Know Thyself (Colossians 1:21-23)

Consider our Past Condition apart from Christ

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, Colossians 1:21 (ESV)

Alienated:
12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12–13 (ESV)

Hostile in mind:

21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 (ESV)

Evil deeds: Romans 1:29–32

5  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5 (ESV) 

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— Romans 5:12 (ESV)

Consider our Present Reconciliation in Christ

22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death . . . , Colossians 1:22 (ESV)
22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him— Colossians 1:22 (CSB)
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV)

Consider our Future Presentation before Christ

22 . . .  in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, Colossians 1:22 (ESV)

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV)
Consider our Call to Persevere in Christ

23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:23 (ESV)

13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13 (ESV)

14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Hebrews 3:14 (ESV)

7 . . .  our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 1:7–8 (ESV)
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 24 (ESV)

Re-acquainted: A Story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 32-33)

The fear of Jacob in meeting Esau

6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”
Genesis 32:6–8 (ESV)
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)

The appeasement from Jacob before meeting Esau

13 So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.
Genesis 32:13–15 (ESV)

20 and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
Genesis 32:20 (ESV)

The encounter of Jacob before meeting Esau

24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” Genesis 32:24–30 (ESV)
He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us— Hosea 12:4 (ESV) 

10 . . .  For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)

The preparation of Jacob before meeting Esau

2 And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. 3 He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Genesis 33:2–3 (ESV)

The offering after meeting Esau

16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17 But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. 18 And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. Genesis 33: 16-20 ESV

Jesus Christ: The Reconciler of All Things (Colossians 1:18-20)

The position of Christ in reconciling all things

18 And he is the head of the body, the church . . . Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Ephesians 5:23 (ESV)

The priority of Christ in reconciling all things

18 . . .  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9–11 (ESV)

 The pervasiveness of Christ in reconciling all things

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven . . .
Colossians 1:19–20 (ESV)

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 (ESV)

30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 (ESV)

10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him. Ephesians 1:10 (ESV)

5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)

19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (ESV)

The peace of Christ in reconciling all things
20 . . .  making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:20 (ESV)

11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28 (ESV)
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV)

Jesus Christ: the Creator of all Things (Colossians 1:15-17)

The identity of Christ as associated with creation

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15 (ESV)

 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
John 1:18 (ESV)

 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, Exodus 4:22 (ESV)

 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. Psalm 89:27 (ESV)

The instigation of Christ as the architect of creation

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
Psalm 33:6 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1–3 (ESV)

2 but in these last days he (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Hebrews 1:2 (ESV)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

 The indispensability of Christ as the adhesive of creation

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 (ESV)

3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power . . .  Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)

“In Christ:” A summary of what we received through union with Him” (Colossians 1:13-14)

The darkness from which we were delivered

13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness . . . Colossians 1:13 (ESV)

 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

 9 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
1 John 5:19 (ESV)

 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
John 12:31 (ESV)

 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

 8  . . .  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 (ESV)

 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Hebrews 2:14 (ESV)

 The kingdom into which we were placed

13 . . .  and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Colossians 1:13 (ESV)

 The union through whom redemption was received
14 in whom we have redemption . . .  Colossians 1:14 (ESV)

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:5 (ESV)

3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 (ESV)

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

The sins for which our redemption was paid

14  . . .  the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14 (ESV)
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
Hebrews 8:12 (ESV)
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 (ESV)

Finding God's Will (Colossians 1:9-12)

Finding God’s Will (Colossians 1:9-12)

 We should know God’s will

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9 (ESV)

 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. Ephesians 1:17–19 (ESV)

 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

 We should obey God’s will

10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him . . .  Colossians 1:10 (ESV)

4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

 We should form a lifestyle toward God’s will

10 . . . bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:10–12 (ESV)

 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification . . . 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (ESV)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Colossians 1:3-8)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Colossians 1:3-8)

A prayer of giving thanks in all situations

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, Colossians 1:3 (ESV)

21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:21 (ESV)

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

 A prayer of giving thanks for the three pillars of sanctification

4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, Colossians 1:4–6 (ESV)

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)

19 We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)

 A prayer giving thanks for leaders and their dedication

7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:7–8 (ESV)

A Grace-Filled Greeting (Colossians 1:1-2)

A Grace-Filled Greeting (Colossians 1:1-2)

How to think about Paul

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, Colossians 1:1 (ESV)

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead . . . Galatians 1:1 (ESV)

9 . . . we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9 (ESV)

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19–20 (ESV)

How to think about Yourself

To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae . . . Colossians 1:2 (ESV)

6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:6 (ESV)

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:21–22 (ESV)

22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith . . . Colossians 1:22–23 (ESV)

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Ephesians 2:19 (ESV)

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 (ESV)

How to think about Life

. . . Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Colossians 1:2 (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)

A Teachable Moment (Jonah 4:5-11)

A Teachable Moment (Jonah 4:5-11)

The proceedings of the teachable moment

5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Jonah 4:5 (ESV)
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:8–9 (ESV)

The providence in the teachable moment

6 Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So, Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint . . . Jonah 4:6–8 (ESV)

 . . . hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ Mark 9:47–48 (ESV)

 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” Luke 9:41 (ESV)

Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!
Psalm 148:5–8 (ESV)

The passion in the teachable moment

8 . . .  And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” Jonah 4:8–9 (ESV); Luke 15:28–30
9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” . . .  11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:9–11 (ESV)
9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” . . . Genesis 4:9 (ESV)

The point of the teachable moment

10 And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” Jonah 4:10–11 (ESV)

2 You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32 (ESV)
“right and left” idiom (cf. Deut 5:32; 17:11, 20; 28:24; Josh 1:7; 23:6; 2 Chr 34:2; Prov 4:27) [Joanne Hoyt]

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  . . . Luke 23:34 (ESV)

Unbridled Anger (Jonah 4:1-4)

Unbridled Anger (Jonah 4:1-4)

20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:20 (ESV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident . . . enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, Galatians 5:19–20 (ESV)

The self-absorption of Jonah’s anger

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.
Jonah 4:1–2 (ESV)

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matthew 11:17–19 (ESV)

21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:21–22 (ESV)

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! Romans 9:14 (ESV)

The misconception in Jonah’s anger

2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Jonah 4:2 (ESV)

9 For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land.  For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him." 2 Chron 30:9 (NASB)

13 And rend your heart and not our garments." Now return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting of evil.14 Who knows whether He will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him, even a grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God? Joel 2:13-14 (NASB); Psalms 86:15

The absurdity from Jonah’s anger

3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:3 (ESV)

The challenge to Jonah’s anger

4 And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?”
Jonah 4:4 (ESV)

The hope in Jonah’s anger

2 And he prayed to the Lord . . .  Jonah 4:2 (ESV)
But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Psalm 73:16–17 (ESV)

A Portrait of Genuine Repentance ( Jonah 3:5-10)

A Portrait of Genuine Repentance (Jonah 3:5-10)

 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
Acts 26:20 (ESV) Luke 3:8

 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation . . . . 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. Luke 11:30–32 (ESV)

 The Ninevites exhibited outward signs from genuine repentance

5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. 6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth . . . .
Jonah 3:5–8 (ESV)

 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 2 Corinthians 7:9–11 (ESV)

 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 (ESV)

 The Ninevites exhibited an inward change from genuine repentance

 . . . and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Jonah 3:5–8 (ESV); Isaiah 1:15

 46 “If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them  . . .  if they turn their heart  . . .  and repent and plead with you  . . . then hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause 50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you . . .
1 Kings 8:46–50 (ESV); 1 John 1:9

  Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

 The Ninevites exhibited a faith in God from genuine repentance

5 And the people of Nineveh believed God . . .
Jonah 3:5 (ESV)

 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”
Jonah 3:9 (ESV)

 The Ninevites experienced the grace for God from genuine repentance

10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. Jonah 3:10 (ESV)

 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, Titus 2:11 (ESV)

The Grace of Second Chances (Jonah 3:1-5)

The Grace of Second Chances (Jonah 3:1-5)

 The command in Jonah’s second chance

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” Jonah 3:1–2 (ESV)

 13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, Acts 13:13 (ESV)

 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
Acts 15:37–40 (ESV)

 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV)

 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26–27 (ESV)

 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach . . . 
  1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)

 The compliance in Jonah’s second chance

3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord . . . Jonah 3:3 (ESV)

 The completion in Jonah’s second chance

3 . . . . Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” Jonah 3:3–4 (ESV)

 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:19–20 (ESV)

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4 (ESV)

 The counteraction in Jonah’s second chance

5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. Jonah 3:5 (ESV)

 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
John 3:18 (ESV)

A Proclamation of God’s Deliverance (Jonah 2)

A Proclamation of God’s Deliverance (Jonah 2)

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. Jonah 2:2 (ESV)

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13 (ESV)

 -          The book moves from its narrative format to a poetic psalm comprise of several psalms.

-          Jonah                                       Psalms

-          2:2a                                         3:4; 120:1; 18:6

-          2:2b                                         18:4-5; 30:3

-          2:3a                                         88:6-7; 130: 1-3

-          2:3b                                         42:7

-          2:4a                                         31:22

-          2:4b                                         5:7

-          2:5a                                         69:1-2

-          2:6b                                         49:15; 56:13; 103:4

-          2:7a                                         107:5; 142:3

-          2:8a                                         31”6

-          2:9a                                         50:14; 69:30; 107:22

-          2:9c                                         3:8; 37:39

 Jonah’s perspective of God’s deliverance

For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas,

and the flood surrounded me; all your breakers and your waves passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’ Jonah 2:3–4 (ESV)

 5  . . .  for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) Joshua 1:5 (ESV)

 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? . . .  38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35–39 (ESV)

 Jonah’s predicament in God’s deliverance

The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep

surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head.

To the roots of the mountains I went down, to the land

whose bars closed upon me forever. Yet you brought up my

life from the pit, O Lord my God. Jonah 2:5–6 (ESV)

 Jonah’s prayer for God’s deliverance

When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord,

and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those

who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast

love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to

you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the

Lord!” Jonah 2:7–9 (ESV)

 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV); Kings 8:38–40

 Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his  thoughts; And let him  return to the Lord, And He will have  compassion on him, And to our God, For He will  abundantly pardon.Isaiah 55:6-7 (NASB)

 10 And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. Jonah 2:10 (ESV)

 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)

God's Sovereign Will (Jonah 1:11-16)

God’s Sovereign Will (Jonah 1:11-16)

The tragic picture of God’s prophet rebelling against God’s sovereign will

11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. 12 He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.” Jonah 1:11–12 (ESV)

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

The trivial picture of worldly men in opposition to God’s sovereign will
13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. Jonah 1:13 (ESV)

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? Psalm 2:1 (ESV)

The terrified picture of men who recognize the power of God’s sovereign will
14 Therefore they called out to the Lord, “O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” Jonah 1:14 (ESV)

Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Psalm 115:3 (ESV)

Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. Psalm 135:6 (ESV)

The transformed picture of men who submit to God’s sovereign will
15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. Jonah 1:15–16 (ESV)

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6–7 (ESV)

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35–41 (ESV)

The Sign of Jonah: Jonah 1:17, Matthew 12:38-41

God’s sovereign choice
17  And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17 (ESV)

23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23 (ESV)

God’s supernatural choice
17  And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17 (ESV)

17 ‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)

God’s sign of choice
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. Matthew 12:38–41 (ESV)

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (ESV)

Jonah Exposed!!! (Jonah 1:7-10)

23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 (ESV)

Jonah was exposed by the providential hand of God
7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. Jonah 1:7 (ESV)

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33 (ESV)

19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” 20 And Achan answered Joshua, “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: Joshua 7:19–20 (ESV)

Jonah was exposed by the questions of the lost
8 Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” Jonah 1:8 (ESV)

22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:22–24 (ESV)

Jonah was exposed by the confession of his heart

9 And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Jonah 1:9–10 (ESV)

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46 (ESV)

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Hebrews 12:6 (ESV)

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. Romans 1:28 (ESV)

4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 (ESV)

11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 (ESV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)

The Pursuit of God: Johan 1:4-6

God pursued Jonah through the storm
4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. Jonah 1:4 (ESV)

2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:2–3 (ESV)

                7  Praise the Lord from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all deeps,

                8  fire and hail, snow and mist,

stormy wind fulfilling his word! Psalm 148:7–8 (ESV)

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For AT the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7–11 (ESV)

God pursued Jonah through the sailors
5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. Jonah 1:5 (ESV)

11 He . . .  has put eternity into man’s heart . . . Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)

                1  The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

                2  Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1–2 (ESV)

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:19–20 (ESV)

26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, Acts 17:26–27 (ESV)

God pursued Jonah through the captain
6 So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”
Jonah 1:6 (ESV); John 3:16 (ESV)

18    If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 (ESV)

12    For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 (ESV);
Psalm 33:18–19

A Disobedient Heart: Jonah 1:2-3

The call of Jonah for God’s will

2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” Jonah 1:2 (ESV)

“Arise” (kom) or “up” reveals a sense of urgency. Along with (Lek) or “go,” the author reveals God is speaking in imperatives. This same call (UP!) was given to Elijah when God sent him on errands. (1 Kings 17:9; 21:18)

 The defiance of Jonah to God’s will

3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord . . .  Jonah 1:3 (ESV)

if we are faithless, he remains faithful— 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Jonah 4:2 (ESV)

The plan of Jonah to oppose God’s will

3 . . .  He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. Jonah 1:3 (ESV)

Perhaps the two saddest words in the book, “But Jonah.”

The verse is a chiastic structure focusing on the word Tarshish to magnify Jonah’s disobedience

To run away toward Tarshish from the Lord’s presence

He went down to Joppa

Found a ship

About to leave Tarshish

Paid the fare

And went aboard (down into it)

To go. . . to Tarshish form the Lord’s presence.

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 (ESV)

42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. John 12:42–43 (ESV)

Johah: Wherever He Leads I'll Go: Johah 1:1

40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40 (ESV)

What is the book of “Jonah” about?
Is it about a great fish? (only mentioned 4 times)
Is it about a great city, Nineveh? (only mentioned 9 times)
Is it about a disobedient prophet? (mentioned 18 times)
Is it about God? (mentioned 38 times)

Precepts we will see in the book of Jonah

- Salvation belongs to the Lord.

- At times it is painfully explicit that he was all too similar to the people toward which he was called to minister.

- The story is about the providential control of God working in and through His subjects to bring about His sovereign purposes.

- Jonah thinks he knows God and can disobey, but Jonah discovers that he does not know God and ultimately cannot just disobey.

The Character of God

5  The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as  he called upon the name of the Lord. 6 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and  truth; 7 who  keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He  will by no means leave the guilty unpunished,  visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." Ex 34:5-7 (NASB)

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Jonah 1:1 (ESV)

The persistent message in the story of Jonah
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Hebrews 1:1–2 (ESV)

The prophetic nature of the story of Jonah
“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7 (ESV)

The prehistory for the story of Jonah
23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, began to reign in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years. 24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin. 25 He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. 2 Kings 14:23–25 (ESV)

Jacob's Sacrifice at Galeed (Genesis 31)

Jacob flees Laban
14 Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there any portion or inheritance left to us in our father’s house? 15 Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and he has indeed devoured our money. 16 All the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.” 17 So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels. 18 He drove away all his livestock, all his property that he had gained, the livestock in his possession that he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to the land of Canaan to his father Isaac. 19 Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole her father’s household gods. 20 And Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean, by not telling him that he intended to flee. 21 He fled with all that he had and arose and crossed the Euphrates, and set his face toward the hill country of Gilead. Genesis 31:14–21 (ESV)

Laban pursues Jacob
25 And Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen pitched tents in the hill country of Gilead. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? Now you have done foolishly. 29 It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30 And now you have gone away because you longed greatly for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods?” Genesis 31:25–30 (ESV)

34 Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them in the camel’s saddle and sat on them. Laban felt all about the tent, but did not find them. 35 And she said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household gods. Genesis 31:34–35 (ESV)

Jacob berates Laban
36 Then Jacob became angry and berated Laban. Jacob said to Laban, “What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me? 37 For you have felt through all my goods; what have you found of all your household goods? Set it here before my kinsmen and your kinsmen, that they may decide between us two. Genesis 31:36–37 (ESV)

Jacob and Laban make a pact
45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 And Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. 48 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore he named it Galeed, 49 and Mizpah, for he said, “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight. 50 If you oppress my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.” 51 Then Laban said to Jacob, “See this heap and the pillar, which I have set between you and me. 52 This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, to do harm. Genesis 31:43–52 (ESV)

Jacob sacrificed to YHWH
53 The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac, 54 and Jacob offered a sacrifice in the hill country and called his kinsmen to eat bread. They ate bread and spent the night in the hill country. Genesis 31:53–54 (ESV)