Jonah Chapter One verses one thru three

Jonah Chapter One

Jonah's Response To God's Call

"NO I WON'T"

I. The Sure Word Of The Lord - vs. 1a-e
<> God’s Word Is Present - 1a ...Now…

<> God’s Word Is Precise - 1b ...the…

<> God’s Word Is Provided - 1c ...of…

<> God’s Word Is Preeminent - 1d ...the Lord...

<> God’s Word Is Preserved - 1e ...came…

II. The Stubborn Worker Of The Lord - vs. 1f-3
<> The Prophet Jonah - 1f ...unto Jonah…

<> The Prompted Jonah - 2a ...Arise...go…
a. A Pagan Mission Field - 2b ...to Nineveh...that great city…
b. A Passionate Message - 2c ...and cry…
c. A Pressing Ministry - 2d-e
> Because Of The Reality Of Their Wickedness - 2d
> Because Of The Reach Of Their Wickedness - 2e

<> The Problem Jonah - 3
a. A Determination To Run - 3a ...Jonah rose up to flee…
> Running Could Be Fatal - See 1 John 5:16
> Running Would Be Futile - See Psalm 139:7-10

b. A Determination To Shun - 3b-d
> Rebellion Asserts A Full Price - 3b ...he paid the fare…
> Rebellion Associates With A Faithless People - 3c ...to go with them…
> Rebellion Attempts A Foolish Purpose - 3d ...from the presence of the Lord...

You Cannot Run From The Lord, You Can Only Run Into Him.

Obedience - The Perfect Will Of God

Jesus Christ will never force us to obey Him. He leaves that choice with us (Joshua 24:15; Luke 9:23; Revelation 3:20). Our obedience to Christ is rooted in the Lord's worthiness (Revelation 4:11). True obedience is born when Christ illuminates our heart and mind to His glory and grace. Obedience does not endure God's command, it enjoys God's will from the heart (Ephesians 6:6).

If the Lord was inclined to force us into submission, He would be relegated to a slave master. No one loves a slave master. We obey our Lord because we love Him. The true essence of obedience is choosing to be in one-ness with our Lord. Jesus said that He and His Father are one (John 10:30). What we do FOR Jesus is NOT obedience... It is what we do WITH Christ in one-ness with Him. The only obedience that pleases our heavenly Father is the obedience of Christ. We are called and compelled to the obedience of Christ. One-ness with the obedience of Christ Jesus is the high and holy calling that entrenches the heart to pure worship of the living God. We don't GOT to obey God... we GET to.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger

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