Jonah –  Running from God

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

• Share a time you tried to justify a silly or unnecessary purchase. What was your reasoning?

• What is your favorite example of “girl math” or “guy math”?

• Have you ever tried to run away from a responsibility? What happened?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

• Jonah 1:1–16

• Ephesians 2:10

• Psalm 46:1

• Romans 10:13

• John 3:16

• 2 Corinthians 5:17

• Luke 15:20

Group Discussion Questions

Point 1: Running from God’s Purpose

• What was Jonah called to do, and how did he respond?

• How might you be running from God’s purpose for your life right now?

• Read Ephesians 2:10. What does this say about your God-given calling?

Point 2: Running from God’s Presence

• Jonah tried to flee from God’s presence. What are some modern ways people try to do this?

• What does “comfort in compromise” look like in your life?

• How can we become “nose blind” to sin or disobedience?

Point 3: Running into God’s Grace

• How does Jonah 1:15–16 show God’s redemptive power?

• What does it look like to turn back to God?

• Read Luke 15:20. How does this mirror Jonah’s experience?

Honest Reflection:

• Where are you currently running?

• What storm might be a result of your disobedience?

• How is God using it to call you back?

Action Steps

• Identify one area of your life where you’re resisting God’s purpose.

• Confess this to God in prayer and ask for courage to obey.

• Reach out to someone you’ve been avoiding in obedience to God’s prompting.

• Write down Ephesians 2:10 and put it somewhere visible this week.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of second chances. Thank You for pursuing us even when we run. Forgive us for the ways we rationalize sin and grow numb to Your voice. Wake us up from our comfort in compromise. Give us the courage to return to You—to Your purpose, Your presence, and Your peace. And when we do, may we experience Your grace in full. In Jesus’ name, Amen.