Week 2: Jonah 1:1-3featured

Welcome to the second week of this summer study through the book of Jonah.
This week our focus will be on Jonah 1:1-3.

This week.

Start everyday with prayer.
Prayer topics could include: understanding of the things you are reading, revelation of God’s character through his Word.
Continue the practice of reading through the names of the books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus…Zechariah, Malachi) to familiarize yourself with where the book of Jonah is physically in the Bible.

After completing the steps in the Option you have chosen for the week, is a good time to meet with others for discussion. Try to complete the steps for at least one of the options fully before referencing others’ thoughts or other study materials (sermons, commentaries, study Bible notes, etc.). Share comments on this post of anything you are learning, seeing, or applying.

Option 1:

Use day 1 to read Jonah 1:1-3.
Use a green colored pencil to circle any time you see Jonah (or pronouns that take the place of Jonah in this text, example: he, you, etc.).
Use a green colored pencil to underline verbs describing what man is, does, or is commanded to (action words or passive verbs: is, was, etc.)
Answer the question, “What does this passage show me about man?” or “What is the fallen condition I see?”

On day 2, read Jonah 1:1-3.
Use a blue colored pencil to draw a box around references for God (example: word of the LORD, LORD the God of heaven, etc.).
Use a blue colored pencil to underline and verbs describing what God does or who he is.
Today answer the question, “What does this passage show me about God?”

On day 3, read Jonah 1:1-3.
Do we see commands in the text? Can we praise God for something we see about his character? Has this revealed anything to repent of? Answer the question, “What should I do, understand, believe, or desire, because of the things I see in this text?”

Use any additional days you study this week to read or listen through the whole book, or practice steps from Option 2.

Option 2:

Follow Option 1 for days 1 and 2.

On day 3, read Jonah 1:1-3.
Use a red colored pencil to underline every time you see Tarshish in the text.
Search for a map of Tarshish and Ninevah, to have a better understanding of where they are in relation to one another.
Then read Genesis 4:1-16. Consider how Genesis 4:16 and Jonah 1:3 are similar.
Answer the questions, “Why do you think the word Tarshish is repeated?” and What do you think it means to go “away from the presence of the LORD?”

For day 4, read Jonah 1:1-3.
Choose between following the applications steps in Option 1, day 3 or Option 3, day 5.

Use any additional days you study this week to read or listen through the whole book, or practice steps from Option 3.

Option 3:

On day 1, read Jonah 1:1-3* and use the following key to mark your text:

• Use a green colored pencil to circle any time you see Jonah (or pronouns that take the place of Jonah in this text, example: he, you, etc.)
• Use a green colored pencil to underline verbs describing what man is, does, or is commanded to (action words or passive verbs: is, was, etc.)
• Use a blue colored pencil to draw a box around references for God (example: word of the LORD, LORD the God of heaven, etc.)
• Use a blue colored pencil to underline and verbs describing what God does or who he is.
• Draw a question mark above any words you could not comfortably or clearly define (sometimes this is words we feel familiar with, but don’t concisely know definitions to)
• Choose a way to mark different words you see repeated (example: drawing a blue triangle anytime you see the word ship)
• Add any other markings or notes that make sense to you

Use day 2 to, read Jonah 1:1-3. Then look up definitions for any words you marked with question marks. Make helpful notes in your text. Read Genesis 4:1-16. Consider how Genesis 4:16 and Jonah 1:3 are similar. What do the people described have in common?

Day 3, read Jonah 1:1-3. Then rewrite verse one in your own words, restating it as if you were asked the questions “What does verse one say?” Include facts only, trying to condense the verse. Repeat this step for verses two and three. Write a subject sentence or header for Jonah 1:1-3 using ten words or less.

On day 4, read Jonah 1:1-3. Review the marks you made on day 1. Consider what the text says about God, and Jonah/man. Know the meaning of the text runs deeper than the words on the page; also consider positions of the heart. Main truths or principles would be true for the original audience, and for us—they are doctrinal statements that supersede time and culture. Answer the question: “What are the main truths or principles in this passage?”

For day 5, read Jonah 1:1-3. Review your main truths and principles from day 4. Application is aimed at the heart and seeks to answer the questions, “How should the truths of this passage change me?” Application is not always individual; it may be corporate. It is not always about what we should do: it should affect our hearts, minds, and wills. Other questions that may guide us toward application are: If this is true, then what? What does it tell us about God, Jesus, humanity, or history? What does this expose about our culture or our idols? Does this shine light on misplaces hopes, ideas, or expectations? Why do we enjoy or not enjoy this passage? How might we mishear this? Repentance, praise, and believe are legitimate applications. Trying to avoid yes/no questions, write out at least one application question and then your answer(s).

At this point, gather with others to share what you have learned and bring up any lingering questions you have.

*As you have opportunity throughout the week read/listen through the whole book of Jonah.