Weekly Lesson for August 25, 2013

Guest speaker: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Pity on the City” Jonah 4:5-11 Bible Study 08/25/13
When the Lord shows pity to a city that Jonah thinks should be pulverized, Jonah is ready to throw in the prophetic towel. He had yet to learn that the Lord’s heart for the city must govern his relationship to the city. Today, if the Lord is concerned for the city, how can we remain unconcerned for it?

I. Consider your response to the city (5)
-three times in one verse

-Jonah separates and shelters himself

-Jonah becomes a spectator

-not another fish-swallowing!

II. Observe the Lord’s instructive appointments (6-8)
-here: plant, worm and wind

-compassion that delivers from discomfort

-commitment to piety not pleasure

-a case of applied theology

III. Catch the dramatic contrast (9-11)
-inquiring rather than indicting

-exposing the presence of pettiness: plants or people?

-no investment, enablement or endurance

-“And should not I pity…?”

IV. So What?
-The infinite value of God and the infinite mercy He delights to show dictate that His heart
for the city must govern ours.

-How will you finish the story?

-Your “enthusiasm” for the King of mercy