REALLIFE STUDY GROUP

“A Whale of a Tale”

ICEBREAKER: Tell us your best boating, cruising, or fishing story.

OUTLINE: How to Get Your Problem to Spit You Out

Remember that:

1. Your problem is not as big as your God

2. Your problem is not your problem, its your attitude

3. Your problem may be your answer

4. Your problem is waiting on you to repent

5. Your problem is your greatest opportunity

6. Your problem will eventually bring salvation to someone else

Facts Regarding The Blue Whale

1. Weighs about 400,000 lbs

2. Recorded length 110 feet

3. Makes noise 188 decibels, heard 530 miles away

4. Can swim 25-35 miles per hour, or about 20 naught

5. Eats between 2000lbs-8000lbs of krill per day

6. Its heart is as big as a small car

7. Its tongue weighs as much as an elephant

8. It can swim to depths of 500 to 600ft below sea level

9. Spouts water up 40 to 50 ft

10. Can be seen in any ocean

11. Skin is about 20 inches thick

TEXT: Jonah1:1-3:1 The Message Bible (www.biblegateway.com)

Study Group Questions:

1. Why do you think that Jonah ran from God or anybody runs from God for that matter? If you pick an answer below explain)

a. Pride

b. Fear

c. Prejudice

d. Stupidity

e. ________________________________

2. Jonah’s disobedience put everyone on his boat at risk when the storm arose. What do you think are some of the selfish acts in this country that are putting us all at risk?

3. The Bible (King James version) says that Jonah went DOWN to Joppa, DOWN on the boat, DOWN into the boat, and was cast DOWN into the sea. What did it take for Jonah to change directions in his life? Tell us if there is an area of your life that you need to see improve or change? What will it take?

4. Name somebody in the Bible besides Jonah that had serious problems? Name a place in the world that has far worse problems than us right now?

5. What attitude about your problem do you most need to change right now?

a. Self pity

b. Insecurity

c. Hopelessness

d. Shame

e. Procrastination

f. Blaming someone else

g. _________________________________

6. How could what you have been through or are going through right now bring salvation, healing or knowledge to someone else?

7. Jonah was willing to sacrifice himself for the crew. What sacrifice are you willing to make to see things improve in your country, your church, your family and your world?