Counterfeit Obedience
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Read Jonah 3: 1-5
1. Why do you think the word “counterfeit” was used in the last two sermon titles regarding Jonah’s repentance and obedience? In what ways were they counterfeit? In what ways might these things have been counterfeit in your life sometimes?
2. Read 2 Peter 3: 9 and Jeremiah 18: 7-8. How do these passages relate to Nineveh in the Jonah story? What do they mean for us today?
3. In the video and study guide this week, Mason describes Jonah’s going to Nineveh as “begrudging obedience” and “heartless obedience.” What does he mean by that? What is missing in “heartless” obedience?
4. Why is “heartless obedience” so dangerous? What did Jesus have to say about this kind of obedience? (Hint: see Mark 3:1-6)
5. What are Wesley’s Three Simple Rules? (See below) How can they prevent us from being counterfeit?
6. Pastor Mick shared this quote from another pastor: “We are not called to be keepers of the aquarium – Jesus calls us to be ‘fishers of people,’ to catch folk up in God’s grace, love and salvation.” How does this relate to the Jonah story? To our lives in the church today?
7. Pastor Mick listed four basic concepts all good fishermen know. Do you remember what they are? (See below) How do these also apply to being “fishers of people”?
8. Toward the end of the sermon, Pastor Mick talked a lot about authenticity. What was he talking about? Why is this important? What are some possible consequences of being inauthentic?
Prayer of Confession (from UMC Communion Liturgy):
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
#5 Do no harm; Do good; Stay in love with God
#7 Four Basic Fishing Concepts – Patience, Time, Place, Bait