Sermon Outline Mar 9, 2008 Evening Service

Topic: How To Stand For Christ When Things Stink                                  

Text:  Esther 4:13-17     

Introduction

I.        Most of the time, we can say life is pretty good.

II.       But life is not always easy.

A.       I’m sure we all understand that.

B.       We seem to feel that there is a reason (a purpose) to our lives no matter what circumstances we find ourselves facing.

C.      Part of the purpose enjoyed by Christians is that they must be leaders even at times when the world is against them.

III.      The events that took place in the Book of Esther help us to see that we can take a stand even when life stinks.

A.       These events transpired two weeks before Passover.

B.       The book tells of a great deliverance for the Jews that came from the most unlikely of sources.

C.      Let’s see what we can learn that will help us take a stand for Christ when things stink.

Text

I.        Remember who you are.

A.       Mordecai reminded Esther of where she came from and that she is a child of God.

B.       Basically he told her, “take a look at yourself, remember where you’ve come from.”

II.       Reflect on your ministry.

A.       Mordecai told her, “You’re not all that special.”

B.       She might have thought more highly of herself than she should have.

1.       She might not want to risk what she’d gained.

2.       She’d won the king’s favor over all the other women.

3.       As queen she could do whatever she wanted.

4.       She could have recalled that the Jews had done nothing for her.

C.      Mordecai slapped her back to reality.

III.      Realize your potential.

A.       Mordecai says, “Maybe you are where you are for a time just like this.”

B.       Maybe God put you here for the deliverance of the people; this is your purpose in life.

Conclusion

I.        We really have no idea what God might have in mind for us.

A.       Moses didn’t see himself as a leader.

B.       Gideon couldn’t believe himself to be a man whom God could use.

C.      And what chance was there that Mary would lay awake and dream of God using her as He did?

II.       Too often we limit God by expecting too much.

A.       We expect Him to everything dramatically.

B.       People like Joseph, David and Esther show us that God often uses the least likely to accomplish His purposes.

1.       They were available for do what God called upon them to do.

2.       Will you make yourself available for His purposes?