The Difference Between The Good Gal And The Bad Guy Series

The Differences Between The Good Gal And The Bad Guy

Esther 5:1-14

Preached Wednesday May 7, 2003

Introduction:

One of the fascinating things about the book of Esther is its rich character development. There is much to learn about the people in this story. So far we have seen how God’s sovereignty plays a part in the eventual deliverance of His people. We have also seen Esther’s obedience and submission playing a part. In Esther chapter 5, God has preserved for us a look at the contrast between the bad guy, Haman, and the good gal, Esther. As we discover these character qualities, or the lack thereof, examine your own life to see what you need to work on.

I. In the area of submission

A. Esther obeyed Mordecai

Esther 4:17

17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

1 Timothy 2:9-11

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

B. Esther obtained favor from the king.

Esther 5:1-2

Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

C. Haman acted first, and sought for permission later.

Esther 5:14

14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

è It is not always best to assume that it is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

II. In the area of presumption.

A. Presumption = overstepping bounds, taking too much for granted, over confidence, arrogance, being too bold or forward.

Psalm 19:13

13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

B. Esther was very careful about her boundaries.

1. She wore the proper clothing for the occasion.

2. She waited in the court.

3. She only approached after the sceptre was held out.

C. Haman was presumptuous.

1. Arrogant

Esther 5:9,13

9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. 13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.

è This arrogance caused hatred.

2. Overconfident.

Esther 5:10-11

10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. 11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

3. Took too much for granted.

Esther 5:12

12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

III. In the area of discretion

A. Discretion = being careful about what one says, keeping silent, preserving confidence when necessary.

1. It is a product of wisdom.

Proverbs 1:1-4

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

2. It will preserve you.

Proverbs 2:10-11

10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: