In the sermon "Doest thou well to be angry?" James Gudgeon explores the themes of divine mercy and human anger as demonstrated in the life of Jonah. He highlights Jonah's initial rebellion against God's command to preach to Nineveh, stemming from Jonah's knowledge of God's merciful nature, which he believed would spare the city from judgment. Throughout the sermon, Gudgeon connects Jonah's experiences—such as being swallowed by a fish and later expressing anger when God's mercy was granted to Nineveh—with various Scripture passages, including Jonah 4:4 and Romans 9:17, to illustrate God's sovereignty and the duality of anger. The practical implication lies in the call for self-reflection regarding personal anger towards God's will and the reminder of the need for humility in accepting divine sovereignty, urging believers to respond with submission, rather than rebellion, to God's plans.
“Jonah was a sulking prophet... Because the Lord did not act in the way that he wanted him to act, he throws a tantrum.”
“Shouldn’t I have pity upon this city of 120,000 people?”
“Anger... in its simplest terms is, I'm against that. Jonah was against the will of God.”
“Submit yourself under the mighty hand of God, and he will exalt you in due time.”
The Bible describes God as gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in love, as seen in Jonah's experience.
Jonah 4:2, Exodus 34:6-7
God's sovereignty is evidenced in His control over creation and His ultimate authority over human affairs, as shown in the story of Jonah.
Jonah 1:17, Romans 9:17-21
Understanding God's character helps Christians to align their lives with His will and to respond appropriately to His actions.
Jonah 4:2, Ephesians 4:32
Jonah was angry with God because he did not want God to show mercy to the people of Nineveh, whom he believed deserved judgment.
Jonah 4:1-2, 2 Peter 3:9
Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors
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