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Heros & Zeros - Esther

SPEAKER: Pastor Charlie Riley
May 8, 2021

Pastor Charlie Riley
May 8, 2021

Esther

God’s Name is not in it but his hand certainly is.
– Matthew Henry

God Is Moving Supernaturally, Naturally Divine Providence

Romans 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Genesis 50:20
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Key Players
King Xerxes
Queen Vashi
Haman (Agagite)
Mordecai (Cousin To Ester)
Ester (Hadassah)

The Story

Ester 4:14
14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

How To Know It’s Your Time

Preparation Always Come Before Promotion

Esther 2:12
12 Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women.

Preparation – It May Seem Miniscule, But It’s Not Meaningless

The One Mark Of Every Hero of God Is Preparation

Preparation Time Is Never Wasted Time

Spiritual Warfare is the Proof of Spiritual Purpose

Every Hero Has To Fight An Invisible War
Has Had To Win The Invisible War

Ester 3:4-6
4 Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.

3 Great Enemies
World – Flesh – Devil
Fallen World – Yourself – Satan

Private Devotion Always Leads To Public Responsibility

Esther 4:15-16
15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

Influence and Position Are For God’s Kingdom and Purpose

Esther 4:13-14
And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

It’s Not About You, Its Bigger Than You
God Never Limits Himself To Just You

God Blesses You To Attract Others To His Kingdom

You’re Blessed To Be A Blessing

Blessing Is Enjoying, Experiencing, and Extending God’s Goodness

The Blessing Flow Through You and Not Just To You

I’m Blessed, But I Don’t Know My Purpose
True Purpose Comes From A Kingdom Purpose

When We Lose Sight Of Connecting Our Blessing To God Purpose
We Lose Sight of Ever Being Used by God

Heroes Are Willing To Take “Faith” Risk

Ester 4:15
15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

Faith Is Taking A Step
Without a Guaranteed Outcome

Esther – Hero’s Understanding
Preparation
Spiritual Warfare
Private Devotion
Influence and Position
Faith Steps