God’s Freedom To Be God | Jonah 4:1-5 | Pastor Neil McClendon

Jun 15, 2025  GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church


Jonah 4:1-5
God’s Freedom To Be God

1. God’s nature doesn’t conform to our emotions, v. 1

Four things about anger…
a) anger is a secondary emotion
b) anger doesn’t earn me the right to be in charge
c) anger turned inward becomes depression
d) anger is an invitation to identify your root idols

Four root idols…
 Power: a longing for influence or recognition
 Control: a longing to have everything go according to my plan
 Comfort: a longing for pleasure
 Approval: a longing to be accepted or desired

2. God’s nature is not subject to our preferences, v. 2-3

Components of a prophetic complaint…
a) We accuse God of injustice
b) We point to something God said, did or didn’t do as evidence
c) We request a correction of the injustice

Three things about God’s nature…
1) it’s not one dimensional
2) it’s not open to interpretation
    • Exodus 34:6-8
3) it’s expressed in God’s timing
    • Nahum 1:1-15

3. God’s nature invites self-reflection, v. 3-4

Mental worship…

1. What is your theology of anger?
2.  Does your love of country ever over rule God’s love for the nations?
3. Are you balanced in your view of God’s nature? 
4. What part of your life is God’s nature inviting you to think about today?
5. What kind of spiritual progress have you made over the past year?