This sermon by Sinclair Ferguson explores the first chapter of the Book of Jonah, using it as a lens to examine spiritual decline and backsliding in the Christian life. Ferguson begins by referencing the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and the story of its author's spiritual struggles to illustrate the theme of falling away. He then delves into Jonah's background, highlighting his past blessings as a prophet, his participation in prophetic fellowships, and his fruitful service, before dissecting the hallmarks and consequences of his spiritual declension: turning away from God's word and presence, trusting circumstances over God, and a loss of vital Christian practice and testimony. The sermon concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing God's persistent pursuit of those who stray, drawing a parallel to Jesus' restoration of Peter.
