Such A Time As This

Esther 4:1-17 TEXT: Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther's Test

I. A Time Of Great Danger v. 7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them. We Must See The Danger Of Our Hour - For Our Country

A) Surely We Can See The Sinfulness Of Society

B) Surely We Can See The Shamelessness Of Sinners

C) Surely We Can See The Speechlessness Of Saints

D) Surely We Can See The Subtleness Of Satan

2. A Time Of Great Deception v.1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

Ch 3 v. 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them. 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.

A. The Problem—The Attitude of the Enemy

B. The Persecution—The Attacks of the Enemy

C. The Plan— The Approach of the Enemy

3. A Time Of Great Destruction

Ch. 3 v 13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. 15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

Esther's Trust 9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.

4. A Time Of Great Destiny 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place;

A. The Queen’s Disposal (Vashti Removed)

B. The King’s Decision (Jews Rejected)

C. Esther’s Destiny (Challenge Received)

- We Must See The Duty Of God's House - For Our Church

A) The Church Must Understand Her Single Purpose

B) The Church Must Understand Her Strategic Place

C) The Church Must Understand Her Spiritual Power

D) The Church Must Understand Her Salty Position

E) The Church Must Understand Her Saviour’s Promise

F) The Church Must Understand Her Straight Preaching

5. A Time Of Great Decision 15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and 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.

A. The Question to stand—before the King

A. In Testimony—Stand!

--1. Before the World—Stand!

--2. Before the Father—Stand!

--3. Before the Church—Stand!

B. In Trials—Stand!

--1. Of Adversity—Stand!

--2. Of Compromise—Stand!

--3. Of Danger—Stand!

C. In Temptations—Stand!

--1. Of the Flesh—Stand!

--2. Of the Mind—Stand!

--3. Of the World—Stand!

--4. Of the Devil—Stand!

B. The Qualification to make—a testimony to keep I. She was SUBMISSIVE {2:20} Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

II. She was SATISFIED {2:15} Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.