Key Thought: The story of Jonah shows how God patiently taught His stubborn prophet what grace, mercy, and forgiveness are all about.

[Teaching plan for Eager to Forgive May 6, 2013]

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 139:3-8

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Is God’s Spirit with us at all times? What if we grieve the Spirit? Does God “turn us off” on His radar?
C. Personal Application: Are you always cognizant of the everwatchful eyes of the Lord on all you do, say, and think? Should we be more aware and respond accordingly? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Does God really know what we are thinking? How could He want to save anyone if He knew all their thoughts? Does the devil have the ability to read our thoughts?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Jonah 1:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Name the reasons that Jonah didn’t want to do what God asked him to.
C. Personal Application: How do you know that God wants you to do something for Him? Are members of our church running from doing what God wants them to, even while sitting in the pew? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How would anyone know that it was really God asking them to prophesy for Him? There are many devils that tell people to do stuff. Maybe Jonah didn’t know if it was God or not.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Jonah 2:6-10.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does it mean that those who observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy?
C. Personal Application: When your faith is weak during trials, why is it important to pray fervently and persistently? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why is it important in Jonah’s crying out to God that he will pay what he vowed? Doesn’t God forgive when we ask? Isn’t the debt forgiven at that time?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Jonah 4:1-4.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How easy is it to rejoice when a murderer, rapist, thief, or child molester repents and comes to the Lord for forgiveness? Should they be released from prison then?
C. Personal Application: Is there anyone God wants you to have mercy and forgiveness with that you have been resisting because you are still angry with them? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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