Main Idea. God delights to relent when sinners repent.

In three movements, God’s mercy toward sinners is on full display:

1. The Prophet Preaches (1–4)

2. The City Repents (5–9)

3. The Lord Relents (10)

Takeaways about our God:

The Lord is patient. (He gives second chances).

The Lord is holy. (He confronts our sin).

The Lord is merciful. (He saves sinners).

Jonah 2 Hope from the Grave

Main Idea. God brings us low, He hears our cry, and He raises us up.

1. He brings us low (1:17, 2:1)

2. He hears our cry (2–9)

3. He raises us up (10)

Two Takeaways.

1. Salvation belongs to the Lord (2:9).

2. The Sign of Jonah (1:17).

Consider the Biblical declarations and benefits of Jesus' resurrection:

Romans 1:4 God “declared him to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.”

Romans 4:25 Jesus was “delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

Hebrews 2:14–15 Jesus “destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.”

1 Corinthians 15 Christ is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Three acts of God’s sovereign grace toward sinners.

1. God Speaks (1–3)

2. God Seeks (4–16)

Three ways God seeks:

1. God seeks with a storm (4–6).

2. God seeks in the casting of lots (7–10).

3. God seeks through a judgment (11–16).

3. God Saves (17)

Matthew 12:40–41: “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth… and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.”

Main Idea. God pursues his rebellious people with unstoppable grace.

3 Responses from Jonah 1.

1. Cry out to the Greater God.

2. Commit to the Great Commission.

3. Confess the Greater Jonah

MI: God accomplishes redemption for His people through the gracious work of His perfect redeemer.

1. Redemption Accomplished (vv. 1-12)

2. Redemption Applied (vv. 13-17)

3. Redemption Anticipated (vv. 18-22)

Takeaways from Ruth

1. God’s Promises in Scripture

2. God’s Purposes in Suffering

3. God’s Providence in Salvation

Three movements:

1. Naomi’s Plan (1–5)

2. Ruth’s Proposal (7–12)

3. Boaz’s Promise (13–18)

Main Idea. God's people ask for covering under the Redeemer's wings and He vows to provide it.

Takeaways.

Ruth’s request to rest.

Boaz will not rest until redemption is finished.

Main Idea. God graciously provides covering for his destitute people through a worthy redeemer.

1. A destitute woman (Ruth)

Three aspects of Ruth’s destitution:

- She is a foreigner (vv.2,6,10,21).

- She is poor (v.2).

- She is a widow (vulnerable).

2. A worthy redeemer (Boaz)

Five aspects of “why” Boaz is worthy:

- He Loves the Laborers in His Field (v.4).

- He Obeys the Law of the Lord (v.8).

- He Provides Protective Covering (vv.9,15).

- He Shows Abundant Generosity (vv.9, 14–16).

- He Is a Redeemer (v.20).

Takeaways.

We need more men like Boaz.

We need humble responses like Ruth’s (v.10).

We need to glean the fields of the Lord.

We need a Redeemer.

Why study the Book of Ruth? (from Tony Merida)

1) The Book of Ruth is God’s Word.

2) Ruth helps us see the bigger story of redemption.

3) Ruth teaches us about God’s providence.

Four moving parts:

1. Empty House (1–5)

2. Empty Hope (6–18)

3. Empty Homecoming (19–21)

4. Full Harvest (22).

Main Idea. Even when God’s hand feels heavy and life empty, He is providentially working for his people's good.

Takeaways.

In God’s providence, even our failures are woven into His redeeming plan.

In God’s providence, emptiness points us back to the Bread of Life.

In God’s providence, He visits and provides for His people, in ways seen and unseen.

Main Idea. Believers can know with certainty that they have eternal life and belong to God.

Driving Question. If we believe in the Son of God, what can we know for certain?

1. We know we have eternal life (13)

2. We know God hears us (14–17)

Application.

Intercede for those caught in sin.

Trust that God restores His people.

3. We know God keeps us (18–21)

Takeaways from 1 John.

Keep trusting Christ.

Keep pursuing holiness.

Keep confessing sin.

Keep loving one another.

Keep away from idols.

God keeps you; remember that.

Main Point: The testimony of Jesus produces new life in us by faith.

Driving Question: “What role does faith have in bringing about this life?”

The result of faith (v.1-3)

The object of faith (v.4-10)

The Reward of Faith (v.11-12)

Takeaways:

If you are born of God, give praise and thanks to God (Father, Son, and Spirit) for His merciful grace to you.

If you are born of God, let’s commit to love one another - and we look to be earnest and sincere in it.

If you are born of God, remember “This is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”

Main Idea. God’s love in Christ removes our fear of judgment and frees us to love one another.

Driving Question. Why don’t Christians need to be afraid anymore?

1. Because God has loved us in Christ (15–16)

2. Because Christ gives us confidence for the judgment (17–18)

3. Because Christ’s assurance frees us to love one another (19–21)

Takeaways.

1. Examine whether you are fearful or free in Christ.