• Key Scripture:
Ephesians 5:15-17
The Book of Esther
• Sermon Focus: Emphasize the importance of being attentive and discerning to recognize the opportunities that God brings into our lives. Explore practical ways to develop spiritual sensitivity and wisdom to seize the right opportunities.
One example in the Bible of someone who recognized and seized an opportunity presented by God is the story of Esther.
In the book of Esther, we learn about a young Jewish woman named Esther who became queen of Persia.
- At a critical moment in history, Haman, an advisor to the king, plotted to annihilate the Jewish people.
- Esther’s cousin Mordecai urged her to intercede on behalf of their people, recognizing that her position as queen could be an opportunity from God to save their community.
- Esther initially hesitated due to the risks involved, as approaching the king without an invitation was punishable by death.
- However, after fasting and seeking God’s guidance, she resolved to take action. Esther recognized the opportunity presented by her position and embraced it courageously.
- She approached the king, revealed Haman’s evil plans, and advocated for her people’s lives.
Esther’s bravery and trust in God’s guidance led to the exposure of Haman’s plot and the deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction.
- Her willingness to seize the opportunity that God presented through her position as queen had a profound impact on the lives of her people and showcased the power of God working through individuals who recognize and act upon His opportunities.
- The story of Esther serves as a reminder that God can place us in specific positions or circumstances for a purpose.
- When we discern those opportunities and have the courage to act in faith, we can participate in God’s work of redemption and make a significant impact in the lives of others.
First Key Scripture Text
Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
I. The Importance of Being Attentive Discerning
- Esther 4:14 (NIV): “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
- Busyness, distractions, and preoccupations can hinder us from recognizing God’s opportunities.
- Cultivate a mindset of attentiveness and presence in their interactions and circumstances.
II. Discerning God’s Opportunities
- Romans 8:26-27 NIV In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
- Explore the concept of discernment and its connection to recognizing opportunities.
- The Holy Spirit in guiding and revealing opportunities in our lives.
- Esther is our biblical examples of individuals who discerned God’s opportunities.
III. Developing Spiritual Sensitivity
- Esther 4:15-16 (NIV): “Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'”
- Discuss practical ways to develop spiritual sensitivity and discernment.
- Comes from regular prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking wisdom through godly counsel.
IV. Overcoming Hindrances to Discernment
Remember she feared for her life…
- Esther 5:1-2 (NIV): “On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”
- Fear hinders
- Stepping out on Faith overcomes
V. The Blessings of Seizing God’s Opportunities
- Esther 7:3-4 (NIV): “Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.'”
- Blessings and rewards that come from seizing God’s opportunities.
- God’s opportunities often align with His purposes and bring personal growth, fulfillment, and Kingdom impact.
Note:
When faced with the challenge that Esther encountered, different individuals might have responded in various ways. Here’s a contrast between how others might have responded compared to Esther:
1. Fear and Self-Preservation: Some individuals might have allowed fear to paralyze them, prioritizing their own safety and self-preservation over the lives of others. They might have hesitated to take action, fearing the potential consequences or the risks involved in approaching the king uninvited.
2. Indifference and Apathy: Others might have chosen to remain indifferent or apathetic, disregarding the plight of their people and the call for action. They might have been content with their own comfortable position or turned a blind eye to the suffering of others, lacking the empathy and compassion necessary to intervene.
3. Complacency and Inaction: There could be those who, despite recognizing the injustice and the opportunity to make a difference, might have opted for complacency and inaction. They might have felt that the situation was too challenging or beyond their capabilities, choosing to maintain the status quo rather than stepping out of their comfort zones.
4. Reliance on Human Strategies Alone: Some individuals might have solely relied on human strategies and their own wisdom, trying to navigate the circumstances without seeking God’s guidance or intervention. They might have placed their trust solely in their own abilities or the counsel of others, missing out on the opportunity to experience the power of God at work.
In contrast, Esther demonstrated exceptional courage, faith, and a willingness to put herself at risk for the sake of her people.
- She exemplified a selfless and compassionate response, recognizing the significance of her position and using it as a platform to advocate for justice.
- Esther’s unwavering trust in God’s providence and her willingness to take action set her apart, illustrating the power of stepping forward in faith even when faced with daunting challenges.
- Esther’s response teaches us the importance of courageously standing up for what is right, showing compassion to those in need, and relying on God’s guidance and strength rather than succumbing to fear, indifference, complacency, or reliance on human strategies alone.
- Her example challenges us to examine our own responses when faced with opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others.