About

Call to worship: Psalm 31:1-5

Text: Esther 9:23-10:3

Sermon Outline:

1. Recounting redemption (and the God behind it), 9:23-25.
2. Resolving to celebrate it (and the God behind it), 9:26-29.
3. Recognizing the redeemers (and the God behind them), 9:30-32.
4. Rejoicing in the Redeemer (and the God behind Him), 10:1-3.

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Esther 9:23-10:3.
2. In 9:23-25, the author recounts, in brief, the great redemptive reversal for God's people. What can we learn from Haman's fall? What can we gather as one of God's people? What ultimately signalled their victory? How does recounting redemption lead to responsive rejoicing? Consider Ephesians 2:1-4.
3. In 9:26-29, we're told to what lengths the Jewish people went to observe Purim. Sift slowly through the verses. What elements or aspects of their approach can you identify? How might these be applied to our celebration of redemption each Sunday gathering? How does the celebration of Purim come to a head in Christ and the Lord's Day and, even more specifically, the Lord's Supper? How do those relate to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?
4. In 9:30-32, the author returns to the human heroes of the story. What has changed about the presentation of them? How has that come about? How does their authority serve to oblige God's people to keep Purim? Do they keep it, then, under nothing but compulsion, or is there more, say, the inner compulsion of joy in sovereign grace? What should we see about God's ability to use those who have previously neglected Him? How should we think about 'secular' vocation (non-clergy), for men and women, in relationship to ministry?
5. In 10:1-3, all has changed---except Ahasuerus! What word might we share with those who, despite so much access to God's working, continue on in their sin and folly? How does this final chapter counterbalance the first chapter (think about the fearful edict of the king's men)? Is Ahasuerus the true King? How does the final snapshot of Mordecai, both, lead us to wonder and waiting? Is Jesus second to anybody? Is He popular with us? Why should He be? Are we seeking His popularity in all the world? We titled the series God Always Faithful. How have you seen that in Esther? In what ways have you grown in knowing our God and Savior? What are the main lessons you've drawn out and will seek to practice?