Removing Roadblocks to Obedience

Jonah 3:1-3

Scripture ReadingScripture Reading

1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:

2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim

to it the message I give you.”

3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to

Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a

visit required three days.

Jonah 3:1-3

Several roadblocks to obedience in Jonah:

1.He had a mistaken understanding of God and God’s purposes

2.Jonah had prejudice in his heart against the people of Nineveh

3.Jonah was probably fearful

4.Jonah had his own preferences

God was sending Jonah on a mission;

Jonah had to learn submission– obedience to God’s command

To get those roadblocks to obedience out of the way:

1.Mistaken understanding of God and God’s purposes

2.Our prejudice toward others

3.Fear

4.Misusing Bible verses

1 John1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Romans12:2:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The renewing of our mind means that we should forsake our own prejudices, preferences, and our mistaken ideas about God and ourselves

Colossians 3:22-23

(we should serve our employers wholeheartedly)

“not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

The foundation of our obedience:

• God is in control, everything is in God’s hand

• God has wonderful arrangement and provision, and makes everything work together for the good of those who love Him

• God’s love never ends among us

• God never makes mistakes

•Do we have any weaknesses that need to be molded by our loving God?

•Do we have any scar in our heart that needs to be removed by God so that we can know God’s word and will?

•How do we respond to the word and will of God?– obey or disobey?

To us, obeying God’s will is not a choice or option

It is an obligation and opportunity

Our response to His word and will must be obedience

Removing Roadblocks to Obedience

Jonah 3:1-3