Micro-Church: Week 20
As we wrap up the book of Jonah, we see that Jonah ultimately obeyed God, but he was disappointed with the outcome. While there could be countless things that went into his disappointment, we highlighted three possibilities that could have played into his emotions:
A cultural prejudice that viewed Ninevites as less deserving of God's grace.
He was still a little salty about his time spent in the Mediterranean sea. You're welcome
for that pun.
God's extension of warning and grace to the Ninevites was an inconvenience to Jonah's
life.
Ministry to people is often difficult. Those difficulties can arise from our differences, our own issues, or a myriad of other things. As we become mature disciples, it is important that we learn to keep our emotions in check. If our frustrations run unchecked, we could find ourselves in the same situation as Jonah; used by God, and mad about it.
It is easy to see how Jonah would be frustrated with the whole process. Jonah's original response to God when he was fleeing to Tarshish wasn't lawful sin, but rather sin through negligence and disobedience. The people of Nineveh had descended into being a full-fledged "sin-city". Jonah had just experienced the most traumatic events of his life as judgement, while Nineveh was forgiven, and actually experienced no repercussions at all for their sins. It can be frustrating to see people who are not pursuing their relationship with Christ "enjoy" the things of life while we may feel that we are living lives of self-sacrifice for the kingdom. This week, let's talk about the tension that exists between ministering to others and not allowing the difficulties of ministry to distract us from our relationship with God.
Galatians 6:1–10 (ESV)
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load. 6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Observe
What do you notice from this passage about our relationship with God while we minister to people?
What do you notice from this passage about our ministry to people while we have a relationship with God?
Context
This passage gives direct instruction to people who are making disciples. Name and discuss the tasks that a faithful discipler must do.
Application
Have you ever been "grown wearing in doing good"? What keeps you motivated?
Is there someone in your life who needs restoration? What tangible step will you take this week to help (gently) move them in that direction?
