Esther 5
1. Throughout this chapter, Esther’s wisdom is quite evident.
Q: What action of Esther’s from the chapter stood out to you as being wise?
Q: What does it mean to be wise? Is there a difference between worldly wisdom & biblically wisdom?
Q: We talked about the various dangers that Esther faced in her context. Dangers such as possible death to trying to get her greedy husband to forfeit a fortune to carefully calling for the King to lay down his pride to her figuring out how to share her true identity. Esther is navigating her way through all of it. What are examples in your life where you’ve had to navigate difficult situations & yet God received glory in the way you handled the moment?
2. In this chapter, you also see God’s providence at work.
Q: While looking at a situation, why is it such a tendency for people to ask, “Where is God in all of this?”
Q: Pastor Nate talked about how we often look for God to work in a spectacular way when He often works in subtle ways. What is an example where God subtlety worked in your life?
Q: Why is it so vital for Christians to believe that God is at work for His glory & for the good of His people? What difference does it make to believe this?
3. The chapter naturally creates a comparison between Esther & Haman.
Q: We see that Esther demonstrates great faith in v. 4-5 by having prepared the meal before she enters the King’s quarters, whereas we find nothing of the sort in Haman. What are marks of faith, or demonstrations of faith that you’ve seen or experienced recently?
Q: The idol of Haman’s heart is significance, especially the desire to be recognized for his significance. What are other common idols in our day?
Q: Pastor Nate said, “Strong emotions are clues to the idols of the heart.” Do you agree with this? Why are emotions attached to idols?
4. As the chapter comes to a close, you see the importance of wise friends.
Q: When Haman expresses his feelings concerning Mordecai, his friends justify & encourage him in his desire for significance. What is the danger of lacking people that will hold you accountable?
Q: The need for quality friendships is seen in this passage, what fosters the type of meaningful & purposeful relationships that are needed in the Christian life?
Q: How can we, as a church body, encourage one another to guard ourselves from giving in to the possible idols we face?
5. We ended with a comparison of thrones.
Q: The throne of King Ahasuerus is closed & full of fear if trying to enter, while the throne of God is open & has no fear because of the person & work of Jesus Christ. Jesus work has: taken the punishment for sin, satisfied God’s wrath & purchased our souls. Why is it so good to have a big view of the work of Jesus Christ?