Message Notes and Small Group Questions
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7-5-26
Series: Sunday School
Title: Placed for Purpose
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Esther 3:8-9
Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. 9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents of silver to the king’s administrators for the royal treasury.”
Partnering with God is NOT about us…
Esther 4:12-17
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” 17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.
We all need and need to be a Mordecai
1 Peter 2:17
“Fear God, honor the King”
Mordecai is opposite of what we think…it’s good if a Persian King dies…
We need each other:
We choose obedience over comfort
We need wisdom from God
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Esther 7:6
Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman.
Small Group Questions
SHARE
What are your “somedays” (things you want to see or do)?
CO-WORKERS
Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-2.... Q: What is the difference between working for God and partnering with God? How might your daily decisions change if you believed God had invited you into His work each day? Why do you think we naturally postpone obedience, growth, or purpose until life feels more convenient?
TOUGH LOVE
Read Esther 2:1-4 & 2:17-18...Q: Where was Esther when God chose to use her? What circumstances in Esther's life would have made her seem like an unlikely candidate to accomplish God's purposes? What does Esther's story teach us about the kinds of people God chooses to work through? Have you ever believed that your past, weaknesses, or circumstances disqualified you from being useful to God?
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Read Esther 4:12-17...Q: Before Esther acted, what did she ask the Jewish people to do? Why did Esther involve the community before stepping into her assignment? Do you tend to carry burdens alone or invite others to pray with you? Why do we need people who lovingly challenge us? Who has been a “Mordecai” in your life?
PRAYER
Pray together that we would say “yes” to partnership with God right where we are at. Who knows... maybe it was for “such a time as this!"
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