March 18, 2017
We conclude our three week study on the book of Esther. It is the exciting climax which affirms God’s sovereignty and Him honoring those obey who Him.
Include in last weeks study we looked at Queen Esther and Mordecai.
This week we begin by looking at the villain Haman. Read Esther 3:1-15.
What do you learn about the type of person Haman was?
Why do you think Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to him?
Why do you think Haman wanted to destroy not only Mordecai but also all the Jews everywhere?
Consider and discuss the following:
Why did Haman want to destroy all the Jews just because of one man’s actions?…… Haman loved his power and authority and the reverence shown him. The Jews, however, looked to God as the final authority, not to any man. Haman realized that the only way to fulfil his self centered desirers was to kill all those who disregarded his authority. His quest for personal power and his hatred of the Jewish race consumed him.
Discuss Haman’s strategy and actions. Esther 3:8-15.
What would have been the far reaching effects for God’s plan for humanity if Haman’s plan had succeeded? See Matthew 1:12-17, Luke 1:31-33, 3:23ff, Galatians 4:4.
How was the Devil trying to work through Haman? What parts of his sinful nature was the devil able to use for his purposes?
Discuss the following:
If you was in Esther’s situation how would you have handled it or some other difficult situation you may find yourself in?
How should we apply the principle of Mordecai’s words to Esther: “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14.) to God’s purposes and plans for our individual lives?
Why was Haman’s plan doomed to fail? Proverbs 19:21, Genesis 45:5,8.
Read Mordecai words to Esther. Esther 4:13-14. Read what even Haman’s wife and wise advisers said when they found out Mordecai was a Jew. Esther 6:13.
Read and discuss the following model Esther followed which you could find useful in the future.
Esther risked her life by coming before the king. Her courageous act gives us a model to follow in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can:
Do you have to face a hostel audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made? Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther’s inspiring example. #
Read Esther Chapters 5, 6, 7.
Write down and discuss the following events and where you see God sovereign hand at work causing His will to be done.
How could the God who never changes (Hebrews 6:17-18, 13:8.) who was working in Esther’s, Mordecai’s, etc. life be working in yours? Could there be specific, unique work God has for you as he did through them? Share with others in your group and any specific occasions on which this has happened. Are you open and surrendered to God willing to follow His guiding hand
How did it all finish up? Read Esther chapters 8-10 especially Esther 8:15-17, 9:19-10:3.
Discuss how God turned all this for good.
Compare the similarities in principle of God’s sovereignty in Joseph’s life and how God looked after His people. Genesis chapters 41-47.
Discuss how Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 apply today? Consider Romans 8:31-19.
Has the book of Esther affirmed your trust in God even in the difficult and seemingly unexplainable “Why God” times of your life? Share with your group.
Finish with giving thanks to your Heavenly Father for His Word and His “many and great promises” (2 Peter 1:4) which are “an anchor for our souls” Hebrews 6:19.
# Taken from “Life application Study Bible.”