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Esther: Integrity and Consequence

August 2, 2015 • Michael Wilburn

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What does King Ahasuerus request of Vashti? Why does she refuse?
• What part does alcohol play in the story? How does this view of alcohol influence your celebrations?
• Is the prince's feared outcome (vs. 17) valid? Describe a better way for a husband to gain a wife's respect.
• Do you live with the same moral integrity as Queen Vashti? How has it caused good or bad consequences?

Esther: Redemption and Rejoicing

October 4, 2015 • Michael Wilburn

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: • Compare and contrast Mordecai's edict (8:9-12) from Haman's edict (3:12-15)? What are the similarities and differences? • Why couldn't King Ahasuerus "revoke" (vs. 5) Haman's edict? • Is redemption a simple undoing of evil already done? Why or why not? • According to Esther 8:9 how many months remain until the final resolution? What possible reason explain divinely purposed delays?

Esther: Villain and Vindication

September 27, 2015 • Michael Wilburn

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: • What lessons can be learned from Esther 7 about living as a believer in a secular environment? • In what ways do you feel unchristian if you have enemies? How can you determine if your enemy is God’s enemy or one of your own creation? • How does King Ahasuerus respond in verse 5? What does the king’s reaction show about Haman’s plot? • Consider the relationship between Esther and Mordecai (8:1)? Who is like family to you? Who can teach, challenge, and warn you?

Esther: Request and Recognition

Michael Wilburn

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: • What signs of self-centeredness appear in Haman? • What signs of self-centeredness are troublesome for you? • How is the king’s sleepless night woven into God’s providence? • Does timing factor into your decision-making? How does timing reveal God’s purposes in Esther 5-6? • How do you react to honor delayed (Mordecai) or honor given to another (Haman)?