Preparing for Sunday - Esther: Part 2

July 28, 2016 by Sam Walker Preparing for Sunday

Prepare your heart for Sunday by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together.

You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and tangibly putting scripture to action in your personal life, and in our corporate body.

Carefully Think

Read all ten chapters in the book of Esther in one sitting. Try to read it all through once a day through Sunday.
Review the previous sermon covering the first half of the book and review your notes. Listen to the previous sermon here.
What event is set forth in chapter 4 that is the basis for the rest of the book? Why is this so monumental? Who is planning this? Who is opposing this? Who has the power to carry ou the plans? Who has the power to stop them?
Chapter 5-7 explain very intricate details of Haman, the king, and Esther. What do all of the details in the text accomplish in explaining? Irony appears to be a major theme, what does that display about the character of God? What should that display about our character? How does the first part of the book tie into this second story line? What is the main theme?
Chapters 8-10 shift focus back to Esther and the Jews. How is the averting of the destruction of the Jews accomplished by the Kings decree? What happens to Mordecai? Is this reminiscent of any other characters in Scripture in pagan lands?
How do the Jews celebrate and remember this salvation? Who or what are they giving credit to for their salvation?
How should these events be viewed from a Jewish/Christian vantage point? Who is in control of the events? How can you affirm God is in control of all things through this book?

Prayerfully Meditate

Examine the daily affairs in your life. How many seem tragic or painful far beyond your control? In Esther's life, what control did she have over becoming queen of an Empire? Saving the Jews?
How do we respond the situations in our life that seem far beyond what we believe we are capable of or can control? Can you think of the events in your life that have been traumatic and/or painful and know how God has used them to shape you for the work of His hands currently?
Are you in the middle of a trial currently? How are you responding in faith? What was the response of Esther when her life was in danger? What is your response to trials that would seem to end you?
Examine who you honor in word and deed? How often do we ascribe things to "good luck" or "happenstance", the "deck was stacked against us", or the "right place at the right time"? We steal God's glory when we deny giving Him what belongs to him.
What is the reason God's name is never mentioned in the text, but He seems to be so clearly in control of the events to aid His people? How can this instruct you in God's work in your life and our nation?

Intentionally Act

Read through the book of Esther every day this week and become very familiar with the text for the second part.
Pray for your heart to become receptive to all circumstances God brings to you daily. Pray that in those circumstances He would bring opportunities for you to strengthen the church in unity and to evangelize the lost.
Pray for our church to see the text as God intended and for its impact to change hearts toward God, toward other believers and toward the lost.
Pray that the Lord would grant us understanding hearts and minds and that we would apply all that we learn through the preaching of his Word this coming Lord’s day.
Pray that the Lord would use the preaching of his Word to restore his people.
Celebrate the Lord’s work in the Gospel through rehearsing the songs chosen for our gathering this Sunday.
Pray for those leading our corporate gathering this week and for the Holy Spirit’s work as the book of Esther is further explained and applied: Dawson Bryant, music; Brandon Ferguson, Elders' prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.

Songs for Sunday

Lyrics

Lyrics Morning Gathering - July 31, 2016