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2 Cities Church PodcastAuthor: Jeff Struecker
Engaging, weekly Bible teaching from Pastor Jeff Struecker Language: en Genres: Business, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Esther: Living by faith is simple, but NOT easy! / Pastor Jeff Struecker
Monday, 27 April, 2026
Big Idea: Living by faith is simple, but NOT easy!Esther 5:1-14I. Faith must be courageousEsther 5:1-2On the third day, Esther dressed in her royal clothing and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace facing it. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing its entrance. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she gained favor with him. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.II. Faith is always patientEsther 5:3-5“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king asked her. “Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be given to you.” “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.” The king said, “Hurry, and get Haman so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.III. Faith makes you persistentEsther 5:6-8While drinking the wine, the king asked Esther, “Whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be done.” Esther answered, “This is my petition and my request: If I have found favor in the eyes of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and perform my request, may the king and Haman come to the banquet I will prepare for them. Tomorrow I will do what the king has asked.”IV. Faith leaves no room for prideEsther 5:9-14That day Haman left full of joy and in good spirits. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the King’s Gate, and Mordecai didn’t rise or tremble in fear at his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai. Yet Haman controlled himself and went home. He sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh to join him. Then Haman described for them his glorious wealth and his many sons. He told them all how the king had honored him and promoted him in rank over the other officials and the royal staff. “What’s more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she had prepared. I am invited again tomorrow to join her with the king. Still, none of this satisfies me since I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King’s Gate all the time.” His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows seventy-five feet tall. Ask the king in the morning to hang Mordecai on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows constructed.Next Steps: Believe: I have been living for myself; today, I surrender to Christ in faith.Become: I will trust God’s timing this week. Be Sent: I will share Jesus with someone this week.Discussion Questions: What do you use to measure how much you’re living by faith?When was the last time you measured this? How satisfied are you with the results?How can we actively prepare ourselves spiritually to demonstrate courage in our daily lives, according to Esther's example?How does humility play a role in true courage for a Christian?What intimidating situations are you currently facing that could call for boldness like Esther's?Will you pray a bold prayer like Esther for someone in need this week?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you live out a bold faith this week.
