RUNNING FROM DUTY

                                                          Jonah 1:1-3

  Introduction

       A.  When we think about Jonah, we are reminded of a man who ran away from God

             when he should have been running for God.

       B.  We’d do well to ask ourselves ………..?

       C.  Let’s consider Jonah and his duty and then make spiritual applications.

   Body

   I.  Jonah and his duty

       A.  His duty was understandable.

             1.  God’s command to Jonah could not have been misunderstood.  V 2

        B.  Jonah did not want to do his duty.  V3

              1.  Maybe he was prejudice, or questioned his abilities, or maybe his heart

                   simply was not right with God.

        C.  He evaded his duty.  V3

   II.  Let’s note a few duties we have.

        A.  To worship God.  John 4:24; Hebrews 10:25

        B.  To teach the gospel.  Romans 1:14-17; Matthew 28:18-20

        C.  To grow spiritually.  2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 6:1

        D.  To meet the needs of people.  James 1:27; Galatians 6:9-10

               1.  Are these duties understandable? Will we do them or evade them?

  III.  Three truths regarding our duties from God.

        A.  Inescapable.  Galatians 6:5,7-8

        B.  Non-transferable.  Galatians 6:5,7-8

        C.  Revealing:  Our responses to our duties reveal whether the self or Jesus is in

              control.  Whether our character is molded by the world or by God’ word.

              whether we are on our way to hell or heaven. 

  Conclusion

         A.  Two encouraging passages:  1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:10