Obedience or Overboard
Obedience or Overboard Study Guide
Opening Question:
Share a time when you felt God calling you to do something difficult or uncomfortable. How did you respond?
Key Takeaways:
1. The book of Jonah is more than just a story about a big fish - it's a mirror that reflects our own struggles with obedience and trust in God.
2. Our view of God significantly impacts every aspect of our lives.
3. Disobedience often stems from a lack of trust in God's plan and a desire to create our own "false Edens."
4. We can't run from God's presence, no matter how hard we try.
Discussion Questions:
1. Zack mentioned two common views of God: the "Butler" view and the "Coach K" view. Which of these (if any) do you tend towards? How might these views affect your relationship with God?
2. Jonah ran away from God's call to preach to Nineveh. What are some ways people today might "run away" from God's calling?
3. The sermon highlighted how Jonah was comfortable in his disobedience, even sleeping during the storm. How can we become more aware of our own spiritual "comfort zones" that may be keeping us from obeying God?
4. Reflect on Psalm 139:7-12. How does the truth that we can't flee from God's presence challenge or comfort you?
5. Zack said, "Obedience to Yahweh often looks like losing." What does this mean to you? How might this perspective change the way we approach difficult situations?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, take time to examine your view of God. Think about how this view affects your decisions and relationships.
2. Identify one area in your life where you might be creating a "false Eden" - a place or situation where you're seeking fulfillment apart from God. Pray for guidance on how to surrender this to God.
3. Practice being more aware of God's presence throughout your day. Set reminders to pause and acknowledge that God is with you, even in mundane moments.
4. If there's something you feel God has been calling you to do but you've been avoiding, take one small step towards obedience this week.
Share a time when you felt God calling you to do something difficult or uncomfortable. How did you respond?
Key Takeaways:
1. The book of Jonah is more than just a story about a big fish - it's a mirror that reflects our own struggles with obedience and trust in God.
2. Our view of God significantly impacts every aspect of our lives.
3. Disobedience often stems from a lack of trust in God's plan and a desire to create our own "false Edens."
4. We can't run from God's presence, no matter how hard we try.
Discussion Questions:
1. Zack mentioned two common views of God: the "Butler" view and the "Coach K" view. Which of these (if any) do you tend towards? How might these views affect your relationship with God?
2. Jonah ran away from God's call to preach to Nineveh. What are some ways people today might "run away" from God's calling?
3. The sermon highlighted how Jonah was comfortable in his disobedience, even sleeping during the storm. How can we become more aware of our own spiritual "comfort zones" that may be keeping us from obeying God?
4. Reflect on Psalm 139:7-12. How does the truth that we can't flee from God's presence challenge or comfort you?
5. Zack said, "Obedience to Yahweh often looks like losing." What does this mean to you? How might this perspective change the way we approach difficult situations?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, take time to examine your view of God. Think about how this view affects your decisions and relationships.
2. Identify one area in your life where you might be creating a "false Eden" - a place or situation where you're seeking fulfillment apart from God. Pray for guidance on how to surrender this to God.
3. Practice being more aware of God's presence throughout your day. Set reminders to pause and acknowledge that God is with you, even in mundane moments.
4. If there's something you feel God has been calling you to do but you've been avoiding, take one small step towards obedience this week.
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