The book of Esther

Ways this book is unique:

  • There seems to be a sort of theme, of power grabbing in this book, but also of luck and chance. It seems to say, “when you roll the dice against the people of God, the dice roll against you.”  

  • There’s also a bit of moral ambiguity in this book...the Jewish people are hiding..they are integrating into culture, even pieces of it that aren’t so….moral...and yet, they are STILL models of faith when things get tough. 

  • BUT the biggest way that this book is unique, is that God is not mentioned even once in this book. 


Esther 4:7-16

  1. She has PASSION FOR HIS PURPOSES.

  2. She had SACRIFICIAL SELFLESSNESS.

  3. She had a FOUNDATION OF FAITH.

  4. She had RESOLUTE RESOLVE.

DISCUSSION

  • How do you think we go about developing a passion for HIS purposes?

    • Ask him for the passion! A lot!

    • Obedience breeds passion.

    • Giving your time and attention to it.

  • How do we identify selfishness in our lives, and how do we change it?

    • Fasting selfishness

    • Fasting food

  • How do we build a foundation of faith for ourselves? for our families?

    • Looking back on what God has done—being thankful for what He has done.

    • Make like-minded friends. Soul-friendship. Practicing vulnerability.

    • Get in the Word for yourself.

    • Set an example for your family—pray out loud, worship by example.

    • Accountabilty Partner

  • How do we stop second-guessing and just go all in?

    • Reminding yourself of what He’s done before.

    • Take baby steps. Faithful with the little things.

    • Humility—be willing to fail. Willing to ask for help.

    • Be patient for big faith. Build it over time!

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