A Sad Relapse

Whatever brings you satisfaction and Whatever brings you satisfaction and comfort in life, makes you smile, if comfort in life, makes you smile, if comfort in life, makes you smile, if it's outside of the will of God, is to it's outside of the will of God, is to it's outside of the will of God, is to some extent idolatrous. There's nothing some extent idolatrous. There's nothing some extent idolatrous. There's nothing wrong with comfort and pleasure at all. wrong with comfort and pleasure at all. wrong with comfort and pleasure at all. But if it's disordered, if it's wrongly But if it's disordered, if it's wrongly But if it's disordered, if it's wrongly ranked in your heart, if it's what you ranked in your heart, if it's what you ranked in your heart, if it's what you live for for satisfaction and and live for for satisfaction and and live for for satisfaction and and fulfillment, then we've moved into the fulfillment, then we've moved into the fulfillment, then we've moved into the arena of Christianized idolatry. They arena of Christianized idolatry. They arena of Christianized idolatry. They can become like little Christianized can become like little Christianized can become like little Christianized idols that you carry around in your idols that you carry around in your idols that you carry around in your pocket and you polish and you sort of pocket and you polish and you sort of pocket and you polish and you sort of pray toward and hold as if for good pray toward and hold as if for good pray toward and hold as if for good Christian luck. And God will not Christian luck. And God will not Christian luck. And God will not hesitate for a moment to send some sort hesitate for a moment to send some sort hesitate for a moment to send some sort of worm to eat that up because he who of worm to eat that up because he who of worm to eat that up because he who began a good work in you began a good work in you began a good work in you will complete it. will complete it. will complete it. >> [music] >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. What a delight it is to worship the Lord What a delight it is to worship the Lord What a delight it is to worship the Lord Jesus Christ with you this morning and Jesus Christ with you this morning and Jesus Christ with you this morning and to do so with everyone, especially the to do so with everyone, especially the to do so with everyone, especially the VBS kids this morning. Wasn't that VBS kids this morning. Wasn't that VBS kids this morning. Wasn't that excellent? They've decided to follow excellent? They've decided to follow excellent? They've decided to follow Jesus. Fantastic. Yeah.

Jesus. Fantastic. Yeah. Jesus. Fantastic. Yeah. >> [applause] >> And I want to publicly thank Christy >> And I want to publicly thank Christy McElhenney and her team and the 200 McElhenney and her team and the 200 McElhenney and her team and the 200 volunteers that made this week very, volunteers that made this week very, volunteers that made this week very, very special. very special. very special. I looked out at the volunteers and I looked out at the volunteers and I looked out at the volunteers and here's what I saw, them basically here's what I saw, them basically here's what I saw, them basically saying, "This is my church family and saying, "This is my church family and saying, "This is my church family and this is my responsibility to take the this is my responsibility to take the this is my responsibility to take the gospel to the next generation." And so gospel to the next generation." And so gospel to the next generation." And so that fills me with joy. Thank you so that fills me with joy. Thank you so that fills me with joy. Thank you so much. And if you're visiting us this much. And if you're visiting us this much. And if you're visiting us this morning for the first time and if you've morning for the first time and if you've morning for the first time and if you've no church to call home, we'd love you to no church to call home, we'd love you to no church to call home, we'd love you to join us. We're a little weird, but but join us. We're a little weird, but but join us. We're a little weird, but but that's okay. You'll fit right in. No that's okay. You'll fit right in. No that's okay. You'll fit right in. No offense. offense. offense. Go ahead and turn in your copy of the Go ahead and turn in your copy of the Go ahead and turn in your copy of the scriptures to Jonah chapter 4. Jonah scriptures to Jonah chapter 4. Jonah scriptures to Jonah chapter 4. Jonah chapter 4. chapter 4. chapter 4. We've just exited a beautiful We've just exited a beautiful We've just exited a beautiful scene in chapter 3. The the city revival scene in chapter 3. The the city revival scene in chapter 3. The the city revival of Nineveh, an entire metroplex turning of Nineveh, an entire metroplex turning of Nineveh, an entire metroplex turning to God for salvation. The nasty to God for salvation. The nasty to God for salvation. The nasty Ninevites make a smart decision given Ninevites make a smart decision given Ninevites make a smart decision given the impending doom that's coming their the impending doom that's coming their the impending doom that's coming their way. They turn to God. They They're way. They turn to God. They They're way. They turn to God. They They're smart. They're They're like Frank. Frank smart. They're They're like Frank. Frank smart. They're They're like Frank. Frank was at home with his wife Linda was at home with his wife Linda was at home with his wife Linda when a thief broke into the house and he when a thief broke into the house and he when a thief broke into the house and he had a gun.

had a gun. had a gun. And he threatened them with it and he And he threatened them with it and he And he threatened them with it and he said to to Linda, he said, "Before I I said to to Linda, he said, "Before I I said to to Linda, he said, "Before I I do that, I need to know your name. do that, I need to know your name. do that, I need to know your name. What's your name, woman?" What's your name, woman?" What's your name, woman?" And she, afraid, said, "Well, my name is And she, afraid, said, "Well, my name is And she, afraid, said, "Well, my name is Linda." Linda." Linda." AND HE WENT, "AH, AND HE WENT, "AH, AND HE WENT, "AH, THAT WAS the name of my mom. THAT WAS the name of my mom. THAT WAS the name of my mom. I can't shoot you now, Linda." So, he I can't shoot you now, Linda." So, he I can't shoot you now, Linda." So, he turns to Frank and he says, "Okay, turns to Frank and he says, "Okay, turns to Frank and he says, "Okay, you're up, pal. What's your name?" you're up, pal. What's your name?" you're up, pal. What's your name?" And he says, "Oh, it's Frank. And he says, "Oh, it's Frank. And he says, "Oh, it's Frank. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> But everybody around town calls me >> But everybody around town calls me >> But everybody around town calls me Linda. So, you can call me Linda." Linda. So, you can call me Linda." Linda. So, you can call me Linda." Smart thinking from Frank there. I Smart thinking from Frank there. I Smart thinking from Frank there. I appreciate that. The Ninevites make a appreciate that. The Ninevites make a appreciate that. The Ninevites make a really good decision given what they're really good decision given what they're really good decision given what they're facing. facing. facing. They choose to turn to God for salvation They choose to turn to God for salvation They choose to turn to God for salvation faced with the truth that their a sin faced with the truth that their a sin faced with the truth that their a sin offends God and sin offends God and he offends God and sin offends God and he offends God and sin offends God and he will judge them for that because God will judge them for that because God will judge them for that because God must address sin. must address sin. must address sin. Sin then, sin today. Not because God's Sin then, sin today. Not because God's Sin then, sin today. Not because God's wicked, but because sin's wicked. Sin's wicked, but because sin's wicked. Sin's wicked, but because sin's wicked. Sin's evil. Sin's rebellion. It's an affront evil. Sin's rebellion. It's an affront evil. Sin's rebellion. It's an affront on God and God is holy.

on God and God is holy. on God and God is holy. And he will do what is right. And he will do what is right. And he will do what is right. But God is also kind. But God is also kind. But God is also kind. And so, he gives them 40 days to repent, And so, he gives them 40 days to repent, And so, he gives them 40 days to repent, to to reach out to him for forgiveness. to to reach out to him for forgiveness. to to reach out to him for forgiveness. And And the shock of chapter 3 is that And And the shock of chapter 3 is that And And the shock of chapter 3 is that they do. they do. they do. They do. They turn to God. The entire They do. They turn to God. The entire They do. They turn to God. The entire city from king to little Chihuahua, they city from king to little Chihuahua, they city from king to little Chihuahua, they turn to God for salvation. They make a turn to God for salvation. They make a turn to God for salvation. They make a smart decision, all of them. smart decision, all of them. smart decision, all of them. The atheist, the the secularist, the the The atheist, the the secularist, the the The atheist, the the secularist, the the satanist, the occultist, the ancient satanist, the occultist, the ancient satanist, the occultist, the ancient Ninevite version of Baptists and and Ninevite version of Baptists and and Ninevite version of Baptists and and Methodists, they all turn to God for Methodists, they all turn to God for Methodists, they all turn to God for salvation. salvation. salvation. And so And so And so seen in three in chapter three shows us seen in three in chapter three shows us seen in three in chapter three shows us that that God is willing to save even that that God is willing to save even that that God is willing to save even the vilest of human cultures that has the vilest of human cultures that has the vilest of human cultures that has ever existed on the planet if if they ever existed on the planet if if they ever existed on the planet if if they turn to him on his terms. And he still will save. That that that And he still will save. That that that truth remains. As long as there is truth remains. As long as there is truth remains. As long as there is history to be played out, that remains.

history to be played out, that remains. history to be played out, that remains. God will save those who turn to him. Now, the story of Jonah could end Now, the story of Jonah could end beautifully right there in chapter beautifully right there in chapter beautifully right there in chapter three. three. three. What an ending that would be. It would What an ending that would be. It would What an ending that would be. It would end on a high. end on a high. end on a high. And what a legacy Jonah himself would And what a legacy Jonah himself would And what a legacy Jonah himself would would leave. would leave. would leave. If the book ends here in chapter three, If the book ends here in chapter three, If the book ends here in chapter three, Jonah goes down in history as probably Jonah goes down in history as probably Jonah goes down in history as probably the most successful prophet in the the most successful prophet in the the most successful prophet in the Bible. Jonah would go down in history not just Jonah would go down in history not just as a legacy preacher, pastor in Israel as a legacy preacher, pastor in Israel as a legacy preacher, pastor in Israel for decades, but but as the most for decades, but but as the most for decades, but but as the most effective missionary, foreign effective missionary, foreign effective missionary, foreign missionary, the sort of Billy Graham missionary, the sort of Billy Graham missionary, the sort of Billy Graham evangelist of the 8th century BC. evangelist of the 8th century BC. evangelist of the 8th century BC. But you see, it doesn't end there. But you see, it doesn't end there. But you see, it doesn't end there. There's still another chapter. There's still another chapter. There's still another chapter. The story doesn't finish with chapter The story doesn't finish with chapter The story doesn't finish with chapter three. Why? Because this story is not three. Why? Because this story is not three. Why? Because this story is not just about God's heart for the lost just about God's heart for the lost just about God's heart for the lost cultures of society out there. cultures of society out there. cultures of society out there. This story is also about God's heart for This story is also about God's heart for This story is also about God's heart for correcting his immature people in here.

correcting his immature people in here. correcting his immature people in here. Inside the family of God. Inside the family of God. Inside the family of God. You, You, You, me, us. me, us. me, us. The fifth family, the climax of this The fifth family, the climax of this The fifth family, the climax of this story is not God's work in the culture story is not God's work in the culture story is not God's work in the culture alone, but rather God's work to use a alone, but rather God's work to use a alone, but rather God's work to use a modern term in Christians. modern term in Christians. modern term in Christians. God's after Christians. God's after Christians. God's after Christians. So, as we shift to this new scene in So, as we shift to this new scene in So, as we shift to this new scene in chapter 4, we're moving from from a chapter 4, we're moving from from a chapter 4, we're moving from from a public revival in chapter 3 to a private public revival in chapter 3 to a private public revival in chapter 3 to a private chat, a private conversation between God chat, a private conversation between God chat, a private conversation between God and his servant, his child, his and his servant, his child, his and his servant, his child, his celebrity pastor, preacher, revivalist, celebrity pastor, preacher, revivalist, celebrity pastor, preacher, revivalist, Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. And as we listen into that conversation, And as we listen into that conversation, And as we listen into that conversation, don't forget that this isn't recorded don't forget that this isn't recorded don't forget that this isn't recorded for history's sake alone. This is for history's sake alone. This is for history's sake alone. This is recorded to be the living voice of God recorded to be the living voice of God recorded to be the living voice of God for us, for us, for us, so that we learn so that we learn so that we learn from that encounter, so that God flushes from that encounter, so that God flushes from that encounter, so that God flushes out what he wants to flush out in the out what he wants to flush out in the out what he wants to flush out in the life of his people, too. So, here's what life of his people, too. So, here's what life of his people, too. So, here's what I want to do today. Remember, we're in a I want to do today. Remember, we're in a I want to do today. Remember, we're in a new scene, and when we have a new scene, new scene, and when we have a new scene, new scene, and when we have a new scene, I bring out our pretend old-fashioned I bring out our pretend old-fashioned I bring out our pretend old-fashioned Sunday school flannelgraph board, and Sunday school flannelgraph board, and Sunday school flannelgraph board, and it's clear it's clear it's clear cuz this is a new scene. And in this cuz this is a new scene. And in this cuz this is a new scene. And in this scene, there are two major characters, scene, there are two major characters, scene, there are two major characters, uh God and Jonah. We're going to look uh God and Jonah. We're going to look uh God and Jonah. We're going to look only at Jonah this morning. Character only at Jonah this morning. Character only at Jonah this morning. Character cutout number one on the flannelgraph cutout number one on the flannelgraph cutout number one on the flannelgraph board of your heart is the revivalist board of your heart is the revivalist board of your heart is the revivalist preacher, Jonah. He's the revivalist preacher, Jonah. He's the revivalist preacher, Jonah. He's the revivalist preacher. That's how we just left him in preacher. That's how we just left him in preacher. That's how we just left him in in Nineveh.

in Nineveh. in Nineveh. And there are three key areas of his And there are three key areas of his And there are three key areas of his life in chapter 4 that I want you to life in chapter 4 that I want you to life in chapter 4 that I want you to note and and write down and and think note and and write down and and think note and and write down and and think about this week as you study this about this week as you study this about this week as you study this passage yourself in the presence of the passage yourself in the presence of the passage yourself in the presence of the Lord. Lord. Lord. Three key issues that we have to note. Three key issues that we have to note. Three key issues that we have to note. And the first one is this, the And the first one is this, the And the first one is this, the revivalist preacher huffs with God. The revivalist preacher huffs with God. The revivalist preacher huffs with God. Jonah gets ticked off with God. Jonah gets ticked off with God. Jonah gets ticked off with God. God doesn't behave as this legacy God doesn't behave as this legacy God doesn't behave as this legacy preacher in Israel for decades and as preacher in Israel for decades and as preacher in Israel for decades and as this revivalist in Nineveh this revivalist in Nineveh this revivalist in Nineveh wants God to behave. wants God to behave. wants God to behave. So, he sulks. So, he sulks. So, he sulks. So, he gets in a mood with God. Look at So, he gets in a mood with God. Look at So, he gets in a mood with God. Look at verse 1. verse 1. verse 1. But, it, meaning the salvation that God But, it, meaning the salvation that God But, it, meaning the salvation that God brought to the city of Nineveh, but it brought to the city of Nineveh, but it brought to the city of Nineveh, but it greatly displeased Jonah, and he became greatly displeased Jonah, and he became greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry.

angry. angry. That's another shock moment here in this That's another shock moment here in this That's another shock moment here in this story. story. story. This literally, if you were to translate This literally, if you were to translate This literally, if you were to translate it sort of literally, would be would be it sort of literally, would be would be it sort of literally, would be would be classified in English as this, it, classified in English as this, it, classified in English as this, it, meaning the the revival, was evil to meaning the the revival, was evil to meaning the the revival, was evil to Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. A great evil. A great evil. A great evil. And it burned him up. He call He calls what God did in saving He call He calls what God did in saving vile people who didn't deserve to be vile people who didn't deserve to be vile people who didn't deserve to be saved a wrongdoing saved a wrongdoing saved a wrongdoing of God's. It's unjust. of God's. It's unjust. of God's. It's unjust. It It It It's unfair. They don't deserve It It It It's unfair. They don't deserve It It It It's unfair. They don't deserve compassion. compassion. compassion. And this isn't just language of And this isn't just language of And this isn't just language of disapproval and displeasure. This is disapproval and displeasure. This is disapproval and displeasure. This is language of disgust. I'm disgusted at language of disgust. I'm disgusted at language of disgust. I'm disgusted at the way you have behaved, God, the way you have behaved, God, the way you have behaved, God, in in managing in in managing in in managing salvation. salvation. salvation. There's a play of words that that There's a play of words that that There's a play of words that that flows through the end of chapter 3 and flows through the end of chapter 3 and flows through the end of chapter 3 and into the beginning of chapter 4. You into the beginning of chapter 4. You into the beginning of chapter 4. You know, in in the divisions of the ancient know, in in the divisions of the ancient know, in in the divisions of the ancient text, there weren't chapter divisions text, there weren't chapter divisions text, there weren't chapter divisions like from 3 to 4. It's It's a story that like from 3 to 4. It's It's a story that like from 3 to 4. It's It's a story that runs and and different scenes are woven runs and and different scenes are woven runs and and different scenes are woven together literarily. And literarily, the together literarily. And literarily, the together literarily. And literarily, the way you weave things together, but move way you weave things together, but move way you weave things together, but move the story or the plot along is usually the story or the plot along is usually the story or the plot along is usually through word plays through word plays through word plays and thematic plays. And so we have that and thematic plays. And so we have that and thematic plays. And so we have that here as we exit chapter 3 and as we move here as we exit chapter 3 and as we move here as we exit chapter 3 and as we move into chapter 4, there's a beautiful sort into chapter 4, there's a beautiful sort into chapter 4, there's a beautiful sort of weaving of word plays. Let me

of weaving of word plays. Let me of weaving of word plays. Let me classify it or paraphrase it for you in classify it or paraphrase it for you in classify it or paraphrase it for you in English to to highlight it this way. English to to highlight it this way. English to to highlight it this way. This is what's happened at the end of 3 This is what's happened at the end of 3 This is what's happened at the end of 3 and into 4. The Ninevites repented of and into 4. The Ninevites repented of and into 4. The Ninevites repented of evil, so God's burning up inside cooled evil, so God's burning up inside cooled evil, so God's burning up inside cooled down and he didn't send them evil, but down and he didn't send them evil, but down and he didn't send them evil, but that was evil in Jonah's eyes, a great that was evil in Jonah's eyes, a great that was evil in Jonah's eyes, a great evil, so he burned up inside. evil, so he burned up inside. evil, so he burned up inside. That's what's going on here. You're That's what's going on here. You're That's what's going on here. You're supposed to capture the irony. God's supposed to capture the irony. God's supposed to capture the irony. God's burning anger cooled down while God's burning anger cooled down while God's burning anger cooled down while God's servants anger boiled up, was ignited servants anger boiled up, was ignited servants anger boiled up, was ignited all because of what God did in all because of what God did in all because of what God did in salvation. salvation. salvation. Jonah is not in sync with God at all Jonah is not in sync with God at all Jonah is not in sync with God at all here. He disapproves of God's here. He disapproves of God's here. He disapproves of God's stewardship, of God's salvation. stewardship, of God's salvation. stewardship, of God's salvation. Look at verse 2, it it gets more intense Look at verse 2, it it gets more intense Look at verse 2, it it gets more intense because Jonah prays about this. It's good to talk to God about anything, It's good to talk to God about anything, of course it is and and to talk to God of course it is and and to talk to God of course it is and and to talk to God openly and honestly. And so I'll give openly and honestly. And so I'll give openly and honestly. And so I'll give Jonah that here. That's that's good, but Jonah that here. That's that's good, but Jonah that here. That's that's good, but this prayer reveals some more about this prayer reveals some more about this prayer reveals some more about what's going on inside of Jonah's heart.

what's going on inside of Jonah's heart. what's going on inside of Jonah's heart. And it includes a few prayer requests as And it includes a few prayer requests as And it includes a few prayer requests as well. well. well. Which which is interesting. You see, Which which is interesting. You see, Which which is interesting. You see, what you pray about is always very what you pray about is always very what you pray about is always very revealing of what your heart truly longs revealing of what your heart truly longs revealing of what your heart truly longs for, what your heart wants. for, what your heart wants. for, what your heart wants. Tell me what you pray about and I'll Tell me what you pray about and I'll Tell me what you pray about and I'll tell you what it is you actually really tell you what it is you actually really tell you what it is you actually really love, what you desire in life. love, what you desire in life. love, what you desire in life. The the the prayer points of your heart The the the prayer points of your heart The the the prayer points of your heart every day are very revealing about what every day are very revealing about what every day are very revealing about what you believe is worth pursuing in life. you believe is worth pursuing in life. you believe is worth pursuing in life. And it's no different with Jonah here. And it's no different with Jonah here. And it's no different with Jonah here. Verse 2, he prayed to the Lord. And he Verse 2, he prayed to the Lord. And he Verse 2, he prayed to the Lord. And he said, "Please, Lord." That "Please, said, "Please, Lord." That "Please, said, "Please, Lord." That "Please, Lord" is the beginning of a thought that Lord" is the beginning of a thought that Lord" is the beginning of a thought that he leaves incomplete. he leaves incomplete. he leaves incomplete. So, we don't know what's in his heart So, we don't know what's in his heart So, we don't know what's in his heart because he doesn't say it, but later on because he doesn't say it, but later on because he doesn't say it, but later on we'll see exactly what's in his heart in we'll see exactly what's in his heart in we'll see exactly what's in his heart in that first prayer request. Please, Lord. that first prayer request. Please, Lord. that first prayer request. Please, Lord. Was not this what I said while I was Was not this what I said while I was Was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore, in still in my own country? Therefore, in still in my own country? Therefore, in order to forestall or to sabotage this, order to forestall or to sabotage this, order to forestall or to sabotage this, I fled to Tarshish for I knew that I fled to Tarshish for I knew that I fled to Tarshish for I knew that you're a gracious and compassionate God, you're a gracious and compassionate God, you're a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in loving slow to anger and abundant in loving slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, and one who relents concerning kindness, and one who relents concerning kindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.

calamity. calamity. Therefore now, oh Lord, please take my Therefore now, oh Lord, please take my Therefore now, oh Lord, please take my life from me for death is better to me life from me for death is better to me life from me for death is better to me than life. than life. than life. I know what you're like, God, is what I know what you're like, God, is what I know what you're like, God, is what Jonah is saying here. And remember, Jonah is saying here. And remember, Jonah is saying here. And remember, Jonah is a trained professional pastor, Jonah is a trained professional pastor, Jonah is a trained professional pastor, as it were. He's gone to their version as it were. He's gone to their version as it were. He's gone to their version of ancient Bible school, and he's been a of ancient Bible school, and he's been a of ancient Bible school, and he's been a seasoned pastor in Israel for several seasoned pastor in Israel for several seasoned pastor in Israel for several decades. And And so, he does know what decades. And And so, he does know what decades. And And so, he does know what God is like. God is like. God is like. God has been prospering his ministry in God has been prospering his ministry in God has been prospering his ministry in Israel for years. God has been Israel for years. God has been Israel for years. God has been prospering the life of the Israelites prospering the life of the Israelites prospering the life of the Israelites despite their vileness for years. So, despite their vileness for years. So, despite their vileness for years. So, Jonah knows that God can be kind. I know Jonah knows that God can be kind. I know Jonah knows that God can be kind. I know what you're like, God, I've read your what you're like, God, I've read your what you're like, God, I've read your book, is what Jonah is saying. I've seen book, is what Jonah is saying. I've seen book, is what Jonah is saying. I've seen you work over the decades. You're a you work over the decades. You're a you work over the decades. You're a compassionate, kind God who's willing to compassionate, kind God who's willing to compassionate, kind God who's willing to forgive. forgive. forgive. Jonah also admits that he's been trying Jonah also admits that he's been trying Jonah also admits that he's been trying to sabotage God's plans by running. to sabotage God's plans by running. to sabotage God's plans by running. He ran because he disapproved of what He ran because he disapproved of what He ran because he disapproved of what God wanted to do with the Ninevites cuz God wanted to do with the Ninevites cuz God wanted to do with the Ninevites cuz he knows exactly the type of God that he knows exactly the type of God that he knows exactly the type of God that God is.

God is. God is. And so, there are two prayer requests And so, there are two prayer requests And so, there are two prayer requests there. The first is at the beginning of there. The first is at the beginning of there. The first is at the beginning of verse two, I mentioned it earlier. verse two, I mentioned it earlier. verse two, I mentioned it earlier. Please, Lord. The one that's left a Please, Lord. The one that's left a Please, Lord. The one that's left a little bit incomplete. But But if little bit incomplete. But But if little bit incomplete. But But if if you will allow me, here's what he's if you will allow me, here's what he's if you will allow me, here's what he's saying there. Please, Lord, change your saying there. Please, Lord, change your saying there. Please, Lord, change your mind about Nineveh again. The second please comes at the very end The second please comes at the very end of that little section in verse 3. He of that little section in verse 3. He of that little section in verse 3. He says, "Please take my life from me, for says, "Please take my life from me, for says, "Please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life." death is better to me than life." death is better to me than life." Please, Lord, do to the Ninevites what I Please, Lord, do to the Ninevites what I Please, Lord, do to the Ninevites what I preached to the Ninevites, that in 40 preached to the Ninevites, that in 40 preached to the Ninevites, that in 40 days they would be overthrown. And days they would be overthrown. And days they would be overthrown. And please, Lord, given you're not willing please, Lord, given you're not willing please, Lord, given you're not willing to do that, to do that, to do that, take my life. take my life. take my life. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I'd rather die than live with the >> I'd rather die than live with the >> I'd rather die than live with the Ninevites entering into the faith family Ninevites entering into the faith family Ninevites entering into the faith family of God. He hits the non-Israelite. For him, it's Israelite only For him, it's Israelite only in the kingdom of God. He's an in the kingdom of God. He's an in the kingdom of God. He's an Israelite-only patriot. That's what Israelite-only patriot. That's what Israelite-only patriot. That's what Jonah is.

Jonah is. Jonah is. It's unhealthy patriotism. It's unworthy It's unhealthy patriotism. It's unworthy It's unhealthy patriotism. It's unworthy of a child of God. It's more important of a child of God. It's more important of a child of God. It's more important to him to him to him that Israel be the only ones who know that Israel be the only ones who know that Israel be the only ones who know God than than other people, God than than other people, God than than other people, thousands of other people, thousands of other people, thousands of other people, thousands of other souls come to know thousands of other souls come to know thousands of other souls come to know God, God, God, the living God. It's it's ridiculous. the living God. It's it's ridiculous. the living God. It's it's ridiculous. And the thing is, there's doses doses of And the thing is, there's doses doses of And the thing is, there's doses doses of that that that in all of us. in all of us. in all of us. That's what's scary. That's what's scary. That's what's scary. Large or small, there there's doses of Large or small, there there's doses of Large or small, there there's doses of disapproval of others in all of us. disapproval of others in all of us. disapproval of others in all of us. We find ways to view the world in a way We find ways to view the world in a way We find ways to view the world in a way that that interprets people through our that that interprets people through our that that interprets people through our desired grids of you belong and you desired grids of you belong and you desired grids of you belong and you don't belong, of you deserve and you don't belong, of you deserve and you don't belong, of you deserve and you don't deserve. And we find ourselves don't deserve. And we find ourselves don't deserve. And we find ourselves always in the middle belonging and always in the middle belonging and always in the middle belonging and deserving. You've heard of the pastor who came You've heard of the pastor who came across the guy who was about to jump off across the guy who was about to jump off across the guy who was about to jump off the bridge, and he said, "Don't do it." the bridge, and he said, "Don't do it." the bridge, and he said, "Don't do it." "Don't do it." And the guy said, "Well, "Don't do it." And the guy said, "Well, "Don't do it." And the guy said, "Well, nobody loves me."

nobody loves me." nobody loves me." And the pastor said, "Well, God loves And the pastor said, "Well, God loves And the pastor said, "Well, God loves you. you. you. God loves you. Do you know that God God loves you. Do you know that God God loves you. Do you know that God loves you?" And he said, "Yes, I do know loves you?" And he said, "Yes, I do know loves you?" And he said, "Yes, I do know that God loves me." So, the pastor said, that God loves me." So, the pastor said, that God loves me." So, the pastor said, "Well, are you a Christian or are you "Well, are you a Christian or are you "Well, are you a Christian or are you one of these followers of another one of these followers of another one of these followers of another religion?" He says, "No, I'm a religion?" He says, "No, I'm a religion?" He says, "No, I'm a Christian." Christian." Christian." And the pastor said, "Great. I am a And the pastor said, "Great. I am a And the pastor said, "Great. I am a Christian, too. Are you a Protestant or Christian, too. Are you a Protestant or Christian, too. Are you a Protestant or are you a Catholic?" are you a Catholic?" are you a Catholic?" I said, "Well, I'm a Protestant." He I said, "Well, I'm a Protestant." He I said, "Well, I'm a Protestant." He said, "Fantastic. I'm a Protestant, too. said, "Fantastic. I'm a Protestant, too. said, "Fantastic. I'm a Protestant, too. What type of Protestant?" What type of Protestant?" What type of Protestant?" "I'm a Baptist." He says, "Oh my "I'm a Baptist." He says, "Oh my "I'm a Baptist." He says, "Oh my goodness, I'm a Baptist, too. But hang goodness, I'm a Baptist, too. But hang goodness, I'm a Baptist, too. But hang on a minute, are you a Northern Baptist on a minute, are you a Northern Baptist on a minute, are you a Northern Baptist or are you a Southern Baptist?" or are you a Southern Baptist?" or are you a Southern Baptist?" He said, "I'm a Northern Baptist." He He said, "I'm a Northern Baptist." He He said, "I'm a Northern Baptist." He says, "Oh, me, too. Are you a Northern says, "Oh, me, too. Are you a Northern says, "Oh, me, too. Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?" Baptist?" Baptist?" He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative Baptist." "Oh my goodness, fantastic, Baptist." "Oh my goodness, fantastic, Baptist." "Oh my goodness, fantastic, me, too. But are you a Northern me, too. But are you a Northern me, too. But are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes region or Northern Conservative Baptist region or Northern Conservative Baptist region or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Great Lakes region?" Eastern Great Lakes region?" Eastern Great Lakes region?" The guy said, "I'm a Northern The guy said, "I'm a Northern The guy said, "I'm a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes region." And the pastor said, "Nice, region." And the pastor said, "Nice, region." And the pastor said, "Nice, praise God, so am I.

praise God, so am I. praise God, so am I. But are you a Northern Conservative But are you a Northern Conservative But are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes region Baptist Western Great Lakes region Baptist Western Great Lakes region Council of 1879? Council of 1879? Council of 1879? Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes region Council of Western Great Lakes region Council of Western Great Lakes region Council of 1912?" 1912?" 1912?" He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes region Baptist Western Great Lakes region Baptist Western Great Lakes region Council of 1912." Council of 1912." Council of 1912." THE PASTOR WENT, THE PASTOR WENT, THE PASTOR WENT, >> [groaning] >> [groaning] >> [groaning] >> "JUST JUMP, YOU HERETIC." And man, I laugh at that and and I and I And man, I laugh at that and and I and I scoff at at Jonah, but there there are scoff at at Jonah, but there there are scoff at at Jonah, but there there are doses of disapproval of other people and doses of disapproval of other people and doses of disapproval of other people and what they do and don't deserve in all of what they do and don't deserve in all of what they do and don't deserve in all of us. us. us. It's just a little bit more flagrantly It's just a little bit more flagrantly It's just a little bit more flagrantly obvious here in the life of Jonah. obvious here in the life of Jonah. obvious here in the life of Jonah. So, first, take note of this and learn So, first, take note of this and learn So, first, take note of this and learn from this. Jonah disapproves of God's from this. Jonah disapproves of God's from this. Jonah disapproves of God's stewardship of salvation in the in the stewardship of salvation in the in the stewardship of salvation in the in the world. He's ticked off at the way God world. He's ticked off at the way God world. He's ticked off at the way God behaves. This revivalist takes a huff behaves. This revivalist takes a huff behaves. This revivalist takes a huff with God. He takes a huff with God, and with God. He takes a huff with God, and with God. He takes a huff with God, and don't be too quick to to wag your finger don't be too quick to to wag your finger don't be too quick to to wag your finger in his face. Moodiness with God may be in his face. Moodiness with God may be in his face. Moodiness with God may be more common than we want to admit in our more common than we want to admit in our more common than we want to admit in our own lives.

own lives. own lives. We get moody with God. We take huffs We get moody with God. We take huffs We get moody with God. We take huffs with God. with God. with God. Second thing I want you to note about Second thing I want you to note about Second thing I want you to note about what unfolds here is this revivalist what unfolds here is this revivalist what unfolds here is this revivalist preacher hopes that God will fall in the preacher hopes that God will fall in the preacher hopes that God will fall in the line with him. line with him. line with him. That's his desire here. That's his desire here. That's his desire here. That God will fall in the line with me That God will fall in the line with me That God will fall in the line with me with me, Jonah says. This is this is his with me, Jonah says. This is this is his with me, Jonah says. This is this is his hope. That God will essentially come to hope. That God will essentially come to hope. That God will essentially come to his senses. God has to come to his his senses. God has to come to his his senses. God has to come to his senses. God has to change his mind. God senses. God has to change his mind. God senses. God has to change his mind. God has to punish the wickedness of the has to punish the wickedness of the has to punish the wickedness of the Ninevites after all. Look at verse five. Ninevites after all. Look at verse five. Ninevites after all. Look at verse five. Jonah hopes his huff will be some sort Jonah hopes his huff will be some sort Jonah hopes his huff will be some sort of emotional bribe on God and that will of emotional bribe on God and that will of emotional bribe on God and that will persuade God. Then Jonah went out from persuade God. Then Jonah went out from persuade God. Then Jonah went out from the city, the city, the city, and he sat east of it, and there he made and he sat east of it, and there he made and he sat east of it, and there he made a shelter for himself, and he sat under a shelter for himself, and he sat under a shelter for himself, and he sat under it in the shade until he could see what it in the shade until he could see what it in the shade until he could see what would happen in the city. would happen in the city. would happen in the city. This is a spoiled wee celebrity preacher This is a spoiled wee celebrity preacher This is a spoiled wee celebrity preacher acting like a huffy wee spiritual acting like a huffy wee spiritual acting like a huffy wee spiritual teenager, fingers crossed, hoping that teenager, fingers crossed, hoping that teenager, fingers crossed, hoping that God will answer his popcorn prayer when God will answer his popcorn prayer when God will answer his popcorn prayer when he said, "Please, Lord. Please, Lord."

he said, "Please, Lord. Please, Lord." he said, "Please, Lord. Please, Lord." This is what's revealing what was in his This is what's revealing what was in his This is what's revealing what was in his heart with that first prayer request. heart with that first prayer request. heart with that first prayer request. "Please, Lord." It was "Please, Lord, "Please, Lord." It was "Please, Lord, "Please, Lord." It was "Please, Lord, obliterate them." That's why he's obliterate them." That's why he's obliterate them." That's why he's decided to exit the city and sit and decided to exit the city and sit and decided to exit the city and sit and watch and see if God will answer his watch and see if God will answer his watch and see if God will answer his prayer. prayer. prayer. "Please, Lord, change your mind." "Please, Lord, change your mind." "Please, Lord, change your mind." He knows Jonah knows Exodus 34. He knows Jonah knows Exodus 34. He knows Jonah knows Exodus 34. Remember, he went to Bible college. Remember, he went to Bible college. Remember, he went to Bible college. And he's been a pastor all these years. And he's been a pastor all these years. And he's been a pastor all these years. He knows that that God is as he says He knows that that God is as he says He knows that that God is as he says here. God is gracious and compassionate. here. God is gracious and compassionate. here. God is gracious and compassionate. God is slow to anger and he's abundant God is slow to anger and he's abundant God is slow to anger and he's abundant in loving kindness. in loving kindness. in loving kindness. He is a God who relents from sending He is a God who relents from sending He is a God who relents from sending just calamity. just calamity. just calamity. But but Jonah also knows the rest of But but Jonah also knows the rest of But but Jonah also knows the rest of that well-known passage of scripture in that well-known passage of scripture in that well-known passage of scripture in Exodus 34 concerning God's Exodus 34 concerning God's Exodus 34 concerning God's self-revelation of himself. He knows self-revelation of himself. He knows self-revelation of himself. He knows that that continues this way that God that that continues this way that God that that continues this way that God does not leave the guilty unpunished.

does not leave the guilty unpunished. does not leave the guilty unpunished. That God punishes the children and their That God punishes the children and their That God punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents of children for the sin of the parents of children for the sin of the parents of the third and fourth generation. So So the third and fourth generation. So So the third and fourth generation. So So Jonah is praying and Jonah is hoping Jonah is praying and Jonah is hoping Jonah is praying and Jonah is hoping toward that part of God's character and toward that part of God's character and toward that part of God's character and that part of Exodus 34 verses 6 and 7. that part of Exodus 34 verses 6 and 7. that part of Exodus 34 verses 6 and 7. That God would punish the wicked. That God would punish the wicked. That God would punish the wicked. So he heads out of the city So he heads out of the city So he heads out of the city hoping to watch front row God answer his hoping to watch front row God answer his hoping to watch front row God answer his wicked we selfish prayer. wicked we selfish prayer. wicked we selfish prayer. Because after all he prayed it, right? Because after all he prayed it, right? Because after all he prayed it, right? What is prayer for other than getting What is prayer for other than getting What is prayer for other than getting God to do what you want? Jonah doesn't stay in the city Jonah doesn't stay in the city rejoicing, celebrating rejoicing, celebrating rejoicing, celebrating the revival the revival the revival of the entire metroplex. of the entire metroplex. of the entire metroplex. He doesn't stay among the saved. He He doesn't stay among the saved. He He doesn't stay among the saved. He distances himself from this new faith distances himself from this new faith distances himself from this new faith family hoping and praying and and family hoping and praying and and family hoping and praying and and watching for God to end it. watching for God to end it. watching for God to end it. It's so sad. It's so sad. It's so sad. And what's really really sad to me is And what's really really sad to me is And what's really really sad to me is that that attitude to some extent, in that that attitude to some extent, in that that attitude to some extent, in some dosage some dosage some dosage factor, is alive and well in some people factor, is alive and well in some people factor, is alive and well in some people inside of churches today. I've seen it inside of churches today. I've seen it inside of churches today. I've seen it in Spain. I've seen it in Northern in Spain. I've seen it in Northern in Spain. I've seen it in Northern Ireland. I've seen it in Scotland and Ireland. I've seen it in Scotland and Ireland. I've seen it in Scotland and I've seen it in Texas.

I've seen it in Texas. I've seen it in Texas. Some people, some believers who who are Some people, some believers who who are Some people, some believers who who are watching and waiting and praying and watching and waiting and praying and watching and waiting and praying and hoping that things that they don't hoping that things that they don't hoping that things that they don't approve of don't occur even if God approve of don't occur even if God approve of don't occur even if God approves of them. approves of them. approves of them. They're willing to sabotage God's They're willing to sabotage God's They're willing to sabotage God's purposes in a church purposes in a church purposes in a church if God doesn't line up to what they if God doesn't line up to what they if God doesn't line up to what they want. This mindset unfortunately is want. This mindset unfortunately is want. This mindset unfortunately is alive and well. And we see it alive and alive and well. And we see it alive and alive and well. And we see it alive and well in the life of this pastor, the well in the life of this pastor, the well in the life of this pastor, the revivalist preacher, hoping that God revivalist preacher, hoping that God revivalist preacher, hoping that God will just fall in the line, tow the line will just fall in the line, tow the line will just fall in the line, tow the line with him. with him. with him. Fingers crossed, prayers raised. Fingers crossed, prayers raised. Fingers crossed, prayers raised. Hoping that God would U-turn Hoping that God would U-turn Hoping that God would U-turn on the Ninevites to suit Jonah's on the Ninevites to suit Jonah's on the Ninevites to suit Jonah's personal will. personal will. personal will. So so first, we see that Jonah huffs So so first, we see that Jonah huffs So so first, we see that Jonah huffs with God. And second, we see that that with God. And second, we see that that with God. And second, we see that that Jonah hopes God will obey his will. And Jonah hopes God will obey his will. And Jonah hopes God will obey his will. And third, and and note this again, it's a third, and and note this again, it's a third, and and note this again, it's a sad truth, the revivalist preacher's sad truth, the revivalist preacher's sad truth, the revivalist preacher's heart nurtures deep immaturity.

Don't Don't This is a revivalist preacher. This is a This is a revivalist preacher. This is a This is a revivalist preacher. This is a seasoned pastor. seasoned pastor. seasoned pastor. And his heart nurtures, cultivates, And his heart nurtures, cultivates, And his heart nurtures, cultivates, hosts hosts hosts deep deep immaturity and sin. And it's deep deep immaturity and sin. And it's deep deep immaturity and sin. And it's shocking. shocking. shocking. Tucked all the way inside of his heart, Tucked all the way inside of his heart, Tucked all the way inside of his heart, alive and well and thriving. alive and well and thriving. alive and well and thriving. Sin in the heart of a seasoned national Sin in the heart of a seasoned national Sin in the heart of a seasoned national legacy preacher in Israel for decades. legacy preacher in Israel for decades. legacy preacher in Israel for decades. Sin in in the heart of one who has Sin in in the heart of one who has Sin in in the heart of one who has recently experienced God's undeserved recently experienced God's undeserved recently experienced God's undeserved compassion in his own life in a way that compassion in his own life in a way that compassion in his own life in a way that historically speaking nobody else has. historically speaking nobody else has. historically speaking nobody else has. Sin in the heart of of one who would go Sin in the heart of of one who would go Sin in the heart of of one who would go down in the history books of Nineveh and down in the history books of Nineveh and down in the history books of Nineveh and the world as the great evangelist and the world as the great evangelist and the world as the great evangelist and missionary. missionary. missionary. In that heart, there is huge immaturity. In that heart, there is huge immaturity. In that heart, there is huge immaturity. It's really ultimately hypocrisy and It's really ultimately hypocrisy and It's really ultimately hypocrisy and idolatry combined, swelling up inside of idolatry combined, swelling up inside of idolatry combined, swelling up inside of this man of God's heart. That in itself this man of God's heart. That in itself this man of God's heart. That in itself should be a frightful warning to all of should be a frightful warning to all of should be a frightful warning to all of us.

us. us. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Outward godliness in life and success in >> Outward godliness in life and success in >> Outward godliness in life and success in ministry in our eyes, as you'd think ministry in our eyes, as you'd think ministry in our eyes, as you'd think from what you read at the end of chapter from what you read at the end of chapter from what you read at the end of chapter 3, does not mean that there is actually 3, does not mean that there is actually 3, does not mean that there is actually inward godliness in that life and inward godliness in that life and inward godliness in that life and success in ministry in the eyes of God. success in ministry in the eyes of God. success in ministry in the eyes of God. Jonah's life reeks. Jonah's life reeks. Jonah's life reeks. Though nobody would ever know it if they Though nobody would ever know it if they Though nobody would ever know it if they were to just read up until chapter 3. were to just read up until chapter 3. were to just read up until chapter 3. But But God's not okay with that and But But God's not okay with that and But But God's not okay with that and God's going to flush that resident sin God's going to flush that resident sin God's going to flush that resident sin out of his servant with an object out of his servant with an object out of his servant with an object lesson. lesson. lesson. That's what occurs here. God provides That's what occurs here. God provides That's what occurs here. God provides Jonah with a personal object lesson that Jonah with a personal object lesson that Jonah with a personal object lesson that that captures the ridiculousness of the that captures the ridiculousness of the that captures the ridiculousness of the heart of his servant here. Look at verse heart of his servant here. Look at verse heart of his servant here. Look at verse 6. 6. 6. So the Lord God appointed a plant. So the Lord God appointed a plant. So the Lord God appointed a plant. And it grew over And it grew over And it grew over grew up over Jonah to be a shade over grew up over Jonah to be a shade over grew up over Jonah to be a shade over his head to deliver him from his his head to deliver him from his his head to deliver him from his discomfort. And Jonah was extremely discomfort. And Jonah was extremely discomfort. And Jonah was extremely happy about the plant.

happy about the plant. happy about the plant. God orders a plant to grow and save God orders a plant to grow and save God orders a plant to grow and save Jonah from his discomfort, to rescue Jonah from his discomfort, to rescue Jonah from his discomfort, to rescue Jonah from his discomfort. Jonah from his discomfort. Jonah from his discomfort. Salvation for Jonah from his discomfort. Salvation for Jonah from his discomfort. Salvation for Jonah from his discomfort. Poor Jonah is all hot and bothered in Poor Jonah is all hot and bothered in Poor Jonah is all hot and bothered in his little huff hut that he built his little huff hut that he built his little huff hut that he built because God's not obeying him and he's because God's not obeying him and he's because God's not obeying him and he's still hoping to see Nineveh burn. still hoping to see Nineveh burn. still hoping to see Nineveh burn. Again, don't miss the literary irony Again, don't miss the literary irony Again, don't miss the literary irony that's going on here. Jonah is burning that's going on here. Jonah is burning that's going on here. Jonah is burning with anger within. He's sitting in the with anger within. He's sitting in the with anger within. He's sitting in the burning sun and he's waiting for Nineveh burning sun and he's waiting for Nineveh burning sun and he's waiting for Nineveh to burn. And only this wee plant And only this wee plant brings Jonah such comfort brings Jonah such comfort brings Jonah such comfort that his mood shifts temporarily to that his mood shifts temporarily to that his mood shifts temporarily to extreme happiness. Now I am extremely extreme happiness. Now I am extremely extreme happiness. Now I am extremely happy cuz I got my plant. happy cuz I got my plant. happy cuz I got my plant. I got my little plant, my little I got my little plant, my little I got my little plant, my little comfort. This is the life now, guys. comfort. This is the life now, guys. comfort. This is the life now, guys. God is God is God is toeing the line. God is getting in line toeing the line. God is getting in line toeing the line. God is getting in line with me. Look at my circumstances, with me. Look at my circumstances, with me. Look at my circumstances, they've changed. Remember chapter 1 when they've changed. Remember chapter 1 when they've changed. Remember chapter 1 when he walked down he walked down he walked down to Joppa to get on the boat to Tarshish, to Joppa to get on the boat to Tarshish, to Joppa to get on the boat to Tarshish, the boat was there and in Jonah's mind the boat was there and in Jonah's mind the boat was there and in Jonah's mind the boat's there. God must be finally the boat's there. God must be finally the boat's there. God must be finally obeying me.

obeying me. obeying me. Look at my circumstances, they're good. Look at my circumstances, they're good. Look at my circumstances, they're good. There's a little moment of that here. There's a little moment of that here. There's a little moment of that here. God must now be toeing the line with me, God must now be toeing the line with me, God must now be toeing the line with me, obeying me, because look, he's blessing obeying me, because look, he's blessing obeying me, because look, he's blessing me with the comfort of my little plant. me with the comfort of my little plant. me with the comfort of my little plant. His front row seat to the destruction of His front row seat to the destruction of His front row seat to the destruction of Nineveh that he so desires is now Nineveh that he so desires is now Nineveh that he so desires is now shaded. He's sort of inside of an shaded. He's sort of inside of an shaded. He's sort of inside of an air-conditioned VIP cabana suite. God's obeying him, so he thinks, but God's obeying him, so he thinks, but look at verse 7. look at verse 7. look at verse 7. But God appointed a worm. But God appointed a worm. But God appointed a worm. Remember the God who's sovereign Remember the God who's sovereign Remember the God who's sovereign uses his creation providentially to uses his creation providentially to uses his creation providentially to fulfill his purposes? fulfill his purposes? fulfill his purposes? Now God appoints a worm. Now God appoints a worm. Now God appoints a worm. When dawn came the next day, it attacked When dawn came the next day, it attacked When dawn came the next day, it attacked the plant and it withered. the plant and it withered. the plant and it withered. When the sun came up, God appointed a When the sun came up, God appointed a When the sun came up, God appointed a scorching east wind and the sun beat scorching east wind and the sun beat scorching east wind and the sun beat down on Jonah's head so that he became down on Jonah's head so that he became down on Jonah's head so that he became faint and he begged with all his soul to faint and he begged with all his soul to faint and he begged with all his soul to die, saying, "Death is better to me than die, saying, "Death is better to me than die, saying, "Death is better to me than life." The second time he said that in life." The second time he said that in life." The second time he said that in this chapter.

this chapter. this chapter. God takes away his comfort. God takes away his comfort. God takes away his comfort. God takes away his new mini God plant. God takes away his new mini God plant. God takes away his new mini God plant. And he orders a hungry little worm to to And he orders a hungry little worm to to And he orders a hungry little worm to to to to to kill Jonah's little plant idol. to to to kill Jonah's little plant idol. to to to kill Jonah's little plant idol. That's what it's become. That's what it's become. That's what it's become. Whatever brings you satisfaction and Whatever brings you satisfaction and Whatever brings you satisfaction and comfort in life, makes you smile, comfort in life, makes you smile, comfort in life, makes you smile, if it's outside of the will of God, is if it's outside of the will of God, is if it's outside of the will of God, is to some extent idolatrous. to some extent idolatrous. to some extent idolatrous. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It's basically a plant idol that Jonah >> It's basically a plant idol that Jonah >> It's basically a plant idol that Jonah has here overnight. has here overnight. has here overnight. And God orders the wind to blast hot air And God orders the wind to blast hot air And God orders the wind to blast hot air into Jonah's face. into Jonah's face. into Jonah's face. Like a nasty ancient Texas summer hot Like a nasty ancient Texas summer hot Like a nasty ancient Texas summer hot storm. storm. storm. Right in his face. Right in his face. Right in his face. It changes his mood again. And Jonah's It changes his mood again. And Jonah's It changes his mood again. And Jonah's Jonah's now want wanting to die. It's Jonah's now want wanting to die. It's Jonah's now want wanting to die. It's another mood swing here. Death is better another mood swing here. Death is better another mood swing here. Death is better than life without my wee plant idol that than life without my wee plant idol that than life without my wee plant idol that comforts me. comforts me. comforts me. So, he begs God to kill him. So, he begs God to kill him. So, he begs God to kill him. I don't want to live, God, except when I don't want to live, God, except when I don't want to live, God, except when my will is done and when my comfort my will is done and when my comfort my will is done and when my comfort needs are met, not yours.

needs are met, not yours. needs are met, not yours. And he's been so successful in ministry And he's been so successful in ministry And he's been so successful in ministry in the past that that he has become a in the past that that he has become a in the past that that he has become a sport wee celebrity preacher. sport wee celebrity preacher. sport wee celebrity preacher. But, it's ridiculous. But, it's ridiculous. But, it's ridiculous. And God flushes it out. Look at verses 9 And God flushes it out. Look at verses 9 And God flushes it out. Look at verses 9 to 11. to 11. to 11. Climaxing the story. We'll come back to Climaxing the story. We'll come back to Climaxing the story. We'll come back to it next week. it next week. it next week. Exposing Jonah's hypocrisy as a child of Exposing Jonah's hypocrisy as a child of Exposing Jonah's hypocrisy as a child of God, verse 9. Then God said to Jonah, God, verse 9. Then God said to Jonah, God, verse 9. Then God said to Jonah, "Do you have good reason to be angry "Do you have good reason to be angry "Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?" about the plant?" about the plant?" And Jonah said, "I have good reason to And Jonah said, "I have good reason to And Jonah said, "I have good reason to be angry, even unto death." be angry, even unto death." be angry, even unto death." Then the Lord said, "You had compassion Then the Lord said, "You had compassion Then the Lord said, "You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work on the plant for which you did not work on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, and which you did not cause to grow, and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished which came up overnight and perished which came up overnight and perished overnight. Should I not have compassion overnight. Should I not have compassion overnight. Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which on Nineveh, the great city in which on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who there are more than 120,000 persons who there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their do not know the difference between their do not know the difference between their right hand and their left hand, as well right hand and their left hand, as well right hand and their left hand, as well as many animals?" as many animals?" as many animals?" >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It ends with a rhetorical question.

We'll come back to it next time. At this We'll come back to it next time. At this point, all I need you to see is what point, all I need you to see is what point, all I need you to see is what relates to Jonah himself. relates to Jonah himself. relates to Jonah himself. God is very graciously, but very firmly, God is very graciously, but very firmly, God is very graciously, but very firmly, essentially saying this, "Come on, essentially saying this, "Come on, essentially saying this, "Come on, Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. Come on, Jonah. Come on, Jonah. Come on, Jonah. You're being pathetic. You're being pathetic. You're being pathetic. You're being pathetic despite your You're being pathetic despite your You're being pathetic despite your ministry resume. Listen to yourself. ministry resume. Listen to yourself. ministry resume. Listen to yourself. For you, the good life comes down to For you, the good life comes down to For you, the good life comes down to your personal comfort. your personal comfort. your personal comfort. For you, the good ministry life comes For you, the good ministry life comes For you, the good ministry life comes down to your will, not my will being down to your will, not my will being down to your will, not my will being done. done. done. You were all delighted about you You were all delighted about you You were all delighted about you receiving compassion and salvation and receiving compassion and salvation and receiving compassion and salvation and my blessing all those decades, including my blessing all those decades, including my blessing all those decades, including just recently, inside of the belly of a just recently, inside of the belly of a just recently, inside of the belly of a fish. fish. fish. But now you're outraged if it's offered But now you're outraged if it's offered But now you're outraged if it's offered to someone that you don't approve of. to someone that you don't approve of. to someone that you don't approve of. It's like you own the salvation that you It's like you own the salvation that you It's like you own the salvation that you said in chapter 2 verse 10 belonged to said in chapter 2 verse 10 belonged to said in chapter 2 verse 10 belonged to me. me. me. It's like you're the one who's clinging It's like you're the one who's clinging It's like you're the one who's clinging to worthless idols like little plants, to worthless idols like little plants, to worthless idols like little plants, which you said in chapter 2 verse 8 one which you said in chapter 2 verse 8 one which you said in chapter 2 verse 8 one should not do.

should not do. should not do. It's like God is telling Jonah to read It's like God is telling Jonah to read It's like God is telling Jonah to read back over his previous thank you card. Get real. Get real. You're a hypocrite, Jonah. You're an You're a hypocrite, Jonah. You're an You're a hypocrite, Jonah. You're an idolater, Jonah. You're a contradiction, idolater, Jonah. You're a contradiction, idolater, Jonah. You're a contradiction, Jonah. Even as a Bible-believing, Jonah. Even as a Bible-believing, Jonah. Even as a Bible-believing, forgiven, church-going, forgiven, church-going, forgiven, church-going, church-pastoring, celebrity-preaching, church-pastoring, celebrity-preaching, church-pastoring, celebrity-preaching, revivalist missionary. revivalist missionary. revivalist missionary. And that's not okay with me. And that's not okay with me. And that's not okay with me. So, the revivalist preacher here still So, the revivalist preacher here still So, the revivalist preacher here still hosts, hosts, hosts, nurtures deep, deep immaturity after all nurtures deep, deep immaturity after all nurtures deep, deep immaturity after all that is not okay in the eyes of God. that is not okay in the eyes of God. that is not okay in the eyes of God. And so, God's going to flush it all out. And so, God's going to flush it all out. And so, God's going to flush it all out. Jonah huffs with God, and and Jonah Jonah huffs with God, and and Jonah Jonah huffs with God, and and Jonah hopes that God will tow the line with hopes that God will tow the line with hopes that God will tow the line with him because there are still him because there are still him because there are still unsanctified, undisciplined areas of sin unsanctified, undisciplined areas of sin unsanctified, undisciplined areas of sin in his heart. in his heart. in his heart. And God's not going to have it. And God's not going to have it. And God's not going to have it. The Apostle Paul helps me understand a The Apostle Paul helps me understand a The Apostle Paul helps me understand a whole bunch of the Old Testament, whole bunch of the Old Testament, whole bunch of the Old Testament, including what I believe is going on including what I believe is going on including what I believe is going on here.

here. here. In Philippians chapter 1 verse 6, the In Philippians chapter 1 verse 6, the In Philippians chapter 1 verse 6, the Apostle Paul tells other believers Apostle Paul tells other believers Apostle Paul tells other believers that he, that is God who began a work in that he, that is God who began a work in that he, that is God who began a work in you, will complete it until the day of you, will complete it until the day of you, will complete it until the day of Christ. Christ. Christ. That those who have been justified by That those who have been justified by That those who have been justified by God, granted salvation, granted a God, granted salvation, granted a God, granted salvation, granted a standing before God, standing before God, standing before God, are not done and dusted. They are are not done and dusted. They are are not done and dusted. They are eternally secure, but but while they're eternally secure, but but while they're eternally secure, but but while they're here, God's going to do a sanctifying here, God's going to do a sanctifying here, God's going to do a sanctifying work in their lives work in their lives work in their lives to present them before Christ mature. to present them before Christ mature. to present them before Christ mature. It's the doctrine of sanctification. It's the doctrine of sanctification. It's the doctrine of sanctification. That's what's happening here in chapter That's what's happening here in chapter That's what's happening here in chapter 4 of Jonah. 4 of Jonah. 4 of Jonah. He who began a good work in you will He who began a good work in you will He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ. complete it until the day of Christ. complete it until the day of Christ. So, for those of you who are taking So, for those of you who are taking So, for those of you who are taking notes, here's what captures character notes, here's what captures character notes, here's what captures character cutout number one in chapter 4 of the cutout number one in chapter 4 of the cutout number one in chapter 4 of the book of Jonah. Write this down. book of Jonah. Write this down. book of Jonah. Write this down. The revivalist preacher The revivalist preacher The revivalist preacher relapses into an unholy relapses into an unholy relapses into an unholy obedient life.

The revivalist preacher The revivalist preacher relapses into an unholy obedient life. relapses into an unholy obedient life. relapses into an unholy obedient life. He relapses, meaning that he returns to He relapses, meaning that he returns to He relapses, meaning that he returns to the previous levels of self-centered the previous levels of self-centered the previous levels of self-centered behavior that we saw of him way back in behavior that we saw of him way back in behavior that we saw of him way back in chapter 1. chapter 1. chapter 1. He's looped right back round He's looped right back round He's looped right back round to chapter 1 verses 1 to 3. to chapter 1 verses 1 to 3. to chapter 1 verses 1 to 3. He's relapsed. He's not physically He's relapsed. He's not physically He's relapsed. He's not physically running from God. He did go to Nineveh, running from God. He did go to Nineveh, running from God. He did go to Nineveh, but he is spiritually running from God. but he is spiritually running from God. but he is spiritually running from God. His heart is still wayward. His heart is still wayward. His heart is still wayward. He's there, He's there, He's there, but he's not in it. but he's not in it. but he's not in it. So, that's what I'm calling unholy So, that's what I'm calling unholy So, that's what I'm calling unholy obedience. What's unholy obedience? It's obedience. What's unholy obedience? It's obedience. What's unholy obedience? It's doing the right thing, but not motivated doing the right thing, but not motivated doing the right thing, but not motivated the right way. the right way. the right way. Obeying, but obeying wrongly. Obeying Obeying, but obeying wrongly. Obeying Obeying, but obeying wrongly. Obeying wrongly. Anyone who grew up doing chores wrongly. Anyone who grew up doing chores wrongly. Anyone who grew up doing chores as a kid knows exactly what unholy as a kid knows exactly what unholy as a kid knows exactly what unholy obedience is. obedience is. obedience is. You're doing it, but you're not doing You're doing it, but you're not doing You're doing it, but you're not doing it. it. it. Jonah relapsed back into a selfish way Jonah relapsed back into a selfish way Jonah relapsed back into a selfish way of walking with God. He's unholy in his of walking with God. He's unholy in his of walking with God. He's unholy in his obedience. He's a moody missionary. He's obedience. He's a moody missionary. He's obedience. He's a moody missionary. He's a pouting preacher. He's a selfish a pouting preacher. He's a selfish a pouting preacher. He's a selfish servant of God.

servant of God. servant of God. So, yes, this book teaches us that God So, yes, this book teaches us that God So, yes, this book teaches us that God wants to do a work in the culture out wants to do a work in the culture out wants to do a work in the culture out there. He loves the society that there. He loves the society that there. He loves the society that flagrantly is rebelling against him, and flagrantly is rebelling against him, and flagrantly is rebelling against him, and he wants to give them an opportunity to he wants to give them an opportunity to he wants to give them an opportunity to turn and to receive his salvation. But, turn and to receive his salvation. But, turn and to receive his salvation. But, this book is also this book is also this book is also about completing his work that he has about completing his work that he has about completing his work that he has begun in the life of his people. It's also about what you and I would It's also about what you and I would call Christians. Sanctification. call Christians. Sanctification. call Christians. Sanctification. So, allow me to pass on to you two So, allow me to pass on to you two So, allow me to pass on to you two applicational thoughts that I want you applicational thoughts that I want you applicational thoughts that I want you to take home and chat about privately to take home and chat about privately to take home and chat about privately with God this week. Talk to him about with God this week. Talk to him about with God this week. Talk to him about this. Number one, this. Number one, this. Number one, don't huff when God doesn't obey you. don't huff when God doesn't obey you. don't huff when God doesn't obey you. Chew on that this week. Chew on that this week. Chew on that this week. Don't huff Don't huff Don't huff when God doesn't obey you. Don't get all when God doesn't obey you. Don't get all when God doesn't obey you. Don't get all hot and bothered when God doesn't align hot and bothered when God doesn't align hot and bothered when God doesn't align himself to your will himself to your will himself to your will and your hopes and your desires for your and your hopes and your desires for your and your hopes and your desires for your life, for your career, for your church.

life, for your career, for your church. life, for your career, for your church. Don't be moody with God. That's Don't be moody with God. That's Don't be moody with God. That's diva-like Christian behavior. Don't be a diva-like Christian behavior. Don't be a diva-like Christian behavior. Don't be a Christian diva. Christian diva. Christian diva. It's an entitled attitude that we all It's an entitled attitude that we all It's an entitled attitude that we all easily relapse into if we're not easily relapse into if we're not easily relapse into if we're not careful. careful. careful. This isn't just a Jonah problem. This isn't just a Jonah problem. This isn't just a Jonah problem. This is a human heart problem. This is a human heart problem. This is a human heart problem. And if a seasoned successful celebrity And if a seasoned successful celebrity And if a seasoned successful celebrity preacher had such struggles, it's a preacher had such struggles, it's a preacher had such struggles, it's a struggle that's potentially within us struggle that's potentially within us struggle that's potentially within us all. all. all. So, ask yourself some revealing So, ask yourself some revealing So, ask yourself some revealing questions this week as you chat with questions this week as you chat with questions this week as you chat with God. God. God. Ask yourself this, how do I react when Ask yourself this, how do I react when Ask yourself this, how do I react when God doesn't do what I want? God doesn't do what I want? God doesn't do what I want? How do I react when God doesn't do what How do I react when God doesn't do what How do I react when God doesn't do what I want? How do I respond when God I want? How do I respond when God I want? How do I respond when God doesn't align himself to my expectations doesn't align himself to my expectations doesn't align himself to my expectations and my prayer requests or what I want and my prayer requests or what I want and my prayer requests or what I want him to do in my life, in my culture, in him to do in my life, in my culture, in him to do in my life, in my culture, in my family, in my church? Ask yourself whether you disapprove of Ask yourself whether you disapprove of what God does what God does what God does despite your will.

despite your will. despite your will. Ask yourself if your life is displaying Ask yourself if your life is displaying Ask yourself if your life is displaying obedience and faith or obedience and obedience and faith or obedience and obedience and faith or obedience and huffs. huffs. huffs. Unholy obedience. Unholy obedience. Unholy obedience. Obeying wrongly. Obeying wrongly. Obeying wrongly. These are serious heart issues that need These are serious heart issues that need These are serious heart issues that need flushed out. So, heed the warning from flushed out. So, heed the warning from flushed out. So, heed the warning from the life of Jonah in chapter 4. Don't the life of Jonah in chapter 4. Don't the life of Jonah in chapter 4. Don't get all hot and bothered when God get all hot and bothered when God get all hot and bothered when God doesn't do what you want. Don't huff doesn't do what you want. Don't huff doesn't do what you want. Don't huff when God doesn't obey you. when God doesn't obey you. when God doesn't obey you. The second thing I'd love you to chew on The second thing I'd love you to chew on The second thing I'd love you to chew on as you reflect on what you heard this as you reflect on what you heard this as you reflect on what you heard this morning from Jonah chapter 4 is this, morning from Jonah chapter 4 is this, morning from Jonah chapter 4 is this, let go of worthless plants for happiness let go of worthless plants for happiness let go of worthless plants for happiness in life. in life. in life. Let go of worthless plants for happiness Let go of worthless plants for happiness Let go of worthless plants for happiness in life. Don't find your happiness and in life. Don't find your happiness and in life. Don't find your happiness and your good mood in that which brings you your good mood in that which brings you your good mood in that which brings you comfort and pleasure if it's outside of comfort and pleasure if it's outside of comfort and pleasure if it's outside of the will of God. There's nothing wrong the will of God. There's nothing wrong the will of God. There's nothing wrong with comfort and pleasure at all. But if with comfort and pleasure at all. But if with comfort and pleasure at all. But if it's disordered, if it's wrongly ranked it's disordered, if it's wrongly ranked it's disordered, if it's wrongly ranked in your heart, if it's what you live in your heart, if it's what you live in your heart, if it's what you live for, for satisfaction and fun and for, for satisfaction and fun and for, for satisfaction and fun and fulfillment, then we've moved into the fulfillment, then we've moved into the fulfillment, then we've moved into the arena of Christianized idolatry.

arena of Christianized idolatry. arena of Christianized idolatry. Just like Jonah. Just like Jonah. Just like Jonah. Jonah-like plants Jonah-like plants Jonah-like plants in our lives for extreme happiness. in our lives for extreme happiness. in our lives for extreme happiness. Ahead of God's will. Ahead of God's will. Ahead of God's will. That's a problem. That's a problem. That's a problem. So, ask yourself this week these So, ask yourself this week these So, ask yourself this week these questions. What are the Jonah-like questions. What are the Jonah-like questions. What are the Jonah-like plants in my life? plants in my life? plants in my life? What's the stuff that that I daydream What's the stuff that that I daydream What's the stuff that that I daydream about that is not God? What's the stuff about that is not God? What's the stuff about that is not God? What's the stuff that I lean my life toward for that I lean my life toward for that I lean my life toward for fulfillment in life that's not pursuing fulfillment in life that's not pursuing fulfillment in life that's not pursuing God's will for my life? Is it more God's will for my life? Is it more God's will for my life? Is it more money? Is it more pleasure? Is it more money? Is it more pleasure? Is it more money? Is it more pleasure? Is it more recognition? Is it more status, more recognition? Is it more status, more recognition? Is it more status, more achievement, more influence, more I achievement, more influence, more I achievement, more influence, more I don't know, more shoes, more gadgets, don't know, more shoes, more gadgets, don't know, more shoes, more gadgets, more friendships, a cleaner house, more friendships, a cleaner house, more friendships, a cleaner house, better behaved kids, a better golf game? better behaved kids, a better golf game? better behaved kids, a better golf game? I don't know what you worship in your I don't know what you worship in your I don't know what you worship in your heart ahead of God regularly. There's nothing inherently wrong with There's nothing inherently wrong with having more money and more pleasure, having more money and more pleasure, having more money and more pleasure, more recognition, and more influence, more recognition, and more influence, more recognition, and more influence, and and more shoes, I guess, if and and more shoes, I guess, if and and more shoes, I guess, if it's rightly ordered in your heart.

it's rightly ordered in your heart. it's rightly ordered in your heart. If you're not pursuing those things If you're not pursuing those things If you're not pursuing those things because it shifts your mood, makes you because it shifts your mood, makes you because it shifts your mood, makes you like Jonah extremely happy, and that's like Jonah extremely happy, and that's like Jonah extremely happy, and that's the only thing that makes me extremely the only thing that makes me extremely the only thing that makes me extremely happy. happy. happy. If it is, then it's become idolatrous. If it is, then it's become idolatrous. If it is, then it's become idolatrous. And you're living like a hypocrite. They can become They can become like little Christianized like little Christianized like little Christianized idols that you carry around in your idols that you carry around in your idols that you carry around in your pocket and you polish and you sort of pocket and you polish and you sort of pocket and you polish and you sort of pray toward and hold as if for good pray toward and hold as if for good pray toward and hold as if for good Christian luck. Christian luck. Christian luck. And God will not hesitate for a moment And God will not hesitate for a moment And God will not hesitate for a moment to send some sort of worm to eat that to send some sort of worm to eat that to send some sort of worm to eat that up. up. up. Because he who began a good work in you Because he who began a good work in you Because he who began a good work in you will complete it will complete it will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. So So until the day of Jesus Christ. So So until the day of Jesus Christ. So So don't finger wag and and ridicule Jonah don't finger wag and and ridicule Jonah don't finger wag and and ridicule Jonah for throwing a tantrum when he loses his for throwing a tantrum when he loses his for throwing a tantrum when he loses his precious little plant idol. precious little plant idol. precious little plant idol. It's time to learn from his behavior and It's time to learn from his behavior and It's time to learn from his behavior and to make sure that you do some gardening to make sure that you do some gardening to make sure that you do some gardening in your own heart this week in your own heart this week in your own heart this week to uproot whatever worthless plants to uproot whatever worthless plants to uproot whatever worthless plants you're looking to for happiness you're looking to for happiness you're looking to for happiness >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> if they lie before >> if they lie before >> if they lie before the will of God.

the will of God. the will of God. Friends, our time is up. Friends, our time is up. Friends, our time is up. Let me leave you with these psalmist's Let me leave you with these psalmist's Let me leave you with these psalmist's words as our closing prayer before we words as our closing prayer before we words as our closing prayer before we stand and sing. O God, O God, know my heart, know my heart, know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, test me and know my anxious thoughts, test me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there is any offensive way in and see if there is any offensive way in and see if there is any offensive way in me, me, me, and lead me in the way everlasting. and lead me in the way everlasting. and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus' name, In Jesus' name, In Jesus' name, amen.