- Esther bible study for women how to#
- Esther bible study for women pdf#
It says the people fast, weep, and lament. Why is repentance an important part of asking God for mercy? Sackcloth and ashes is also a sign of repentance (see Jonah 3:5-6). What’s your response to seeing injustice and evil around you? What can Mordecai’s response to injustice and evil teach us about our own? When Mordecai hears the edict, he tears his clothes and clothes himself in sackcloth and ashes. Where is God when bad things happen? The book of Esther doesn’t mention God. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” What does this passage teach us about praying for those in charge?. Proverbs 29:29 (NIV) says, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice when the wicked rule, the people groan.” How do we see this truth in this passage? What can we do about it in our culture?. How common is it to dehumanize those we dislike? This dehumanizes those they are going to murder. Keller points out that Haman doesn’t name the people he is going to kill and King Ahasureus doesn’t ask. Verse six says, “Haman sought to destroy all the Jews…” Have you ever witnessed anti-semitism or ethnic hatred of any kind? What can we do as Christians to stand up for Jewish people or any nationality targeted by others?. In his Esther sermon, Timothy Keller talks about pride being the chief sin and yet a sin that is like carbon monoxide, undetectable in ourselves. How does this understanding frame our understanding of Haman and Mordecai’s relationship? God told Saul to exterminate the Amalakites, but he disobeyed (see 1 Samuel 15:1-3, 7-9, 32-33). Haman is described as an Agagite, which would be descendants of Agag the Amalakite. Mordecai is a Benjamite and a descendent of a man named Kish (Esther 2:5), which 1 Samuel 14:51 tells us is King Saul’s father. How often do you find yourself trusting in your circumstances instead of in God? By all outward appearances, they are safe and secure. By the end of the chapter Esther is queen and Mordecai has saved the king’s life. 
How do we as Christians typically feel about these topics? How does God work through them in surprising ways? There is a great deal of drunkenness and sex in the book of Esther.
Why do you think Esther hid her Jewish identity? What does this tell us about the Persian society and the Jewish people in exile?. Bethany Jenkins writes, “Men are measured by wealth and power, women by beauty and sexuality.” How does our culture value men and women? How can we as Christians model a different way of valuing people?. How would you compare the person you were with the person you are? Can you see God’s hand shaping and molding you? What does this teach us about patience?. How would you describe Esther in this chapter? How does she contrast with the Esther we meet by the end of the book?. How then should we read it? Where might we see examples of God’s providential care and grace? Esther bible study for women how to#
Stephen Witmer also encourages us to not read Esther looking for moral examples of how to live.Stephen Witmer asks, “What does it mean to live faithfully in a post-Christian culture?” Esther had to struggle with what it means to live faithfully in a pagan culture.What does this story teach us about the dangers of drunkenness? How does that compare with your personal or family experiences with alcohol? Read Ephesians 5:18.How does the King misuse his authority and power? How should we treat those we have authority over?.How were women treated in that culture? How does this chapter frame Esther’s journey in the coming chapters? How might she be feeling?.What type of person is King Ahasuerus? What does his relationship with Queen Vashti tell us about him?.Why do you think the first chapter includes a description of the king’s wealth? How might it compare to Israel’s temple ?.What do we know about the time and setting of the book of Esther?.
Esther bible study for women pdf#
You can download PDF and Microsoft Word versions of this study guide at the bottom of this page or listen to it on YouTube. If you have any questions, please let me know! God bless. VeggieTales: Esther – Small Group Discussion Questions.The Man the King Delights to Honor sermon (33:41) by Timothy Keller.How to Read Esther podcast episode (37:01) by Stephen Witmer.Esther and the Silent Sovereignty of God article by Bethany Jenkins.For Such a Time as This article by Bethany Jenkins.The Bible Project: Esther Video & Discussion Guide.Here are some helpful resources for studying the book of Esther (PDF download at bottom of page):
I hope this helps you study and reflect on the book as we prepare to discuss it together. Thanks for checking out our college group’s discussion guide of the book of Esther.
0 kommentar(er)
