Conflict of identities - Jonah

Listened to a really good talk today at church.

Jonah had a conflict of identity. He as a Jew didn't want to preach to the Gentiles.

Jonah 1:2-3 (NIV)
"Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." [3] But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish . He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

We do something similar when we have a conflict of identity.

The desert place can be a time where God can speak to us. When Jonah was inside the fish he was in a desert place.

It doesn't taken a lot to do mission but to take a step.

Jonah proclaims his identity

Jonah 1:9 (NIV)
He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land. "

But his action didn't reflect it.

Why did Jonah want someone else to throw him off?

Jonah 1:11-12 (NIV)
The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" [12] "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you."

It is very easy to leave it (missionary) to someone else.

Jonah also had a conflict with what God wanted him to do.

Jonah 1:10 (NIV)
This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)

Mission starts with taking a step.

Eg. Peter walking on water.

Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV)
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." [29] "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

God calls to challenge our identity. Do we live as a Christian when we say we are.

Do people know who we are from our identity. Does our behaviour reflect who we really are?

God is amazing but we still need to do mission. We are all called to be missionaries.

God is working in our lives.

Living in loving relationships

Just listened to a really good talk on living the life described in Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5:1,3-6,8-11 (NIV)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [3] But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a man is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

We need to choose to live a new life, but also need to do it every day.

Imitate

Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

We need to live a life of love. We need to imitate Christ and follow Him.

We need to be honest in our thoughts and actions.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

We need to be vulnerable in our honesty with our friendships and relationships.

We need to admit what we struggle with.

Invest

The new life that is loving and faithful involves investment in relationships.

We are told not to be involved in specific things.

Ephesians 5:3-7 (NIV)
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a man is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them.

Is Paul trying to keep sexual temptation out of our thoughts and talks.

We need to live to a different standard.

Our society says that sexual immorality is ok.

If we truly want to love others we won't to get involved in sexual immorality.

No one is immune but imitating God is the starting point.

Ephesians 5:4 (NIV)
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

If we are talking thanksgiving there is no room for sexual immorality.

We should also invest with out expectation of return. We should love others rather than wanting to use them.

Illumination

Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

We are children of light and can live in the light.

This doesn't necessary mean trying to catch people out but shine the light on the path for others.

Ephesians 5:9 (NIV)
(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

We will see ...

- goodness
- righteousness
- truth

We don't have to try and live in righteousness but will come as the fruit of living in the light.