them. I know what you're like, to go to them. I know what you're like, to go to them. I know what you're like, God. God. God. You might actually forgive wicked people You might actually forgive wicked people You might actually forgive wicked people like you've done here. And I don't like like you've done here. And I don't like like you've done here. And I don't like that for them over there. that for them over there. that for them over there. Jonah is not happy with God's Jonah is not happy with God's Jonah is not happy with God's commissioning on his life. He doesn't commissioning on his life. He doesn't commissioning on his life. He doesn't want his Ninevite neighbors to to get want his Ninevite neighbors to to get want his Ninevite neighbors to to get the compassion of God. He just wants the compassion of God. He just wants the compassion of God. He just wants them to get the God will not leave the them to get the God will not leave the them to get the God will not leave the guilty unpunished portion of who God is. guilty unpunished portion of who God is. guilty unpunished portion of who God is. Jonah knows that even a message of doom Jonah knows that even a message of doom Jonah knows that even a message of doom can be used by God to bring a great can be used by God to bring a great can be used by God to bring a great revival to a lost people. So, so Jonah revival to a lost people. So, so Jonah revival to a lost people. So, so Jonah says no. He boards this Mediterranean says no. He boards this Mediterranean says no. He boards this Mediterranean cruise ship towards sunny Tarsish.

cruise ship towards sunny Tarsish. cruise ship towards sunny Tarsish. Remember Tarsish is way off in the ends Remember Tarsish is way off in the ends Remember Tarsish is way off in the ends of the earth in what we would call today of the earth in what we would call today of the earth in what we would call today Spain. Spain. Spain. But remember that Jonah uh it doesn't But remember that Jonah uh it doesn't But remember that Jonah uh it doesn't get away too far before this storm get away too far before this storm get away too far before this storm erupts. erupts. erupts. God God could let Jonah just go. He God God could let Jonah just go. He God God could let Jonah just go. He could. But sometimes God does let could. But sometimes God does let could. But sometimes God does let prodigals just go. Or or God could have prodigals just go. Or or God could have prodigals just go. Or or God could have used the storm to squash Jonah like he used the storm to squash Jonah like he used the storm to squash Jonah like he was a bug underfoot. was a bug underfoot. was a bug underfoot. Now that would be a very very small Now that would be a very very small Now that would be a very very small short book of Jonah. Three three four short book of Jonah. Three three four short book of Jonah. Three three four verses. But but even that short a book verses. But but even that short a book verses. But but even that short a book would pack a huge true punch and lesson would pack a huge true punch and lesson would pack a huge true punch and lesson to God's people. You don't defy God to God's people. You don't defy God to God's people. You don't defy God without consequences. That would be the without consequences. That would be the without consequences. That would be the message of that book. And that's a true message of that book. And that's a true message of that book. And that's a true message. message. message. But it doesn't end there. In verse four, But it doesn't end there. In verse four, But it doesn't end there. In verse four, there's there's a sea storm, of course, there's there's a sea storm, of course, there's there's a sea storm, of course, that that then develops and becomes a that that then develops and becomes a that that then develops and becomes a setting for multiple lessons uh from God setting for multiple lessons uh from God setting for multiple lessons uh from God through Jonah for us. Lessons for us to through Jonah for us. Lessons for us to through Jonah for us. Lessons for us to take into our week. So, lots to go take into our week. So, lots to go take into our week. So, lots to go through today. I hope you're ready. Let through today. I hope you're ready. Let through today. I hope you're ready. Let me read to you verses 4 all the way down me read to you verses 4 all the way down me read to you verses 4 all the way down to midway through 17 in this first to midway through 17 in this first to midway through 17 in this first chapter and then we'll uh figure out chapter and then we'll uh figure out chapter and then we'll uh figure out what we're going to do this morning.

what we're going to do this morning. what we're going to do this morning. Picking up in verse four. Picking up in verse four. Picking up in verse four. But the Lord hurled a great wind on the But the Lord hurled a great wind on the But the Lord hurled a great wind on the sea. sea. sea. There was such a great storm in the sea There was such a great storm in the sea There was such a great storm in the sea that the ship threatened to break up. that the ship threatened to break up. that the ship threatened to break up. The sailors were in fear. So each cried The sailors were in fear. So each cried The sailors were in fear. So each cried out to his own god, and they hurled the out to his own god, and they hurled the out to his own god, and they hurled the ship's cargo into the sea to lighten the ship's cargo into the sea to lighten the ship's cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. ship. ship. But Jonah had gone down below into the But Jonah had gone down below into the But Jonah had gone down below into the hold of the ship, had lain down and hold of the ship, had lain down and hold of the ship, had lain down and fallen sound asleep. fallen sound asleep. fallen sound asleep. So the captain approached him and said, So the captain approached him and said, So the captain approached him and said, "How is it that you are sleeping? "How is it that you are sleeping? "How is it that you are sleeping? Get up. Get up. Get up. Cry out to your God. Perhaps your God Cry out to your God. Perhaps your God Cry out to your God. Perhaps your God will be concerned about us so that we will be concerned about us so that we will be concerned about us so that we will not perish. will not perish. will not perish. The sailors said to one another, "Come, The sailors said to one another, "Come, The sailors said to one another, "Come, let us cast lots so we may find out on let us cast lots so we may find out on let us cast lots so we may find out on whose account this calamity has come whose account this calamity has come whose account this calamity has come upon us."

upon us." upon us." So they cast lots and the lot fell on So they cast lots and the lot fell on So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. And they said to him, "Tell us now, on And they said to him, "Tell us now, on And they said to him, "Tell us now, on whose account has this calamity come whose account has this calamity come whose account has this calamity come upon us? What is your occupation? Where upon us? What is your occupation? Where upon us? What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country do you come from? What is your country do you come from? What is your country from? What people are you? from? What people are you? from? What people are you? He Jonah said to them, I am a Hebrew He Jonah said to them, I am a Hebrew He Jonah said to them, I am a Hebrew and I fear the Lord God of heaven who and I fear the Lord God of heaven who and I fear the Lord God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land. made the sea and the dry land. made the sea and the dry land. Then the men became extremely fearful Then the men became extremely fearful Then the men became extremely fearful and they said to him, "How could you do and they said to him, "How could you do and they said to him, "How could you do this?" this?" this?" For the men knew that he was fleeing For the men knew that he was fleeing For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord because he from the presence of the Lord because he from the presence of the Lord because he had told them. So they said to him, had told them. So they said to him, had told them. So they said to him, "What should we do to you that the sea "What should we do to you that the sea "What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for us? For the sea was may become calm for us? For the sea was may become calm for us? For the sea was becoming worse and worse." becoming worse and worse." becoming worse and worse." He said to them, "Pick me up and throw He said to them, "Pick me up and throw He said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will me into the sea. Then the sea will me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that on become calm for you. For I know that on become calm for you. For I know that on account of me, this great storm has come account of me, this great storm has come account of me, this great storm has come upon you."

upon you." upon you." However, the men tried to row to return However, the men tried to row to return However, the men tried to row to return to dry land, but they couldn't, for the to dry land, but they couldn't, for the to dry land, but they couldn't, for the sea kept getting worse and worse. So sea kept getting worse and worse. So sea kept getting worse and worse. So they cried out to the Lord and said, "Oh they cried out to the Lord and said, "Oh they cried out to the Lord and said, "Oh Lord, please do not do not let us perish Lord, please do not do not let us perish Lord, please do not do not let us perish on account of this man's life. Do not on account of this man's life. Do not on account of this man's life. Do not hold us guilty of shedding innocent hold us guilty of shedding innocent hold us guilty of shedding innocent blood. For you, oh Lord, have done as blood. For you, oh Lord, have done as blood. For you, oh Lord, have done as you pleased." you pleased." you pleased." So they picked up Jonah, So they picked up Jonah, So they picked up Jonah, hurled him into the sea, and the sea hurled him into the sea, and the sea hurled him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. stopped its raging. stopped its raging. Then the men feared the Lord greatly, Then the men feared the Lord greatly, Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows, and made vows, and made vows, and the Lord appointed a great fish to and the Lord appointed a great fish to and the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah. swallow Jonah. swallow Jonah. Now, that's that's quite the scene. Now, that's that's quite the scene. Now, that's that's quite the scene. That's a remarkable portion in this That's a remarkable portion in this That's a remarkable portion in this story. Now remember there are three story. Now remember there are three story. Now remember there are three major players in this scene and I'm major players in this scene and I'm major players in this scene and I'm unpacking them for you one by one unpacking them for you one by one unpacking them for you one by one through the analogy of how I was taught through the analogy of how I was taught through the analogy of how I was taught this story as a little boy in Sunday this story as a little boy in Sunday this story as a little boy in Sunday school. Remember the 60-in school. Remember the 60-in school. Remember the 60-in highresolution flat screen flannelraphph highresolution flat screen flannelraphph highresolution flat screen flannelraphph board with all those felt character board with all those felt character board with all those felt character cutouts. They were a big deal back then cutouts. They were a big deal back then cutouts. They were a big deal back then in the early 80s. They might come back.

in the early 80s. They might come back. in the early 80s. They might come back. Who knows? Who knows? Who knows? And the first of the three character And the first of the three character And the first of the three character cutouts that I stuck on you, you you are cutouts that I stuck on you, you you are cutouts that I stuck on you, you you are the flannel board this morning and we're the flannel board this morning and we're the flannel board this morning and we're back then were were the secular sailors. back then were were the secular sailors. back then were were the secular sailors. The first of three character cutouts The first of three character cutouts The first of three character cutouts that that that God uses to to mediate that that that God uses to to mediate that that that God uses to to mediate his message to us through are the his message to us through are the his message to us through are the secular sailors and they're pagans. secular sailors and they're pagans. secular sailors and they're pagans. These guys worship all sorts of gods. These guys worship all sorts of gods. These guys worship all sorts of gods. They worship any god. They worship They worship any god. They worship They worship any god. They worship whatever god will work for me in the whatever god will work for me in the whatever god will work for me in the moment. They've built their own moment. They've built their own moment. They've built their own practical religion. Blend all the gods practical religion. Blend all the gods practical religion. Blend all the gods in. Let them all coexist and all that in. Let them all coexist and all that in. Let them all coexist and all that and just make sure that that you get and just make sure that that you get and just make sure that that you get what you want from them. That's what what you want from them. That's what what you want from them. That's what they've done. But but they even in their they've done. But but they even in their they've done. But but they even in their simplicity, even in their basic simplicity, even in their basic simplicity, even in their basic understanding of reality, they know some understanding of reality, they know some understanding of reality, they know some basic rules relating to whatever god it basic rules relating to whatever god it basic rules relating to whatever god it is that you worship. is that you worship. is that you worship. A rule like don't treat your god like A rule like don't treat your god like A rule like don't treat your god like you're the boss. That's a no no.

you're the boss. That's a no no. you're the boss. That's a no no. And and certainly don't run from the god And and certainly don't run from the god And and certainly don't run from the god of the sea by boarding on a ship on the of the sea by boarding on a ship on the of the sea by boarding on a ship on the sea. That's folly. sea. That's folly. sea. That's folly. These men had no thought for the real These men had no thought for the real These men had no thought for the real god, for Yahweh, the one true God that god, for Yahweh, the one true God that god, for Yahweh, the one true God that morning when they set sail from Japa to morning when they set sail from Japa to morning when they set sail from Japa to head to Tarses. But but by the end of head to Tarses. But but by the end of head to Tarses. But but by the end of the scene, they're converts. the scene, they're converts. the scene, they're converts. They're converts to Yahweh. They're They're converts to Yahweh. They're They're converts to Yahweh. They're worshippers of Yahweh. To use our worshippers of Yahweh. To use our worshippers of Yahweh. To use our language today, they've become language today, they've become language today, they've become Christians. They pray to him for salvation. They They pray to him for salvation. They offer a sacrifice to him in faith. And offer a sacrifice to him in faith. And offer a sacrifice to him in faith. And they commit to they they vow to living they commit to they they vow to living they commit to they they vow to living for him. The secular sailors here become for him. The secular sailors here become for him. The secular sailors here become saints. [snorts] saints. [snorts] saints. [snorts] They become saints who who walk the They become saints who who walk the They become saints who who walk the talk. It's a beautiful, amazing scene of talk. It's a beautiful, amazing scene of talk. It's a beautiful, amazing scene of salvation. They become doers of of of salvation. They become doers of of of salvation. They become doers of of of the word, not just hearers of truth in the word, not just hearers of truth in the word, not just hearers of truth in their commitment to Yahweh. their commitment to Yahweh. their commitment to Yahweh. And so, it's full of irony. Here we have And so, it's full of irony. Here we have And so, it's full of irony. Here we have pagans who become Christians through a pagans who become Christians through a pagans who become Christians through a pastor running from God so that God pastor running from God so that God pastor running from God so that God doesn't save pagans.

doesn't save pagans. doesn't save pagans. Filled with irony. And you're supposed Filled with irony. And you're supposed Filled with irony. And you're supposed to detect that. to detect that. to detect that. Today I want to look at character cutout Today I want to look at character cutout Today I want to look at character cutout number two. The two of the three. And number two. The two of the three. And number two. The two of the three. And the character cutout number two that I'm the character cutout number two that I'm the character cutout number two that I'm placing on your heart. Remember you're placing on your heart. Remember you're placing on your heart. Remember you're the flannel board this morning is the the flannel board this morning is the the flannel board this morning is the sleepy servant of God. sleepy servant of God. sleepy servant of God. The sleepy servant of God. Lessons from The sleepy servant of God. Lessons from The sleepy servant of God. Lessons from the sleepy snoring servant of God here the sleepy snoring servant of God here the sleepy snoring servant of God here in this setorm scene in the 8th century. in this setorm scene in the 8th century. in this setorm scene in the 8th century. Of course I'm talking about Jonah Of course I'm talking about Jonah Of course I'm talking about Jonah himself. himself. himself. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Let me show you selectively what God >> Let me show you selectively what God >> Let me show you selectively what God highlights in this scene concerning highlights in this scene concerning highlights in this scene concerning Jonah for for us to learn uh about God Jonah for for us to learn uh about God Jonah for for us to learn uh about God and us and what he expects from us. Now, and us and what he expects from us. Now, and us and what he expects from us. Now, the sailors, of course, they're scared the sailors, of course, they're scared the sailors, of course, they're scared in this storm. They've they're panicked, in this storm. They've they're panicked, in this storm. They've they're panicked, remember? They're they're prayerful and remember? They're they're prayerful and remember? They're they're prayerful and and they're getting very practical. and they're getting very practical. and they're getting very practical. They're hurling all the cargo onto the They're hurling all the cargo onto the They're hurling all the cargo onto the out into the sea so that they lighten out into the sea so that they lighten out into the sea so that they lighten the load of the ship so that it doesn't the load of the ship so that it doesn't the load of the ship so that it doesn't sink. And halfway through verse 5, there sink. And halfway through verse 5, there sink. And halfway through verse 5, there there's a contrast to them that emerges.

there's a contrast to them that emerges. there's a contrast to them that emerges. And the contrast is made between them And the contrast is made between them And the contrast is made between them and Jonah. Look at it halfway through and Jonah. Look at it halfway through and Jonah. Look at it halfway through verse 5. But Jonah, while they're doing verse 5. But Jonah, while they're doing verse 5. But Jonah, while they're doing all this stuff, but Jonah had gone down all this stuff, but Jonah had gone down all this stuff, but Jonah had gone down below into the hold of the ship, had below into the hold of the ship, had below into the hold of the ship, had lain down and had fallen sound asleep. lain down and had fallen sound asleep. lain down and had fallen sound asleep. Now, this is intentionally told with Now, this is intentionally told with Now, this is intentionally told with that contrast so that you see how that contrast so that you see how that contrast so that you see how ridiculous this behavior is in the life ridiculous this behavior is in the life ridiculous this behavior is in the life of a man of God of a man of God of a man of God so that you don't miss it. They're so that you don't miss it. They're so that you don't miss it. They're scared. He's asleep. They're concerned. scared. He's asleep. They're concerned. scared. He's asleep. They're concerned. He's unconcerned. He's indifferent. He's He's unconcerned. He's indifferent. He's He's unconcerned. He's indifferent. He's carefree. He's uninterested inside of carefree. He's uninterested inside of carefree. He's uninterested inside of what seems like a deadly storm and what seems like a deadly storm and what seems like a deadly storm and outside of God's will. It doesn't seem outside of God's will. It doesn't seem outside of God's will. It doesn't seem to matter to him. He's apathetic to all to matter to him. He's apathetic to all to matter to him. He's apathetic to all which which really frankly is pathetic. which which really frankly is pathetic. which which really frankly is pathetic. And you're supposed to detect that. What And you're supposed to detect that. What And you're supposed to detect that. What a pathetic thing to do if you're a man a pathetic thing to do if you're a man a pathetic thing to do if you're a man of God to be apathetic about what's of God to be apathetic about what's of God to be apathetic about what's happening around you and the distress happening around you and the distress happening around you and the distress that is causing all those people around that is causing all those people around that is causing all those people around you. But that's what you're supposed to you. But that's what you're supposed to you. But that's what you're supposed to detect. That's that's that's what's detect. That's that's that's what's detect. That's that's that's what's there. In fact, what you're supposed to there. In fact, what you're supposed to there. In fact, what you're supposed to see is that that one can easily run from see is that that one can easily run from see is that that one can easily run from God and still sleep fine.

God and still sleep fine. God and still sleep fine. One can run from God and sleep fine. One can run from God and sleep fine. One can run from God and sleep fine. That that life as a prodigal can go That that life as a prodigal can go That that life as a prodigal can go quite well for a while and not even keep quite well for a while and not even keep quite well for a while and not even keep you up at night pacing the floorboards. you up at night pacing the floorboards. you up at night pacing the floorboards. How you sleep at night is not a metric How you sleep at night is not a metric How you sleep at night is not a metric of whether your life is aligned with of whether your life is aligned with of whether your life is aligned with God. God. God. That might just be the the sleeping That might just be the the sleeping That might just be the the sleeping pills. pills. pills. That might just be a callous conscience. That might just be a callous conscience. That might just be a callous conscience. Sleeping well doesn't mean that all is Sleeping well doesn't mean that all is Sleeping well doesn't mean that all is well in your life. well in your life. well in your life. I'm not sure what the ancients, like I'm not sure what the ancients, like I'm not sure what the ancients, like Jonah, did here before they knotted off Jonah, did here before they knotted off Jonah, did here before they knotted off to sleep at night, to sleep at night, to sleep at night, right? They have no funny reels to right? They have no funny reels to right? They have no funny reels to scroll through and laugh at. scroll through and laugh at. scroll through and laugh at. They don't have shows to binge watch. They don't have shows to binge watch. They don't have shows to binge watch. I I doubt Jonah got on his knees and I I doubt Jonah got on his knees and I I doubt Jonah got on his knees and said his prayers that night, said his prayers that night, said his prayers that night, but he sleeps fine. And this is no but he sleeps fine. And this is no but he sleeps fine. And this is no catnap. If you read clearly and catnap. If you read clearly and catnap. If you read clearly and specifically, you'll read that this is a specifically, you'll read that this is a specifically, you'll read that this is a deep sleep.

deep sleep. deep sleep. This is a snoring one's head off type of This is a snoring one's head off type of This is a snoring one's head off type of sleeping. sleeping. sleeping. And it's not because he chewed on some And it's not because he chewed on some And it's not because he chewed on some melatonin gummies to get him over. melatonin gummies to get him over. melatonin gummies to get him over. [snorts] It's because he's completely [snorts] It's because he's completely [snorts] It's because he's completely comfortable. disobeying God. comfortable. disobeying God. comfortable. disobeying God. Won't lose sleep over it. Remember, this Won't lose sleep over it. Remember, this Won't lose sleep over it. Remember, this is a celebrity pastor here. is a celebrity pastor here. is a celebrity pastor here. Now, at first, this is striking and it Now, at first, this is striking and it Now, at first, this is striking and it should be striking. It's concerning. I should be striking. It's concerning. I should be striking. It's concerning. I mean, I remember as a little boy, as I mean, I remember as a little boy, as I mean, I remember as a little boy, as I said earlier in Sunday school, reading said earlier in Sunday school, reading said earlier in Sunday school, reading or hearing this story and thinking, or hearing this story and thinking, or hearing this story and thinking, "What? That doesn't sound like it's "What? That doesn't sound like it's "What? That doesn't sound like it's right. You You can't You can't disobey right. You You can't You can't disobey right. You You can't You can't disobey God and go fast asleep. Something's off God and go fast asleep. Something's off God and go fast asleep. Something's off here. here. here. Even as a little boy, I detected that. Even as a little boy, I detected that. Even as a little boy, I detected that. But then you grow up and you stop But then you grow up and you stop But then you grow up and you stop looking at Jonah in the 8th century BC, looking at Jonah in the 8th century BC, looking at Jonah in the 8th century BC, sleeping inside of his rebellion and his sleeping inside of his rebellion and his sleeping inside of his rebellion and his disobedience to God, and you start disobedience to God, and you start disobedience to God, and you start looking around you and you start to see looking around you and you start to see looking around you and you start to see that there are lots of sleepy, that there are lots of sleepy, that there are lots of sleepy, disobedient Christians all over the disobedient Christians all over the disobedient Christians all over the place in the 21st century.

place in the 21st century. place in the 21st century. you begin to see if you're honest that you begin to see if you're honest that you begin to see if you're honest that that sleepy danger uh resides within that sleepy danger uh resides within that sleepy danger uh resides within you, you, you, within me. Years later, uh the Apostle within me. Years later, uh the Apostle within me. Years later, uh the Apostle Paul opens this issue up a little bit Paul opens this issue up a little bit Paul opens this issue up a little bit for us and puts a a category on it uh for us and puts a a category on it uh for us and puts a a category on it uh for those of us who are in Christ. And for those of us who are in Christ. And for those of us who are in Christ. And he calls it the flesh. He calls it the he calls it the flesh. He calls it the he calls it the flesh. He calls it the sinful nature. that capacity that you sinful nature. that capacity that you sinful nature. that capacity that you still have as a believer to live in still have as a believer to live in still have as a believer to live in rebellion toward your God, to not walk rebellion toward your God, to not walk rebellion toward your God, to not walk in step with the spirit of God as is in step with the spirit of God as is in step with the spirit of God as is God's desire for your life, but to God's desire for your life, but to God's desire for your life, but to rather walk in the flesh, indulging rather walk in the flesh, indulging rather walk in the flesh, indulging disobedience and rebellion against God disobedience and rebellion against God disobedience and rebellion against God even though you are in Christ. even though you are in Christ. even though you are in Christ. Christians are quite capable of becoming Christians are quite capable of becoming Christians are quite capable of becoming comfortable disobeying God's call. comfortable disobeying God's call. comfortable disobeying God's call. becoming blind to what is wrong, even becoming blind to what is wrong, even becoming blind to what is wrong, even beginning to spin their disobedience in beginning to spin their disobedience in beginning to spin their disobedience in some sort of way that that minimizes it some sort of way that that minimizes it some sort of way that that minimizes it and that legitimizes it perhaps in their and that legitimizes it perhaps in their and that legitimizes it perhaps in their own eyes. It's it's just a little white own eyes. It's it's just a little white own eyes. It's it's just a little white lie. I mean, that's a real liar.

There's somebody else, Lord, that could There's somebody else, Lord, that could serve over there, not me. I mean, serve over there, not me. I mean, serve over there, not me. I mean, they're better at it than me. My they're better at it than me. My they're better at it than me. My personality doesn't suit serving you personality doesn't suit serving you personality doesn't suit serving you there, Lord. there, Lord. there, Lord. God wants me to be happy. Or the boat to God wants me to be happy. Or the boat to God wants me to be happy. Or the boat to Tarsish was just there ready for me to Tarsish was just there ready for me to Tarsish was just there ready for me to board. It must have been God's will for board. It must have been God's will for board. It must have been God's will for me to disobey him. me to disobey him. me to disobey him. My point is this. What Jonah does here My point is this. What Jonah does here My point is this. What Jonah does here doesn't surprise me as much as it once doesn't surprise me as much as it once doesn't surprise me as much as it once did. did. did. There are plenty of happy Christians There are plenty of happy Christians There are plenty of happy Christians sleeping in disobedience. sleeping in disobedience. sleeping in disobedience. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And how many Christian leaders have we >> And how many Christian leaders have we >> And how many Christian leaders have we been exposed to lately who for years been exposed to lately who for years been exposed to lately who for years were okay preaching from pulpit and were okay preaching from pulpit and were okay preaching from pulpit and sleeping fine at night while inside of sleeping fine at night while inside of sleeping fine at night while inside of illicit relationships. It's possible to sleep well as God's It's possible to sleep well as God's child disobeying God. child disobeying God. child disobeying God. to sleep carefree in sin as a Christian. to sleep carefree in sin as a Christian. to sleep carefree in sin as a Christian. I'm no longer naive about how sleepy I'm no longer naive about how sleepy I'm no longer naive about how sleepy God's people can be, how sleepy I can God's people can be, how sleepy I can God's people can be, how sleepy I can be. But it's wrong. What we're reading be. But it's wrong. What we're reading be. But it's wrong. What we're reading here in the second half of verse 5 is here in the second half of verse 5 is here in the second half of verse 5 is wrong.

wrong. wrong. It doesn't just happen instantly. It It doesn't just happen instantly. It It doesn't just happen instantly. It It's a gradual decline to that type of It's a gradual decline to that type of It's a gradual decline to that type of carefree lazair disobedience. carefree lazair disobedience. carefree lazair disobedience. It's a subtle drift down there. For It's a subtle drift down there. For It's a subtle drift down there. For Jonah, it was likely because he was so Jonah, it was likely because he was so Jonah, it was likely because he was so successful in ministry in Israel, successful in ministry in Israel, successful in ministry in Israel, preaching prosperity and being preaching prosperity and being preaching prosperity and being personally prospered. Prosperity is a personally prospered. Prosperity is a personally prospered. Prosperity is a blessing from God. There's no doubt. blessing from God. There's no doubt. blessing from God. There's no doubt. It's it's a kindness of God, but it's a It's it's a kindness of God, but it's a It's it's a kindness of God, but it's a danger, too, danger, too, danger, too, because it can distract you. It can because it can distract you. It can because it can distract you. It can derail you. It can absorb you into derail you. It can absorb you into derail you. It can absorb you into yourself. yourself. yourself. Jonah's decline from God here's Jonah's decline from God here's Jonah's decline from God here's poetically told beautifully told poetically told beautifully told poetically told beautifully told literarily told beautifully literarily told beautifully literarily told beautifully through a key word the word in Hebrews through a key word the word in Hebrews through a key word the word in Hebrews yad the word in your English versions is yad the word in your English versions is yad the word in your English versions is probably the word down God told Jonah to get up Jonah went down God told Jonah to get up Jonah went down to Japa verse three Jonah went down to Japa verse three Jonah went down to Japa verse three Jonah went down below deck on the boat verse 5 Jonah below deck on the boat verse 5 Jonah below deck on the boat verse 5 Jonah laid down in verse Vers 5 and then fell laid down in verse Vers 5 and then fell laid down in verse Vers 5 and then fell asleep into a deep sleep. The language asleep into a deep sleep. The language asleep into a deep sleep. The language there is fell down into a deep sleep.

there is fell down into a deep sleep. there is fell down into a deep sleep. Verse 5. That little word pops up later Verse 5. That little word pops up later Verse 5. That little word pops up later on as well. on as well. on as well. You're supposed to detect this this You're supposed to detect this this You're supposed to detect this this downward trajectory in the life of Jonah downward trajectory in the life of Jonah downward trajectory in the life of Jonah as he distances himself from his God. as he distances himself from his God. as he distances himself from his God. Which is why it's so beautifully ironic Which is why it's so beautifully ironic Which is why it's so beautifully ironic that Captain Pagan comes to him in verse that Captain Pagan comes to him in verse that Captain Pagan comes to him in verse six. [snorts] six. [snorts] six. [snorts] Look what he says. Look at it with your Look what he says. Look at it with your Look what he says. Look at it with your own eyeballs. Captain Pagan own eyeballs. Captain Pagan own eyeballs. Captain Pagan goes to Jonah and he says, "How is it goes to Jonah and he says, "How is it goes to Jonah and he says, "How is it that you're sleeping? Get up. It's not time to sleep down here. It's It's not time to sleep down here. It's time to get up there to pray to your God time to get up there to pray to your God time to get up there to pray to your God and and and ask that he would perhaps be and and and ask that he would perhaps be and and and ask that he would perhaps be concerned for the rest of us." concerned for the rest of us." concerned for the rest of us." So, don't miss the intended irony in the So, don't miss the intended irony in the So, don't miss the intended irony in the way God tells this beautiful story. way God tells this beautiful story. way God tells this beautiful story. Listen, God turns a pagan captain into Listen, God turns a pagan captain into Listen, God turns a pagan captain into his preacher here in verse six [snorts] his preacher here in verse six [snorts] his preacher here in verse six [snorts] to expose the pagan-like disobedience of to expose the pagan-like disobedience of to expose the pagan-like disobedience of his legacy preacher. That's ironic.

his legacy preacher. That's ironic. his legacy preacher. That's ironic. [snorts] And he even puts into this [snorts] And he even puts into this [snorts] And he even puts into this captain pagan's lips the same word that captain pagan's lips the same word that captain pagan's lips the same word that God said to Jonah way up in verse two. God said to Jonah way up in verse two. God said to Jonah way up in verse two. Get up. It's time to get up. Let's keep going. While the sailors Let's keep going. While the sailors begin to develop this lot system for for begin to develop this lot system for for begin to develop this lot system for for figuring out who the culprit is, Jonah figuring out who the culprit is, Jonah figuring out who the culprit is, Jonah doesn't step forward and confess, "Hey doesn't step forward and confess, "Hey doesn't step forward and confess, "Hey guys, save yourselves the bother. It's guys, save yourselves the bother. It's guys, save yourselves the bother. It's me." me." me." He doesn't do that. He's awake now. He's He doesn't do that. He's awake now. He's He doesn't do that. He's awake now. He's up there. He's watching them. But he's up there. He's watching them. But he's up there. He's watching them. But he's hoping their superstitious attempts of hoping their superstitious attempts of hoping their superstitious attempts of of figuring out the will of the gods of figuring out the will of the gods of figuring out the will of the gods will fail. will fail. will fail. to say nothing. Lie low, silly pagans. to say nothing. Lie low, silly pagans. to say nothing. Lie low, silly pagans. What's that going to do? Those gods What's that going to do? Those gods What's that going to do? Those gods aren't real anyway. aren't real anyway. aren't real anyway. Well, to his shock, the system worked. Well, to his shock, the system worked. Well, to his shock, the system worked. The lot casting system that these The lot casting system that these The lot casting system that these sailors developed uh identified him as sailors developed uh identified him as sailors developed uh identified him as the culprit.

the culprit. the culprit. And so if you look at verse eight there, And so if you look at verse eight there, And so if you look at verse eight there, they they immediately turn into what they they immediately turn into what they they immediately turn into what seems like intense immigration officers seems like intense immigration officers seems like intense immigration officers with rapid fire questions, right? Five with rapid fire questions, right? Five with rapid fire questions, right? Five questions, rapid fire, back to back. And questions, rapid fire, back to back. And questions, rapid fire, back to back. And all they're trying to do is figure out all they're trying to do is figure out all they're trying to do is figure out who the offended God is. What locality who the offended God is. What locality who the offended God is. What locality is his domain of rule? Because if we is his domain of rule? Because if we is his domain of rule? Because if we figure that out, then we figure out how figure that out, then we figure out how figure that out, then we figure out how to deal with that God to deal with that God to deal with that God in their basic way of viewing the world in their basic way of viewing the world in their basic way of viewing the world and basic understanding of reality. and basic understanding of reality. and basic understanding of reality. That's the only sort of truth in their That's the only sort of truth in their That's the only sort of truth in their mind that they have to work with. mind that they have to work with. mind that they have to work with. And so that's why the rapid fire And so that's why the rapid fire And so that's why the rapid fire questions. questions. questions. Well, Jonah responds to them in verse 9. Well, Jonah responds to them in verse 9. Well, Jonah responds to them in verse 9. Look at it. These are the first words of Look at it. These are the first words of Look at it. These are the first words of Jonah in the book of Jonah. This is the Jonah in the book of Jonah. This is the Jonah in the book of Jonah. This is the first time he speaks the the preacher first time he speaks the the preacher first time he speaks the the preacher the the the successful legacy preacher the the the successful legacy preacher the the the successful legacy preacher of Israel. Here are his first words and of Israel. Here are his first words and of Israel. Here are his first words and they are beautiful.

they are beautiful. they are beautiful. I am a Hebrew and I fear the words I am a Hebrew and I fear the words I am a Hebrew and I fear the words worship. I fear I worship the Lord God worship. I fear I worship the Lord God worship. I fear I worship the Lord God of heaven who made the sea and the dry of heaven who made the sea and the dry of heaven who made the sea and the dry land. land. land. This is good orthodox This is good orthodox This is good orthodox theology here theology here theology here that Jonah declares. that Jonah declares. that Jonah declares. But it's quite interesting. But it's quite interesting. But it's quite interesting. Jonah essentially here talks about his Jonah essentially here talks about his Jonah essentially here talks about his nationality. nationality. nationality. That's what he leads with. That's what's That's what he leads with. That's what's That's what he leads with. That's what's first. Let me tell you about my first. Let me tell you about my first. Let me tell you about my nationality. And then he moves into what nationality. And then he moves into what nationality. And then he moves into what you and I would call his Christianity, you and I would call his Christianity, you and I would call his Christianity, his faith. [snorts] his faith. [snorts] his faith. [snorts] And the order is important. He doesn't address his profession. He He doesn't address his profession. He was asked about his profession, what it was asked about his profession, what it was asked about his profession, what it is that you do, what it is that you is that you do, what it is that you is that you do, what it is that you occupy yourself with. He ignores that occupy yourself with. He ignores that occupy yourself with. He ignores that question. question. question. He goes after nationality and and He goes after nationality and and He goes after nationality and and Christianity or his faith. He says, "I Christianity or his faith. He says, "I Christianity or his faith. He says, "I am a Hebrew.

am a Hebrew. am a Hebrew. Literally, it's actually worded in a way Literally, it's actually worded in a way Literally, it's actually worded in a way that captures the the pride in his that captures the the pride in his that captures the the pride in his heart." He actually says this Hebrew I heart." He actually says this Hebrew I heart." He actually says this Hebrew I am. am. am. Hebrew I am. Hebrew I am. Hebrew I am. He's wearing his his his national He's wearing his his his national He's wearing his his his national identity here as as as pr as pride. I am identity here as as as pr as pride. I am identity here as as as pr as pride. I am here's here's the people I belong to. here's here's the people I belong to. here's here's the people I belong to. That should impress you. You're supposed That should impress you. You're supposed That should impress you. You're supposed to detect that in the word order. His to detect that in the word order. His to detect that in the word order. His his national pride, his patriotism. his national pride, his patriotism. his national pride, his patriotism. He doesn't use the word Israelite. and He doesn't use the word Israelite. and He doesn't use the word Israelite. and Israelite would have been used and would Israelite would have been used and would Israelite would have been used and would have been common. It would have been have been common. It would have been have been common. It would have been perhaps the most direct way to identify perhaps the most direct way to identify perhaps the most direct way to identify oneself to external people, right, to to oneself to external people, right, to to oneself to external people, right, to to to others who weren't Israelis at the to others who weren't Israelis at the to others who weren't Israelis at the time. But he uses a word Hebrew because time. But he uses a word Hebrew because time. But he uses a word Hebrew because that that really is a term that's used that that really is a term that's used that that really is a term that's used more to distinguish a hardcore more to distinguish a hardcore more to distinguish a hardcore member of this ethnicity. And he's proud member of this ethnicity. And he's proud member of this ethnicity. And he's proud of being a Hebrew. The Apostle Paul does of being a Hebrew. The Apostle Paul does of being a Hebrew. The Apostle Paul does this in Philippians. Remember when we this in Philippians. Remember when we this in Philippians. Remember when we were in Philippians in chapter 3, the were in Philippians in chapter 3, the were in Philippians in chapter 3, the Apostle Paul is laying out his his Apostle Paul is laying out his his Apostle Paul is laying out his his identity before Christ and how he used identity before Christ and how he used identity before Christ and how he used all of that as as a as a badge of honor all of that as as a as a badge of honor all of that as as a as a badge of honor in the world. This is who I am. I'm part in the world. This is who I am. I'm part in the world. This is who I am. I'm part of God's favored people. God has blessed of God's favored people. God has blessed of God's favored people. God has blessed us. And in the list that he lays out us. And in the list that he lays out us. And in the list that he lays out there, he says, "I am a Hebrew of there, he says, "I am a Hebrew of there, he says, "I am a Hebrew of Hebrews. I'm a Hebrew of Hebrews. Hebrew Hebrews. I'm a Hebrew of Hebrews. Hebrew Hebrews. I'm a Hebrew of Hebrews. Hebrew I am is what Jonah says. Hebrew I am is

I am is what Jonah says. Hebrew I am is I am is what Jonah says. Hebrew I am is what the Apostle Paul would have been what the Apostle Paul would have been what the Apostle Paul would have been saying there. And patriotism is saying there. And patriotism is saying there. And patriotism is beautiful. There's no doubt about it. Be beautiful. There's no doubt about it. Be beautiful. There's no doubt about it. Be proud of your of your country. But this proud of your of your country. But this proud of your of your country. But this isn't an appropriate healthy love for isn't an appropriate healthy love for isn't an appropriate healthy love for country here. This is is my people are country here. This is is my people are country here. This is is my people are better than your people. This is my better than your people. This is my better than your people. This is my culture is better than your culture. culture is better than your culture. culture is better than your culture. This is flexing by a pastor in a way This is flexing by a pastor in a way This is flexing by a pastor in a way that that is inappropriate because he that that is inappropriate because he that that is inappropriate because he knows that God created all cultures, all knows that God created all cultures, all knows that God created all cultures, all nations, all people. loves all the nations, all people. loves all the nations, all people. loves all the world. world. world. Jonah puts his nationality first and Jonah puts his nationality first and Jonah puts his nationality first and then as part of his identity and then he then as part of his identity and then he then as part of his identity and then he declares his his faith right as declares his his faith right as declares his his faith right as Christianity. I fear Yahweh. I worship Christianity. I fear Yahweh. I worship Christianity. I fear Yahweh. I worship Yahweh. Yahweh. Yahweh. The word fear there means worship. It's The word fear there means worship. It's The word fear there means worship. It's it's not the fear where I'm trembling. it's not the fear where I'm trembling. it's not the fear where I'm trembling. I'm scared. I'm afraid like the word I'm scared. I'm afraid like the word I'm scared. I'm afraid like the word it's the same word that was used of the it's the same word that was used of the it's the same word that was used of the sailors. sailors. sailors. They're trembling. They're afraid in They're trembling. They're afraid in They're trembling. They're afraid in fear. But here the the nuance of the fear. But here the the nuance of the fear. But here the the nuance of the term is I worship Yahweh. I'm not scared term is I worship Yahweh. I'm not scared term is I worship Yahweh. I'm not scared of him. I'm in reverent awe of him. I'm of him. I'm in reverent awe of him. I'm of him. I'm in reverent awe of him. I'm loyal to him. I'm a true worshipper of loyal to him. I'm a true worshipper of loyal to him. I'm a true worshipper of God. What what he's saying in our God. What what he's saying in our God. What what he's saying in our language is I am a good living language is I am a good living language is I am a good living God-following Bible believing God-following Bible believing God-following Bible believing church-going regular tithing Christian.

church-going regular tithing Christian. church-going regular tithing Christian. I know the real God, not all the pagan I know the real God, not all the pagan I know the real God, not all the pagan gods that that are false that you all gods that that are false that you all gods that that are false that you all follow and bow down to. and and and my follow and bow down to. and and and my follow and bow down to. and and and my God is the God that can't actually be God is the God that can't actually be God is the God that can't actually be contained to one region. You're trying contained to one region. You're trying contained to one region. You're trying to find out what region he's from, but to find out what region he's from, but to find out what region he's from, but he's the God of heaven. he's the God of heaven. he's the God of heaven. He's he's above all the regions. And in He's he's above all the regions. And in He's he's above all the regions. And in fact, he he's the God of the of the land fact, he he's the God of the of the land fact, he he's the God of the of the land and the sea where all the people are and and the sea where all the people are and and the sea where all the people are and where all the people can't live because where all the people can't live because where all the people can't live because it's the sea. He he dominates it all. it's the sea. He he dominates it all. it's the sea. He he dominates it all. God, my God, is supreme. He is above all God, my God, is supreme. He is above all God, my God, is supreme. He is above all and he controls all. And he's right. and he controls all. And he's right. and he controls all. And he's right. This is this is good. theology. This is this is good. theology. This is this is good. theology. Jonah talks good orthodox truth here. But the the irony is his snoring speaks But the the irony is his snoring speaks louder than these words. louder than these words. louder than these words. And the direction that his legs are And the direction that his legs are And the direction that his legs are running toward speak louder than the running toward speak louder than the running toward speak louder than the preachy words on his lips here and his preachy words on his lips here and his preachy words on his lips here and his declaration of faith. And and you're declaration of faith. And and you're declaration of faith. And and you're supposed to catch the irony. Even these supposed to catch the irony. Even these supposed to catch the irony. Even these pagan sailors catch it. They pick up on pagan sailors catch it. They pick up on pagan sailors catch it. They pick up on the fact that that something's off here, the fact that that something's off here, the fact that that something's off here, that Jonah is a hypocrite. That's why in that Jonah is a hypocrite. That's why in that Jonah is a hypocrite. That's why in verse 10, they ask him, "How could you verse 10, they ask him, "How could you verse 10, they ask him, "How could you do this? How could you do this? You you do this? How could you do this? You you do this? How could you do this? You you can't believe that and then be doing can't believe that and then be doing can't believe that and then be doing what you're doing.

what you're doing. what you're doing. Fleeing in disobedience from your God Fleeing in disobedience from your God Fleeing in disobedience from your God isn't fearing your God. It isn't isn't fearing your God. It isn't isn't fearing your God. It isn't worshiping your God. Running from God's worshiping your God. Running from God's worshiping your God. Running from God's call reveals your lack of reverence for call reveals your lack of reverence for call reveals your lack of reverence for your God is what they're saying." your God is what they're saying." your God is what they're saying." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So these amateur theologians are right. >> So these amateur theologians are right. >> So these amateur theologians are right. Jonah's hypocrisy is pathetic. His life Jonah's hypocrisy is pathetic. His life Jonah's hypocrisy is pathetic. His life proves that he really isn't worshiping proves that he really isn't worshiping proves that he really isn't worshiping God God God even though that's what he says. even though that's what he says. even though that's what he says. Now look at verse 12 where he pops up Now look at verse 12 where he pops up Now look at verse 12 where he pops up again. These these men don't know what again. These these men don't know what again. These these men don't know what to do with Jonah because his sin is to do with Jonah because his sin is to do with Jonah because his sin is following him and his sin that's following him and his sin that's following him and his sin that's following him is affecting them. following him is affecting them. following him is affecting them. because that's what sin does. What do we because that's what sin does. What do we because that's what sin does. What do we do, pastors? What he said? They say, do, pastors? What he said? They say, do, pastors? What he said? They say, "Your sin, your disobedience, your "Your sin, your disobedience, your "Your sin, your disobedience, your running, your carefree and careless running, your carefree and careless running, your carefree and careless approach to to your God has affected us. approach to to your God has affected us. approach to to your God has affected us. The storm didn't just single you out." The storm didn't just single you out." The storm didn't just single you out." So Junas says to them in verse 12, So Junas says to them in verse 12, So Junas says to them in verse 12, "Here's what you need to do.

"Here's what you need to do. "Here's what you need to do. Pick me up. Throw me into the sea. Then Pick me up. Throw me into the sea. Then Pick me up. Throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you. For I the sea will become calm for you. For I the sea will become calm for you. For I know that on account of me, this great know that on account of me, this great know that on account of me, this great storm has come upon you. storm has come upon you. storm has come upon you. So, you know, listen, Jonah accepts it's So, you know, listen, Jonah accepts it's So, you know, listen, Jonah accepts it's his fault. He accepts it's his fault. his fault. He accepts it's his fault. his fault. He accepts it's his fault. And and Jonah knows that that his wrong And and Jonah knows that that his wrong And and Jonah knows that that his wrong wrong has affected those around him. But wrong has affected those around him. But wrong has affected those around him. But this is this piece of advice is no act this is this piece of advice is no act this is this piece of advice is no act of repentance. of repentance. of repentance. Jonah is not repenting here. Jonah is Jonah is not repenting here. Jonah is Jonah is not repenting here. Jonah is not singing his way down the aisle not singing his way down the aisle not singing his way down the aisle singing, "I surrender all. singing, "I surrender all. singing, "I surrender all. I surrender all all to thee, my precious I surrender all all to thee, my precious I surrender all all to thee, my precious savior. I surrender all. He's not doing savior. I surrender all. He's not doing savior. I surrender all. He's not doing that here. He's not going into the that here. He's not going into the that here. He's not going into the prayer room to recommmit his life to prayer room to recommmit his life to prayer room to recommmit his life to God. God. God. If if so, why doesn't he just walk the If if so, why doesn't he just walk the If if so, why doesn't he just walk the plank of the ship and jump right into plank of the ship and jump right into plank of the ship and jump right into the sea? Do the men a favor. And in the sea? Do the men a favor. And in the sea? Do the men a favor. And in fact, he might even do an Olympic jump fact, he might even do an Olympic jump fact, he might even do an Olympic jump or dive into the sea. Make it or dive into the sea. Make it or dive into the sea. Make it spectacular.

spectacular. spectacular. If if he believes that that's going to If if he believes that that's going to If if he believes that that's going to fix it, why doesn't he just jump in? fix it, why doesn't he just jump in? fix it, why doesn't he just jump in? Why doesn't he walk the plank? Or or why Why doesn't he walk the plank? Or or why Why doesn't he walk the plank? Or or why doesn't he just get on his knees? doesn't he just get on his knees? doesn't he just get on his knees? Why doesn't he get on his knees and Why doesn't he get on his knees and Why doesn't he get on his knees and repent and do these men a favor? repent and do these men a favor? repent and do these men a favor? Jonah knows God. He knows that God Jonah knows God. He knows that God Jonah knows God. He knows that God responds to repentance. He knows that. responds to repentance. He knows that. responds to repentance. He knows that. He knows that well. That's why he He knows that well. That's why he He knows that well. That's why he doesn't want to go to Nineveh. God might doesn't want to go to Nineveh. God might doesn't want to go to Nineveh. God might actually forgive because that's what God actually forgive because that's what God actually forgive because that's what God does. He forgives people who repent. does. He forgives people who repent. does. He forgives people who repent. He's compassionate. He's compassionate. He's compassionate. Now Jonah Jonah accepts that he sinned Now Jonah Jonah accepts that he sinned Now Jonah Jonah accepts that he sinned and Jonah knows that that has affected and Jonah knows that that has affected and Jonah knows that that has affected those around him, but he doesn't turn those around him, but he doesn't turn those around him, but he doesn't turn back to God here. He's sort of saying, back to God here. He's sort of saying, back to God here. He's sort of saying, "Whoops, guys. My bad." Yeah. Yeah. It's "Whoops, guys. My bad." Yeah. Yeah. It's "Whoops, guys. My bad." Yeah. Yeah. It's my bad. He's not saying, "I'm I'm sorry. my bad. He's not saying, "I'm I'm sorry. my bad. He's not saying, "I'm I'm sorry. Forgive me. Forgive me, God, for what I Forgive me. Forgive me, God, for what I Forgive me. Forgive me, God, for what I have done." He doesn't take have done." He doesn't take have done." He doesn't take responsibility for his wrongdoing. responsibility for his wrongdoing. responsibility for his wrongdoing. What he's advising them to do here is an What he's advising them to do here is an What he's advising them to do here is an absolute copart. He doesn't want to jump absolute copart. He doesn't want to jump absolute copart. He doesn't want to jump in. That's a bit too scary. Why don't in. That's a bit too scary. Why don't in. That's a bit too scary. Why don't you throw me in? Why why why don't we you throw me in? Why why why don't we you throw me in? Why why why don't we just put my my blood on your hands? You just put my my blood on your hands? You just put my my blood on your hands? You take responsibility for my death, not take responsibility for my death, not take responsibility for my death, not me. And and they pick up on that. That's me. And and they pick up on that. That's me. And and they pick up on that. That's why we're, as the story goes on, we're why we're, as the story goes on, we're why we're, as the story goes on, we're told that they row, they row, they row, told that they row, they row, they row, told that they row, they row, they row, they row to try and save him when they they row to try and save him when they they row to try and save him when they know he's not willing to jump in and know he's not willing to jump in and know he's not willing to jump in and save them.

save them. save them. Irony again. Irony again. Irony again. Bottom line is in chapter one here in Bottom line is in chapter one here in Bottom line is in chapter one here in this sea storm, we're seeing that Jonah this sea storm, we're seeing that Jonah this sea storm, we're seeing that Jonah is selfish. is selfish. is selfish. God's child is selfish. God's child is selfish. God's child is selfish. Selfish people don't take Selfish people don't take Selfish people don't take responsibility. Selfish people don't say responsibility. Selfish people don't say responsibility. Selfish people don't say sorry. sorry. sorry. Their sin follows them. Their sin Their sin follows them. Their sin Their sin follows them. Their sin affects others and they frankly don't affects others and they frankly don't affects others and they frankly don't seem to care. seem to care. seem to care. Irony again. And here we have an Irony again. And here we have an Irony again. And here we have an innocent pagan group of sailors trying innocent pagan group of sailors trying innocent pagan group of sailors trying to compassionately save the life of a to compassionately save the life of a to compassionately save the life of a guilty preacher who has no compassion guilty preacher who has no compassion guilty preacher who has no compassion for them, has been loose with their for them, has been loose with their for them, has been loose with their lives. In fact, careless with their lives. In fact, careless with their lives. In fact, careless with their lives. [snorts] So here's here's here's what I'm saying. So here's here's here's what I'm saying. I think this is what God's saying in I think this is what God's saying in I think this is what God's saying in this little incident from character this little incident from character this little incident from character cutout number two in chapter one of cutout number two in chapter one of cutout number two in chapter one of Jonah. The sleepy servant of God is Jonah. The sleepy servant of God is Jonah. The sleepy servant of God is selfish. selfish. selfish. The sleepy, snoring servant of God is The sleepy, snoring servant of God is The sleepy, snoring servant of God is selfish. [snorts] He talks the godly selfish. [snorts] He talks the godly selfish. [snorts] He talks the godly talk, but he's not willing to walk the talk, but he's not willing to walk the talk, but he's not willing to walk the godly walk.

godly walk. godly walk. Jonah is a contradiction. Jonah is a Jonah is a contradiction. Jonah is a Jonah is a contradiction. Jonah is a paradox. He's a bit of an enigma. He paradox. He's a bit of an enigma. He paradox. He's a bit of an enigma. He thinks his status in the world, his his thinks his status in the world, his his thinks his status in the world, his his nationality as a Hebrew, his nationality as a Hebrew, his nationality as a Hebrew, his Christianity as it as it were, Christianity as it as it were, Christianity as it as it were, connecting him to the one true God, or connecting him to the one true God, or connecting him to the one true God, or his legacy as a as a celebrity pastor his legacy as a as a celebrity pastor his legacy as a as a celebrity pastor will cover a multitude of sins. But it will cover a multitude of sins. But it will cover a multitude of sins. But it doesn't. doesn't. doesn't. It doesn't. Like the church in Ephesus Like the church in Ephesus that we read about in the book of that we read about in the book of that we read about in the book of Revelation, remember Revelation, remember Revelation, remember Jonah has forgotten his first love. Jonah has forgotten his first love. Jonah has forgotten his first love. Jonah has somehow drifted. Jonah has somehow drifted. Jonah has somehow drifted. He's got off the off the walk on the He's got off the off the walk on the He's got off the off the walk on the path that he should be walking. He has a path that he should be walking. He has a path that he should be walking. He has a walking contradiction. walking contradiction. walking contradiction. But he's there as a warning for me. But he's there as a warning for me. But he's there as a warning for me. He's there as a warning for you. He's He's there as a warning for you. He's He's there as a warning for you. He's not there. This isn't a story to not there. This isn't a story to not there. This isn't a story to entertain us. This is a story to engage entertain us. This is a story to engage entertain us. This is a story to engage us us us into the heart of God.

into the heart of God. into the heart of God. So, let me leave you with three little So, let me leave you with three little So, let me leave you with three little comments to take home this week. Please comments to take home this week. Please comments to take home this week. Please chew on them, meditate on them, find chew on them, meditate on them, find chew on them, meditate on them, find time to reflect on these issues as you time to reflect on these issues as you time to reflect on these issues as you go back to this portion of scripture. go back to this portion of scripture. go back to this portion of scripture. It's far too important if you're a child It's far too important if you're a child It's far too important if you're a child of God. of God. of God. The first of the three comments I'd like The first of the three comments I'd like The first of the three comments I'd like you to, I guess, take as an application, you to, I guess, take as an application, you to, I guess, take as an application, write them down, is this. Indifference write them down, is this. Indifference write them down, is this. Indifference easily slips into the Christian life. easily slips into the Christian life. easily slips into the Christian life. Indifference easily slips into the Indifference easily slips into the Indifference easily slips into the Christian life. Spiritual apathy is a Christian life. Spiritual apathy is a Christian life. Spiritual apathy is a real threat to us all. In fact, real threat to us all. In fact, real threat to us all. In fact, historically speaking, spiritual historically speaking, spiritual historically speaking, spiritual laziness rises during economic laziness rises during economic laziness rises during economic prosperity like it did with Jonah, like prosperity like it did with Jonah, like prosperity like it did with Jonah, like it did with the Israelites in that it did with the Israelites in that it did with the Israelites in that little portion of the 8th century. little portion of the 8th century. little portion of the 8th century. Prosperity, it makes you comfortable. It Prosperity, it makes you comfortable. It Prosperity, it makes you comfortable. It it it can distract you. It it it can it it can distract you. It it it can it it can distract you. It it it can bloat you. We begin to think we're big bloat you. We begin to think we're big bloat you. We begin to think we're big stuff because of our accomplishments and stuff because of our accomplishments and stuff because of our accomplishments and and our economy and our nationality and and our economy and our nationality and and our economy and our nationality and our Christianity.

our Christianity. our Christianity. And we forget that it's not because of And we forget that it's not because of And we forget that it's not because of us. It was because of God's kindness, us. It was because of God's kindness, us. It was because of God's kindness, his compassion. his compassion. his compassion. So, we don't get on our knees as often So, we don't get on our knees as often So, we don't get on our knees as often because we don't feel needy. I don't because we don't feel needy. I don't because we don't feel needy. I don't feel needy. I don't feel like I need to feel needy. I don't feel like I need to feel needy. I don't feel like I need to ask about life, God, because all is ask about life, God, because all is ask about life, God, because all is well. So we get indifferent and we well. So we get indifferent and we well. So we get indifferent and we become indifferent or spiritually lazy become indifferent or spiritually lazy become indifferent or spiritually lazy toward others. toward others. toward others. We don't do it by a by a sitdown moment We don't do it by a by a sitdown moment We don't do it by a by a sitdown moment uh you know a choice plan for my life uh you know a choice plan for my life uh you know a choice plan for my life moving forward. My motto in life is moving forward. My motto in life is moving forward. My motto in life is going to be I don't care for anybody. We going to be I don't care for anybody. We going to be I don't care for anybody. We don't we don't do it like that. We we we don't we don't do it like that. We we we don't we don't do it like that. We we we drift [snorts] drift [snorts] drift [snorts] slowly subtly. slowly subtly. slowly subtly. Spiritual laziness rises because we Spiritual laziness rises because we Spiritual laziness rises because we become a little bit too self-absorbed. become a little bit too self-absorbed. become a little bit too self-absorbed. We simply don't think of other people. We simply don't think of other people. We simply don't think of other people. Being apathetic toward others is still Being apathetic toward others is still Being apathetic toward others is still pathetic in the life of God's people.

pathetic in the life of God's people. pathetic in the life of God's people. You've forgotten the gospel. You've forgotten the gospel. You've forgotten the gospel. And it's alive and well in in celebrity And it's alive and well in in celebrity And it's alive and well in in celebrity pastors in the 8th century and it's pastors in the 8th century and it's pastors in the 8th century and it's alive and well today. It's a threat to alive and well today. It's a threat to alive and well today. It's a threat to your life and to your walk with God. your life and to your walk with God. your life and to your walk with God. Jonah's story in this sea storm is a Jonah's story in this sea storm is a Jonah's story in this sea storm is a warning from God to us. It's a kindness warning from God to us. It's a kindness warning from God to us. It's a kindness of God. Be very, very, very careful. of God. Be very, very, very careful. of God. Be very, very, very careful. Indifference will easily slip into your Indifference will easily slip into your Indifference will easily slip into your life. life. life. Maybe even festering in there already Maybe even festering in there already Maybe even festering in there already because the flesh remains until you because the flesh remains until you because the flesh remains until you receive your resurrected body. Your walk receive your resurrected body. Your walk receive your resurrected body. Your walk with God is God's work of restricting with God is God's work of restricting with God is God's work of restricting the influence of the flesh upon your the influence of the flesh upon your the influence of the flesh upon your life, life, life, which only he can do. if you walk in which only he can do. if you walk in which only he can do. if you walk in step with the spirit. Second lesson I'd step with the spirit. Second lesson I'd step with the spirit. Second lesson I'd love to you to take home and chew on is love to you to take home and chew on is love to you to take home and chew on is this. Write this down. Unconfessed sin this. Write this down. Unconfessed sin this. Write this down. Unconfessed sin follows you and affects more than just follows you and affects more than just follows you and affects more than just you. Always affects more than just you. you. Always affects more than just you. you. Always affects more than just you. You [snorts] don't sleep off You [snorts] don't sleep off You [snorts] don't sleep off disobedience against God like it's some disobedience against God like it's some disobedience against God like it's some sort of temporary hangover.

sort of temporary hangover. sort of temporary hangover. A private hidden rebellion doesn't stay A private hidden rebellion doesn't stay A private hidden rebellion doesn't stay private. private. private. be it simply not doing what God's called be it simply not doing what God's called be it simply not doing what God's called you to do or be it pursuing what what you to do or be it pursuing what what you to do or be it pursuing what what you shouldn't be pursuing. It doesn't you shouldn't be pursuing. It doesn't you shouldn't be pursuing. It doesn't stay private. It's a downward trajectory stay private. It's a downward trajectory stay private. It's a downward trajectory and it drags other people with you. It and it drags other people with you. It and it drags other people with you. It has consequences that radiate from you, has consequences that radiate from you, has consequences that radiate from you, especially to those closest to you, the especially to those closest to you, the especially to those closest to you, the ones you love most. Because you're a ones you love most. Because you're a ones you love most. Because you're a part of a web of relationships. We're part of a web of relationships. We're part of a web of relationships. We're all connected. We're all connected. all connected. We're all connected. all connected. We're all connected. A spousal sin affects the other spouse. A spousal sin affects the other spouse. A spousal sin affects the other spouse. Parental sin affects children to the Parental sin affects children to the Parental sin affects children to the third and fourth generation. Children's third and fourth generation. Children's third and fourth generation. Children's sin affects parents. Pastors sins affect sin affects parents. Pastors sins affect sin affects parents. Pastors sins affect a church. Church's sins affect the a church. Church's sins affect the a church. Church's sins affect the pastor. Church's sins affect other pastor. Church's sins affect other pastor. Church's sins affect other believers in the church. Church's sins believers in the church. Church's sins believers in the church. Church's sins affect the neighborhood in which that affect the neighborhood in which that affect the neighborhood in which that church is located. A neighborhood is tighter in Satan's A neighborhood is tighter in Satan's grip if God's church is looser in God's grip if God's church is looser in God's grip if God's church is looser in God's grip.

Sin in your life as a believer follows Sin in your life as a believer follows you and it drags everybody else in. It you and it drags everybody else in. It you and it drags everybody else in. It doesn't just go away. It snowballs. You need a break. You need a break. So, here's a little break, but it has a So, here's a little break, but it has a So, here's a little break, but it has a point. My good friend, Pastor Hitchcock, point. My good friend, Pastor Hitchcock, point. My good friend, Pastor Hitchcock, who's coming in a few weeks for this end who's coming in a few weeks for this end who's coming in a few weeks for this end times conference, told me a joke about a times conference, told me a joke about a times conference, told me a joke about a pastor who I think describes or lives pastor who I think describes or lives pastor who I think describes or lives out this very, very well. This pastor out this very, very well. This pastor out this very, very well. This pastor was pulled over by a police officer for was pulled over by a police officer for was pulled over by a police officer for speeding. speeding. speeding. Pastor speeding. Pastor speeding. Pastor speeding. The officer told the pastor, "Sir, I'm The officer told the pastor, "Sir, I'm The officer told the pastor, "Sir, I'm giving you a ticket for speeding." Well, giving you a ticket for speeding." Well, giving you a ticket for speeding." Well, the pastor was put out by that. He says, the pastor was put out by that. He says, the pastor was put out by that. He says, "That's impossible. "That's impossible. "That's impossible. I'm a pastor. I was using my cruise I'm a pastor. I was using my cruise I'm a pastor. I was using my cruise control. I was going at 60." control. I was going at 60." control. I was going at 60." Now, at that point, the pastor's friend, Now, at that point, the pastor's friend, Now, at that point, the pastor's friend, his parrot, sitt seated in the back of his parrot, sitt seated in the back of his parrot, sitt seated in the back of the car, shouts out, "Oh, that's not the car, shouts out, "Oh, that's not the car, shouts out, "Oh, that's not true.

true. true. The cruise control doesn't work in this The cruise control doesn't work in this The cruise control doesn't work in this car." car." car." Good news, though. The hidden police Good news, though. The hidden police Good news, though. The hidden police radar went off, so it works. Of course, radar went off, so it works. Of course, radar went off, so it works. Of course, the pastor smiles nervously at the the pastor smiles nervously at the the pastor smiles nervously at the officer and between gritted teeth, he officer and between gritted teeth, he officer and between gritted teeth, he tells the pirate, the parrot to be tells the pirate, the parrot to be tells the pirate, the parrot to be quiet. quiet. quiet. The officer then says, "Uh, sir, I see The officer then says, "Uh, sir, I see The officer then says, "Uh, sir, I see you're not wearing your seat belt. you're not wearing your seat belt. you're not wearing your seat belt. That's another ticket." That's another ticket." That's another ticket." The pastor's flustered. He said, "Well, The pastor's flustered. He said, "Well, The pastor's flustered. He said, "Well, no, no, no, sir. I I took it off no, no, no, sir. I I took it off no, no, no, sir. I I took it off whenever you pulled me over because I whenever you pulled me over because I whenever you pulled me over because I needed to get my wallet to show you my needed to get my wallet to show you my needed to get my wallet to show you my license." [snorts] license." [snorts] license." [snorts] The pirate speaks up again. The pirate speaks up again. The pirate speaks up again. Oh, that's not true. Oh, that's not true. Oh, that's not true. you never wear your seatelt. you never wear your seatelt. you never wear your seatelt. So the pastor's even more irritated and So the pastor's even more irritated and So the pastor's even more irritated and he turns to the parrot again and he he turns to the parrot again and he he turns to the parrot again and he says, "Would you shush?" says, "Would you shush?" says, "Would you shush?" At which point the officer pops his head At which point the officer pops his head At which point the officer pops his head in through the window and asks the in through the window and asks the in through the window and asks the parrot in the back seat, "Does he always parrot in the back seat, "Does he always parrot in the back seat, "Does he always talk to you this way?" talk to you this way?" talk to you this way?" "Oh no," the parrot says. "Not at all, "Oh no," the parrot says. "Not at all, "Oh no," the parrot says. "Not at all, except when he's been heavily drinking."

It's good. It's good. You needed a break. I needed a break. You needed a break. I needed a break. You needed a break. I needed a break. But it makes the point. But it makes the point. But it makes the point. Sin entangles us. [snorts] I If if you Sin entangles us. [snorts] I If if you Sin entangles us. [snorts] I If if you don't come clean, you keep moving in don't come clean, you keep moving in don't come clean, you keep moving in this downward trajectory into more and this downward trajectory into more and this downward trajectory into more and more and more sin. more and more sin. more and more sin. Unconfessed sin in your life as a Unconfessed sin in your life as a Unconfessed sin in your life as a believer follows you and it affects believer follows you and it affects believer follows you and it affects everybody around you. It doesn't unsave everybody around you. It doesn't unsave everybody around you. It doesn't unsave you. We we believe that you're saved by you. We we believe that you're saved by you. We we believe that you're saved by by the grace of of God through faith by the grace of of God through faith by the grace of of God through faith alone in Christ alone. So unconfessed alone in Christ alone. So unconfessed alone in Christ alone. So unconfessed sin in the life of the believer doesn't sin in the life of the believer doesn't sin in the life of the believer doesn't unsave you, but it does derail you in unsave you, but it does derail you in unsave you, but it does derail you in your walk with God. It affects your your walk with God. It affects your your walk with God. It affects your usefulness to God. So it must be usefulness to God. So it must be usefulness to God. So it must be confessed. It must be owned up to. It confessed. It must be owned up to. It confessed. It must be owned up to. It must be brought to God with a genuine must be brought to God with a genuine must be brought to God with a genuine getting on your knees and saying, "I'm getting on your knees and saying, "I'm getting on your knees and saying, "I'm sorry, Lord. Forgive me." Not some sort sorry, Lord. Forgive me." Not some sort sorry, Lord. Forgive me." Not some sort of lazair. Whoops. I'll just lie down of lazair. Whoops. I'll just lie down of lazair. Whoops. I'll just lie down and hope it all goes away. and hope it all goes away. and hope it all goes away. Jonah's story in this sea storm scene is Jonah's story in this sea storm scene is Jonah's story in this sea storm scene is a warning from God. It's a kind warning a warning from God. It's a kind warning a warning from God. It's a kind warning from God. Being loose with sin is from God. Being loose with sin is from God. Being loose with sin is careless. It's careless toward you as a careless. It's careless toward you as a careless. It's careless toward you as a child of God. It's careless toward all child of God. It's careless toward all child of God. It's careless toward all of the rest of us around you. It's of the rest of us around you. It's of the rest of us around you. It's careless to the community that depends careless to the community that depends careless to the community that depends on you to be a light to them concerning on you to be a light to them concerning on you to be a light to them concerning the love of God. And it's careless the love of God. And it's careless the love of God. And it's careless toward God.

toward God. toward God. Unconfessed sin follows you and it Unconfessed sin follows you and it Unconfessed sin follows you and it affects you more than you know. So you affects you more than you know. So you affects you more than you know. So you confess it. You come clean with God. confess it. You come clean with God. confess it. You come clean with God. Third piece of advice very very quickly Third piece of advice very very quickly Third piece of advice very very quickly comes to us from from the lips of comes to us from from the lips of comes to us from from the lips of Captain Pagan as he speaks to sleepy Captain Pagan as he speaks to sleepy Captain Pagan as he speaks to sleepy Jonas. Jonas. Jonas. It's a question and an answer. Verse six It's a question and an answer. Verse six It's a question and an answer. Verse six captures it all. How can you sleep? Get captures it all. How can you sleep? Get captures it all. How can you sleep? Get up. up. up. How can you sleep in the 21st century as How can you sleep in the 21st century as How can you sleep in the 21st century as a child of God entrusted with the gospel a child of God entrusted with the gospel a child of God entrusted with the gospel of hope to a lost world? How can you of hope to a lost world? How can you of hope to a lost world? How can you sleep? You get up. It's time to wake up. sleep? You get up. It's time to wake up. sleep? You get up. It's time to wake up. What will God have to send your way to What will God have to send your way to What will God have to send your way to wake you up, sleepy Christian? wake you up, sleepy Christian? wake you up, sleepy Christian? If you're a sleepy Jonah, what is it If you're a sleepy Jonah, what is it If you're a sleepy Jonah, what is it going to take? or what is it going to going to take? or what is it going to going to take? or what is it going to take for for God to wake us up as a 21st take for for God to wake us up as a 21st take for for God to wake us up as a 21st century western church so that we reach century western church so that we reach century western church so that we reach our communities.

our communities. our communities. It's time to reconnect with God and and It's time to reconnect with God and and It's time to reconnect with God and and his purposes. It's time to position our his purposes. It's time to position our his purposes. It's time to position our lives toward God's purposes, not away lives toward God's purposes, not away lives toward God's purposes, not away from God's purposes off to some sort of from God's purposes off to some sort of from God's purposes off to some sort of sunny tares. sunny tares. sunny tares. true worshippers of God through faith in true worshippers of God through faith in true worshippers of God through faith in Jesus. The real good living, God-feing, Jesus. The real good living, God-feing, Jesus. The real good living, God-feing, bibleelving, churchgoing, regular bibleelving, churchgoing, regular bibleelving, churchgoing, regular tithing Christians don't just say they tithing Christians don't just say they tithing Christians don't just say they love God. They live their love for God. love God. They live their love for God. love God. They live their love for God. Their lips on Sundays match their legs Their lips on Sundays match their legs Their lips on Sundays match their legs Monday to Saturday. Monday to Saturday. Monday to Saturday. They're not just hearers, they're doers They're not just hearers, they're doers They're not just hearers, they're doers of the truth, as the Apostle James says. of the truth, as the Apostle James says. of the truth, as the Apostle James says. They don't just talk good orthodox truth They don't just talk good orthodox truth They don't just talk good orthodox truth like like Jonah does there in verse 9. like like Jonah does there in verse 9. like like Jonah does there in verse 9. They they walk it out. that they live it They they walk it out. that they live it They they walk it out. that they live it out. out. out. Otherwise, Otherwise, Otherwise, they're just hypocrites. Jonah's story in this seatorm is an Jonah's story in this seatorm is an invitation from God to snoring invitation from God to snoring invitation from God to snoring Christians. [snorts] Christians. [snorts] Christians. [snorts] It's an invitation from God to snoring It's an invitation from God to snoring It's an invitation from God to snoring sleepy churches sleepy churches sleepy churches to get up, to get up, to get up, to just get up. Captain Pagan's orders to just get up. Captain Pagan's orders to just get up. Captain Pagan's orders are actually God's orders.

are actually God's orders. are actually God's orders. If God can use runaway, rebellious If God can use runaway, rebellious If God can use runaway, rebellious pastors to reach pagan sailors, he can pastors to reach pagan sailors, he can pastors to reach pagan sailors, he can use awake and willing and obedient use awake and willing and obedient use awake and willing and obedient available Christians despite the little available Christians despite the little available Christians despite the little that they have to offer him. that they have to offer him. that they have to offer him. So, let's be that type of Christian So, let's be that type of Christian So, let's be that type of Christian and let's be that type of church. We've covered a lot. I told you we would We've covered a lot. I told you we would cover a lot and you've been very, very cover a lot and you've been very, very cover a lot and you've been very, very patient, very, very good. So, I want you patient, very, very good. So, I want you patient, very, very good. So, I want you to head home with these three and chew to head home with these three and chew to head home with these three and chew on them this week. I need to put the on them this week. I need to put the on them this week. I need to put the flannel graph board away. Let me let me flannel graph board away. Let me let me flannel graph board away. Let me let me just pray for us and send us on our just pray for us and send us on our just pray for us and send us on our where we're going to stand and sing in a where we're going to stand and sing in a where we're going to stand and sing in a few moments as well. Heavenly Father, I few moments as well. Heavenly Father, I few moments as well. Heavenly Father, I thank you for your word for for not just thank you for your word for for not just thank you for your word for for not just declaring truth, but declaring truth, but declaring truth, but sending it to us dressed in sending it to us dressed in sending it to us dressed in aspects of life that we're familiar with aspects of life that we're familiar with aspects of life that we're familiar with so that it connects with us so that we so that it connects with us so that we so that it connects with us so that we see the relevance. Lord, see the relevance. Lord, see the relevance. Lord, thank you for the the the lesson, the thank you for the the the lesson, the thank you for the the the lesson, the warning from Jonah in this first warning from Jonah in this first warning from Jonah in this first chapter, chapter, chapter, forgive me, Lord, for the times that I forgive me, Lord, for the times that I forgive me, Lord, for the times that I have so easily fallen asleep have so easily fallen asleep have so easily fallen asleep when you've asked me to get up. Forgive when you've asked me to get up. Forgive when you've asked me to get up. Forgive us as a church for being sleepy when us as a church for being sleepy when us as a church for being sleepy when you're calling us to go. Help us this you're calling us to go. Help us this you're calling us to go. Help us this week to really sink our teeth into this week to really sink our teeth into this week to really sink our teeth into this truth in your company truth in your company truth in your company that your spirit would mold our hearts

that your spirit would mold our hearts that your spirit would mold our hearts and align them to our Lord Jesus Christ and align them to our Lord Jesus Christ and align them to our Lord Jesus Christ not just with words but with with not just with words but with with not just with words but with with action, with sweat, with passion. action, with sweat, with passion. action, with sweat, with passion. Help us to pe be the people that you Help us to pe be the people that you Help us to pe be the people that you deserve. Lord, deserve. Lord, deserve. Lord, help us to live our lives in a way that help us to live our lives in a way that help us to live our lives in a way that you see is true worship. In Jesus name you see is true worship. In Jesus name you see is true worship. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.