Reformed Arsenal

The Lord Who De/Re/Creates


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In this sermon, Tony Arsenal delves into Jonah 1:7–17, unpacking profound themes of God’s sovereignty, judgment, and mercy. The narrative focuses on Jonah’s rebellion, the sailors’ transformation, and God’s providential use of both creation and re-creation to accomplish His will. Arsenal begins by walking through the text, highlighting the sailors’ decision to cast lots to determine the cause of the storm, which ultimately points to Jonah. Jonah confesses his identity as a prophet of Yahweh, the Creator of heaven, sea, and land, and acknowledges that his disobedience is the reason for the calamity. Despite Jonah’s suggestion to throw him overboard, the sailors initially hesitate, showing a surprising moral transformation as they begin to fear the Lord.

The sermon draws connections between Jonah’s experience and broader biblical themes, particularly the idea of judgment as “de-creation” and salvation as “re-creation.” Arsenal explains that Jonah’s descent into the sea symbolizes God’s judgment, echoing imagery from Genesis and the Flood narrative, where chaos waters are unleashed. However, God’s mercy intervenes through the appointment of a great fish, transforming Jonah’s judgment into an act of salvation. Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish is portrayed as a symbolic rebirth, prefiguring both Christ’s resurrection and the believer’s experience of regeneration.

Arsenal concludes by emphasizing the necessity of rebirth and evangelism. He challenges Christians to reflect on their spiritual lives, evangelize their children and neighbors, and pray for all people, including those who may seem far from God. The sermon serves as a call to action, urging believers to grasp the urgency of sharing the gospel and living in light of their new life in Christ.

Key Points:
  1. God’s sovereignty over creation and judgment: Jonah identifies Yahweh as the Creator of heaven, sea, and land, emphasizing His control over all circumstances, including the storm and the casting of lots.
  2. Judgment as de-creation and salvation as re-creation: Jonah’s descent into the sea reflects God’s judgment, which echoes the chaos waters of Genesis and the Flood. God’s intervention through the fish symbolizes salvation and rebirth.
  3. The transformation of the sailors: The sailors move from pagan idol worship to fearing the Lord and making sacrifices to Him, illustrating God’s power to bring spiritual renewal even to Gentiles.
  4. The necessity of rebirth in Christ: Arsenal highlights the urgency of being born again, pointing to Jonah’s symbolic rebirth in the fish as a picture of the believer’s regeneration through Christ.
  5. Evangelism as a Christian duty: The sermon calls on believers to evangelize their children, neighbors, and even those in positions of power, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
  6. Application:
    1. Examine your spiritual life: Reflect on whether you are fleeing from God’s presence like Jonah or following Him wholeheartedly. Take stock of your spiritual health and seek assurance in Christ.
    2. Evangelize your children and neighbors: Parents are encouraged to share the gospel with their children daily, recognizing that even covenant children need salvation. Similarly, Christians are called to evangelize their neighbors with urgency and love.
    3. Pray for all people: Follow the biblical mandate to pray for all kinds of people, including those in leadership and even perceived enemies. Trust in God’s ability to bring salvation to anyone.
    4. Questions for Reflection:
      1. In what ways have you experienced God’s mercy and re-creation in your own life?
      2. How can Jonah’s story encourage you to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances?
      3. Are you actively sharing the gospel with those around you, including your own family?
      4. Other Scriptures for Study:
        1. Genesis 1:1–10 (God’s creation of the heavens, sea, and dry land)
        2. Genesis 7:11–12 (The Flood as an act of judgment and de-creation)
        3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (The believer as a new creation in Christ)
        4. Psalm 139 (God’s presence in all places, including the depths)
        5. Romans 1 (God giving people over to their sins as judgment)
        6. Confessional Resources:
          1. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A 30–31: On the application of redemption and effectual calling
          2. John Calvin’s commentary on Numbers (regarding Balaam as an irregular prophet)
          3. Augustine’s reflections on creation in The City of God
          4. ...more
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            Reformed ArsenalBy Reformed Arsenal