Running from God

Wentzville | Matt Hess
May 24, 2026

Jonah 1:3

But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:3 

1. Obey God HALF-HEARTEDLY.  

But Jonah rose….to flee… Jonah 1:3a 
 
“If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 
 
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23 
 
a. His PREFERENCES trumped God’s PURPOSES 
 
b. His FAMILIARITY had God replaced his INTIMACY with God  
 
“I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger…” Jonah 4:2 

“We must pay much closer attention… lest we drift away from it.” Hebrews 2:1 

2. Follow your FLESH. 

But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. Jonah 1:3b 
 
“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit…” Galatians 5:17 
 
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 
 
“Make no provision for the flesh…” Romans 13:14 

3. Believe the LIE. 

“…from the presence of the LORD… away from the presence of the LORD.” Jonah 1:3 
 
He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 
 
 

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Psalm 139:7 
 
“…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 
 
“…that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 

“But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea… Jonah 1:4a 

“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves…” Hebrews 12:6