Week 1 - Small Group Questions
Small Group Discussion — Week 1: Don’t Run From God (INTRO: Overview)
Group Leaders:
Have everyone bring their Bibles and a pen.
Each week, start off by having two people share their testimony on how they came to Christ. If someone isn’t a Christian, have them share how God led them to join this group. Start with the person whose birthday is closest to today’s date, then each week move to the next month; have two people share. (Or divide the number in your group by 7 weeks, so you are sure to get to everyone. Have them keep their story short ;-)
Read Jonah 1:1–3 and Jonah 4:1–2.
1. Where might you be running?
Jonah ran because God’s assignment challenged his preferences and attitudes. Sometimes we run physically, but we can also run through delay, excuses, distraction, or partial obedience.
Is there something God has been asking you to do—or something He wants to change in you—that you have been resisting?
What does running from God look like in your life? Scrolling, work, hobbies?
What would one practical step of surrender look like this week?
2. Where have you experienced pursuing grace?
Throughout Jonah’s story, God continued pursuing him. The storm, the fish, the second assignment, and even God’s questions were all evidence that God had not given up on His prophet.
Describe a time when God met you in a failure, difficult season, or wrong decision.
How did God use that experience to redirect or restore you?
How does remembering the grace you have received change the way you see your current struggle?
3. Who is difficult for you to extend grace toward?
Jonah wanted God’s mercy for himself but struggled when God extended that same mercy to Nineveh. Because of their genuine wickedness, Jonah’s feelings were understandable—but God still confronted his heart.
Is there a person or group you find difficult to believe God could forgive, restore, or use?
What might your reaction reveal about your understanding of grace?
How can you demonstrate God’s heart toward that person without excusing sin or abandoning healthy boundaries?
Close in prayer:
“Father, show me where I am resisting You. Thank You for the grace that continues to pursue and restore me. Give me Your heart for people, especially those I find difficult to love. I surrender not only my actions, but also my attitudes to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Prayer of Salvation (if needed) If someone prays the prayer of salvation, be sure to relay that information to Pastor Kasey.
“Heavenly Father,
I come to you in Jesus’ name. I believe You died on the cross, rose again, and are seated on the throne. Jesus, forgive me for all that I have done wrong, and I choose to forgive all others all the time. I surrender to You; come into my life. Today and forever, I am Yours.
In Jesus name.