November 9

Discussion Guide: 

1. Prayerlessness and Spiritual Drift

Scripture: Jonah 2:1–2 – “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me…”

Discussion Question:
Where are groups or individuals tempted to drift into prayerlessness, and how does that tendency often affect spiritual direction or decisions?

Leader Notes:
Prayerlessness is usually a sign of drifting hearts. Jonah had resisted prayer at every step until crisis struck. Help the group identify subtle symptoms of prayerlessness—busyness, distraction, self-reliance—and how the lack of prayer often leads to poor decisions or spiritual stagnation.

2. Honest Admission Before God

Scripture: Psalm 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid…”

Discussion Question:
What does genuine honesty before God look like in real life, and why is it sometimes easier to wait for God to “bend” to our desires rather than confess our disobedience?

Leader Notes:
Jonah waited for God to change His mind rather than confess. Explore the difference between excuses and confession. Encourage testimonies of how honesty with God brought relief, clarity, or spiritual breakthrough.

3. Recognizing God’s Hand in Circumstances

Scripture: Jonah 2:3 – “For thou hadst cast me into the deep…”

Discussion Question:
How can believers discern when God is using circumstances to get their attention, rather than simply blaming other people or situations?

Leader Notes:
Jonah did not blame the sailors—he saw God’s hand. Guide the group to consider patterns: repeated failures, convictions, or providential obstacles. Remind them that not all suffering is discipline, but sometimes God lovingly corrects His children.

4. Worship When Feeling Distant

Scripture: Jonah 2:4 – “I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.”

Discussion Question:
What helps believers choose worship and faith when they feel spiritually distant, discouraged, or overwhelmed?

Leader Notes:
Jonah models faith even from darkness. Encourage discussion about habits that keep believers oriented toward God—Scripture memory, Christian music, church community, past answered prayer. Highlight that faith often begins with small steps during discouragement.

5. When God Allows a Person to “Sink”

Scripture: Psalm 119:67 – “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”

Discussion Question:
Can the group identify situations where God allowed someone to “sink” or struggle in order to bring repentance or renewed dependence on Him?

Leader Notes:
This should be handled sensitively. Emphasize God’s purpose in discipline is always restorative, never punitive. Encourage testimonies of how trials humbled or redirected people toward obedience.

6. Remembering the Lord at Rock Bottom

Scripture: Jonah 2:7 – “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD…”

Discussion Question:
Why does hitting “rock bottom” often awaken spiritual memory and desire for God in a way prosperity does not?

Leader Notes:
Contrast self-confidence in prosperity with desperation in crisis. Draw parallels with the Prodigal Son. Emphasize that spiritual awakening often begins when human resources are exhausted.

7. Genuine Sorrow vs. Being Caught

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation…”

Discussion Question:
What distinguishes godly sorrow from merely being sorry for consequences, and how can a church like Morningside cultivate an atmosphere where genuine repentance is encouraged?

Leader Notes:
Jonah showed sorrow without manipulation or demands. Discuss marks of godly sorrow—owning sin, no excuses, no bargaining. Leaders should model humility, confidentiality, and grace so that confession feels safe and honest.

8. Forsaking Idols, Receiving Mercy

Scripture: Jonah 2:8 – “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”

Discussion Question:
What are some “lying vanities”—false saviors or modern idols—that commonly draw believers away from receiving God’s mercy?

Leader Notes:
Idols today often come as good things turned ultimate—career, relationships, comfort, control, image. Help your group connect the dots between idols and the experience of forsaking God’s mercy.

9. Thanksgiving Before Deliverance

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Discussion Question:
How can believers practice thanksgiving even when deliverance has not yet come, and why is that an important part of repentance?

Leader Notes:
Jonah thanked God before he was delivered. Discuss how gratitude shifts focus from circumstances to God’s character. Encourage sharing of ways to practice daily gratitude during trials.

10. Renewed Commitment to Obedience

Scripture: Jonah 2:9 – “I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed…”

Discussion Question:
What commitments or areas of obedience does God often revive in a believer’s life after a season of spiritual discipline or repentance?

Leader Notes:
Jonah returns to vows he had ignored. Encourage discussion about renewed spiritual disciplines, restored relationships, and revived obedience after repentance.

Sermon Outline

“Grace to Repent” – Jonah 2

I. Real Repentance Starts with Honest Admission (vv. 1–7)

A. Jonah finally prays (vv. 1–2) — Prayerlessness leads to ruin. Crisis forces honesty.

B. Jonah acknowledges God’s sovereignty (v. 3) — God is disciplining him in mercy.

C. Jonah feels distant but clings to hope (v. 4) — Faith flickers, but looks toward God.

D. God lets Jonah sink to bring surrender (vv. 5–7) — Hitting bottom awakens repentance.

II. Real Repentance Includes Genuine Sorrow (v. 8)

·       Not just admitting sin—owning it.

·       Jonah stops shifting blame, stops making excuses.

·       Godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10) produces real repentance.

III. Real Repentance Results in Thankful Commitment (vv. 9–10)

·       Jonah vows renewed obedience.

·       Offers thanksgiving even before deliverance.

·       Confession: “Salvation is of the Lord.”

·       God delivers Jonah after repentance.