Sermon Central
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Exposition Of Esther
Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 24, 2021 (message contributor)
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1. The Decadence Of The King
Contributed on Feb 24, 2021
Esther lived within the Persian Empire, an environment hostile to the Hebrew people. Although their situation seemed dire, God had a plan to preserve and prosper His people. The opening passage provides insight to the culture in Persia.
The Decadence of the King Esther 1: 1-9 The opening chapter of Esther reveals the ungodly condition of the society in which God’s people were dwelling. It was a culture that possessed and promoted unbridled lusts and insatiable appetites. The people within Media and Persia had one goal in life: ...read more
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2. The Defiance Of The Queen
Contributed on Mar 2, 2021
Queen Vashti was expected to behave in a way contrary to conscience and she refused the king's command. Her refusal was the right decision to make, but it cost her dearly. Living upright will not always gain one the favor of the world.
The Defiance of the Queen Esther 1: 10-22 As we consider our text today, we must do so in light of the preceding verses. King Ahasuerus had thrown a six month long party, culminating with a seven day finale. He had provided an elaborate escapade for all the princes and servants within the ...read more
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3. The Search For A Queen (Part 1)
Contributed on Mar 10, 2021
God's people were bound in captivity, but they were not forsaken. The Lord was working behind the scenes, orchestrating events that would benefit and prosper them. We see His sovereign hand at work in the selection of Esther as queen of Persia.
The Search for a Queen (Part 1) Esther 2: 1-9 As we studied chapter one, we discovered a detailed picture of what life was like within the Persian Empire. King Ahasuerus was a man of great wealth and power. He sought to expand the kingdom, and nothing was off limits in his pursuit to do so, not ...read more
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4. The Search For A Queen (Part 2)
Contributed on Mar 17, 2021
As chapter two of Esther continues, we see more of the sovereignty of God revealed. Although it appeared His people had been forsaken, God had a plan and would use Esther to help bring about its fulfillment. Sovereignty is an attribute that brings peace and comfort to believers.
The Search for a Queen (Part 2) Esther 2: 10-18 We have learned that due to her refusal to accommodate the king’s ridiculous demands, Vashti had been removed from her position as queen. After some time had passed, the king’s advisors developed a plan to locate and crown a new queen. The plan ...read more
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5. The Foundation For Favor
Contributed on Mar 24, 2021
Often events and circumstances in life take us by surprise. At times life is going according to plan, and then without warning, difficulty arrives. Thankfully, God is omniscient, knowing all things. He is never taken by surprise and always works according to His divine will.
The Foundation for Favor Esther 2: 19-23 As we take a moment to consider our lives, we discover they are made up of varied series of events. Often one event serves to prepare us for a future event. At times, several events tend to blend together and create a major event. Viewing life from this ...read more
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6. Trouble Is Brewing
Contributed on Mar 31, 2021
Mordecai, Esther, and the Jewish population in Persia may have been excited that a Jew had been selected as the new queen, but their excitement would not last. Trouble is brewing within the kingdom - a situation that will affect every Jew in the Persian Empire.
Trouble is Brewing Esther 3: 1-7 It is likely that Mordecai and the Jews within Persia were feeling confident about their current situation. Although they remained a captive people within the land, one of their own had been crowned queen over the kingdom. This surely increased their outlook for ...read more
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7. Haman’s Sinister Scheme
Contributed on Apr 7, 2021
The plot continues to thicken for Mordecai and Esther. Just when it appeared the Jews would enjoy a season of peace and prosperity, Haman devised a plan to destroy the them throughout the kingdom. Regardless of Haman's intentions, God remained sovereign and would preserve His people.
Haman’s Sinister Scheme Esther 3: 8-15 While Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews within Persia may have rejoiced in Esther being crowned as queen, they would soon find themselves dealing with an executive order from Ahasuerus that would strike fear in their hearts. The hatred Haman had for Mordecai had ...read more
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8. Grievous Mourning In Persia
Contributed on Apr 14, 2021
The Jews were condemned and needed someone to intercede on their behalf before the king. All are born in a body of flesh, prone to sin, separated and condemned before God. Our only hope was for someone to provide deliverance for us and intercede on our behalf.
Grievous Mourning in Persia Esther 4: 1-9 As we continue our study in Esther, the tension and anxiety continue to increase for the Jews in captivity. Haman’s hatred for Mordecai prompted him to persuade Ahasuerus to sign a decree calling for the complete annihilation of the Jewish population ...read more
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9. Called For Such A Time
Contributed on Apr 21, 2021
While we are thankful for the blessings associated with our relationship with Christ, we know living the Christian life is difficult at best. Life is not without adversity, but the Lord's provision and guidance are sufficient. He has brought us to this place in life for such a time as this.
Called for such a Time Esther 4: 10-17 The entire fourth chapter of Esther deals with her reaction to the decree signed by Ahasuerus regarding the Jews and the conversation she had with Mordecai concerning this disturbing plan. Our text today is a continuation of that conversation. One can only ...read more
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10. Faithful To Intercede
Contributed on Apr 28, 2021
Prayer is the most powerful tool believers possess, but it is often little used. We have access to the throne of grace, enjoying the ability and privilege to make our requests known unto Christ our King. We must take advantage of this blessed privilege.
Faithful to Intercede Esther 5: 1-8 These were certainly troubling times for Mordecai, Esther, and the entire Jewish population within the Persian Empire. Haman had influenced Ahasuerus to sign a decree, calling for the complete destruction of the Jews within the kingdom. Although they were shaken ...read more
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11. The Minister Of Mayhem
Contributed on May 5, 2021
Believers are aware of the adversary we face in this walk of faith. Since the fall of Adam, Satan has sought to hinder and defeat believers. He has power and influence, but like all of creation, Satan must submit to the sovereign power of God.
The Minister of Mayhem Esther 5: 9-14 Our text today follows Esther’s entrance before the king. She was received of Ahasuerus and promised that her request would be granted. She had invited Ahasuerus and Haman to a small banquet that served as an invitation to a larger banquet the following day – ...read more
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12. Sovereignty Within Mayhem
Contributed on May 12, 2021
Life has its share of difficulty and uncertainty. At times, we all wonder where life will lead and how we will overcome the obstacles we face. Even in the worst of situations, we can take comfort knowing our sovereign Lord is in control.
Sovereignty within Mayhem Esther 6:1-9 Although their hearts are not filled with joy, Mordecai and Esther must have been encouraged somewhat by her meeting with Ahasuerus. He had extended her favor, while granting her request. The banquet with the king and Haman was scheduled, and Esther would now ...read more
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13. Mordecai Is Honored
Contributed on Jun 2, 2021
God holds absolute control over the lives of men. He is sovereign in every aspect of our lives. His divine plans will always be carried out according to His sovereign will.
Mordecai is Honored Esther 6:10-14 I think you will agree that the sixth chapter of Esther is a very exciting text. In fact, the twists and turns within this biblical account would make a best-selling novel or movie script. However, they are not fiction; this is an actual account of the lives of ...read more
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14. The Truth Exposed
Contributed on Jun 9, 2021
The enemy brings much opposition and false accusation against believers. While he has power, he is no match for the sovereign Lord. As we stand for truth, we rest knowing truth will always prevail.
The Truth Exposed Esther 7: 1-10 Take a moment to consider the many ups and downs the Jews have experienced at this point. All who are in Persia were either removed from their homeland by force, or born into captivity in a foreign land. One of their own had been crowned queen of the kingdom, but ...read more
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15. A New Day Dawning
Contributed on Jun 16, 2021
God is always at work, and His plans are always fulfilled according to His desire. We can take comfort in that truth. Our Lord never changes. There is hope and security in Christ.
A New Day Dawning Esther 8: 1-8 Take a moment to consider the range of emotion Esther and Mordecai have experienced up to this point in their lives. They were living with the other Jews, captive in Persia. Life may not have been terrible, but they were not free citizens of the kingdom. Esther is ...read more
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16. A Counter Decree
Contributed on Jun 23, 2021
Our lives face much adversity at times, but we can rest in the sovereign hand of God. Thankfully His Word is forever settled and it will never be altered or countered by the devices of men or Satan.
A Counter Decree Esther 8: 9-17 Although much had changed in a short period of time, work remained for Esther and Mordecai. We must understand the process involved regarding an official decree of the king. Once a decree was signed, it could not be altered or changed. It remained law until it was ...read more
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17. Victorious In A Foreign Land (Part 1)
Contributed on Jun 30, 2021
Regardless of who we are, or where we live, we all face seasons of comfort and ease countered by seasons of trials and difficulty. There is one constant in life regardless of the season we must face – the presence and help of the Lord.
Victorious in a Foreign Land (Part 1) Esther 9: 1-19 The emotional roller coaster for Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews within the kingdom of Persian continues. They have experienced a series of highs and lows. It seems as if they really didn’t have time to enjoy a victory before being confronted ...read more
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18. Victorious In A Foreign Land (Part 2)
Contributed on Jul 7, 2021
Although we can't always see it, God is working on our behalf. Even when it sees as if hope is lost, God remains in control. He is sovereignly working behind the scenes in the lives of His people.
Victorious in a Foreign Land (Part 2) Esther 9: 1-19 At this point in our study, we have considered much regarding the lives of Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews living within the Persian Empire. Following many ups and downs, the pendulum has finally swung in their favor. Although they couldn’t see ...read more
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19. The Feast Of Purim
Contributed on Jul 14, 2021
The Jews continue to celebrate the Feast of Purim to this day in remembrance of God's faithful deliverance from certain death. We have reason to celebrate as well. Christ provided the means of salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life.
The Feast of Purim Esther 9: 20-32 Our text today deals with the Feast of Purim, a festival that was instituted following the Jews deliverance from Haman, and those who supported his wicked agenda. Purim became a feast of celebration and praise for their deliverance and prosperity. Christians do ...read more
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20. A Man Whom God Honored
Contributed on Jul 28, 2021
As believers, we can rest knowing that God is sovereign, possessing complete power and authority. He has a plan for our lives, and His plans will always be fulfilled according to His desire.
A Man whom God Honored Esther 10: 1-3 It has been an interesting and encouraging journey through the book of Esther. The Jews have faced great uncertainty and many challenges; yet through it all, God was faithful. He had delivered them from the evil schemes and desires of men. They were actually ...read more