IF I PERISH, I PERISH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Esther 4:16
"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me, neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
Supporting Texts: Daniel 3:16-18, Matthew 10:39, Philippians 1:21, Acts 20:24, Hebrews 11:35-38
INTRODUCTION:
The statement "If I perish, I perish" is one of the most powerful declarations of faith and courage in the Bible. It was made by Queen Esther when she decided to risk her life to intercede for her people before King Ahasuerus. This statement symbolises total surrender to God's will, boldness in the face of adversity, and unwavering faith even when death seems imminent. As believers, we are sometimes faced with situations where we must stand firm in our faith, even at great personal cost. This sermon will examine the lessons from Esther’s bold decision and how we can apply them in our Christian journey.
1. THE COURAGE TO STAND FOR GOD
Esther's decision to approach the king despite the risk of death demonstrates the importance of standing courageously for God.
a) God calls us to take bold steps of faith (Joshua 1:9)
Fear can hinder us from fulfilling God’s purpose, but faith enables us to act courageously.
b) Courage comes through dependence on God (2 Timothy 1:7)
Esther did not rely on her own strength but sought God's help through fasting and prayer.
c) Obedience to God requires risk-taking (Daniel 3:16-18)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s image, even if it meant being thrown into the fiery furnace.
d) Faithfulness to God is more important than self-preservation (Matthew 10:39)
Jesus said that those who seek to save their lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for His sake will find them.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Bold Stand (Daniel 6:10-16)
Daniel continued praying to God despite the king’s decree, knowing that he could be thrown into the lion’s den.
2. GOD HONOURS THOSE WHO TAKE A STAND FOR HIM
When we take a stand for God, He steps in to fight for us.
a) God is always with the courageous (Isaiah 41:10)
He strengthens and upholds those who put their trust in Him.
b) Divine intervention follows bold faith (Esther 5:1-3)
When Esther approached the king, instead of death, she received favour.
c) God turns the enemy’s plans for evil into good (Genesis 50:20)
Haman planned to destroy the Jews, but God reversed the plan and destroyed him instead.
d) Those who trust in God will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11)
Faith in God ensures that we will not be ashamed, no matter the situation.
e) Biblical Example: Mordecai’s Promotion (Esther 6:10-11)
Mordecai was meant to be hanged, but God caused his enemy Haman to honour him instead.
3. WHEN TO SAY, "IF I PERISH, I PERISH"
There are times in our Christian journey when we must take bold stands for righteousness, even if it costs us.
a) When standing for truth and justice (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Esther risked her life to save her people; sometimes, we must take risks to stand for justice.
b) When defending the faith (Jude 1:3)
As believers, we must be willing to defend our faith, even when it leads to persecution.
c) When God’s purpose demands it (Acts 20:24)
Paul was willing to lay down his life for the sake of the Gospel.
d) When obedience to God conflicts with worldly demands (Exodus 1:17-21)
The Hebrew midwives refused to obey Pharaoh’s evil command to kill male Hebrew babies.
e) Biblical Example: Stephen’s Martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60)
Stephen stood for his faith even though it led to his death, and he was received into heaven by Jesus Himself.
4. FAITH IN GOD OVER FEAR OF MAN
The fear of man can paralyse us, but faith in God empowers us to move forward.
a) Fear leads to compromise (Proverbs 29:25)
When we fear people more than God, we may compromise our faith.
b) Faith in God leads to victory (1 John 5:4)
Overcoming fear through faith leads to triumph over every challenge.
c) God is greater than any earthly authority (Acts 5:29)
Peter and the apostles chose to obey God rather than man, even when threatened.
d) When we stand for God, He stands for us (Isaiah 54:17)
No weapon formed against us shall prosper when we put our trust in God.
e) Biblical Example: Elijah before King Ahab (1 Kings 18:17-18)
Elijah boldly confronted Ahab, proving that true faith does not bow to fear.
5. THE REWARD OF RISKING IT ALL FOR GOD
Taking a bold stand for God comes with divine rewards.
a) God grants supernatural favour (Proverbs 3:3-4)
Just as Esther found favour with the king, God gives favour to those who stand for Him.
b) Promotion follows faithfulness (Daniel 3:30)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were promoted after standing for God.
c) God avenges His people (Romans 12:19)
Haman was executed on the same gallows he prepared for Mordecai.
d) Boldness in faith leads to spiritual authority (Luke 10:19)
Those who stand firm in their faith receive greater authority in the spirit.
**e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul endured persecution for Christ and looked forward to his eternal reward.
CONCLUSION:
The words “If I perish, I perish” show a faith that does not back down in the face of danger. Esther’s boldness teaches us that trusting in God is always worth the risk. In a world where faith is often tested, believers must be willing to take a stand for righteousness, even if it comes with challenges. When we trust God fully, He always steps in to fight for us and grants us victory. Let us choose to live boldly for Christ, knowing that whatever the cost, God will never forsake those who trust in Him.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the courage to stand for You in every situation.
2. Father, remove every spirit of fear and strengthen my faith.
3. Lord, grant me divine favour as I take bold steps of faith.
4. Father, fight my battles and turn every evil plan against me for my good.
5. Lord, help me to trust You completely, no matter the cost.
6. Father, let my obedience to You bring breakthroughs in my life.
7. Lord, give me wisdom to stand for righteousness.
8. Father, let every opposition against me be turned into my promotion.
9. Lord, strengthen the persecuted church and give them boldness.
10. Father, I surrender my life to You—use me for Your glory.
May the Lord grant you boldness to stand firm in faith, knowing that victory is assured in Christ!
