Grace in the Storm (Jonah 1:3-5)

1. Can Anyone Outrun God?Proverbs 15:3 – “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”What are some of the common “Tarshishes” people run to when trying to avoid God’s presence?2. Pride or Grace?Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”Why do so many resist God’s grace, even when it is freely offered? How does pride often stand in the way?3. The Price of DisobedienceJonah 1:3 – “He paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.”In what ways does disobedience usually end up costing more than people expect?4. The Downward Path of SinJames 1:15 – “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”How does one small step of disobedience often lead to a downward spiral?5. When God Sends a StormJonah 1:4 – “But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.”What kinds of storms might God use to interrupt someone’s plans and turn them back to Him?6. Chastening as LoveHebrews 12:6 – “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”How can God’s discipline be seen as an expression of love and grace rather than only punishment?7. The Storms That Wake Us UpNumbers 32:23 – “Be sure your sin will find you out.”What are some examples of storms or consequences that serve as warnings before sin fully destroys?8. Loving the ProdigalLuke 15:17 – “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”What are wise ways to show love to prodigals without preventing them from experiencing the storms that may bring them home?9. Grace in the Hard PlacesRomans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”How have storms or hardships often been used by God to bring about spiritual growth and deeper trust in Him?10. Responding to God’s Pursuing LovePsalm 139:7–8 – “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”If God pursues people with relentless grace, how should that truth shape the way His people live, worship, and obey?