God is Merciful

God is Merciful

By Phud Chambers

4-13-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. How is your heart growing in compassion for people who are far from God in light of this study of Jonah?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

2. Read Jonah 4 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

3. How does Jonah’s attitude in this passage challenge our understanding of God’s mercy and compassion?

4. Discuss the significance of the two contrasting uses of the word “exceedingly” in chapter 4. How do you see yourself in this aspect of Jonah’s character?

5. What does God try to teach Jonah—and also us—through the plant, the worm, and the wind?

6. Given that Jonah wrote this book of the Bible, discuss how do you think things ended up for him?

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

7. Can you think of any relationships in your life where you are waiting for God to judge someone rather than praying, hoping, and witnessing for repentance? What should change about your approach?

8. Evaluate your current schedule, habits and rhythms in light of the Charles Spurgeon quote Phud shared: “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” Does anything need to be changed?