God is faithfully connecting the dots of our lives in order to use us to make a difference in the world. How can we make a difference?
“Make A Difference”
Esther 4
Sermon Series: “Unseen Hand Of God”
Main Idea: God is faithfully connecting the dots of our lives in order to use us to make a difference in the world.
How can we make a difference?
1. We can make a difference by understanding that God has a purpose for our lives. Understanding precedes action. Conviction precedes obedience.
A. God has purposes that He is accomplishing in the world. His ultimate propose is redeeming a community of worshippers who will enjoy and glorify Him forever (Rev. 7).
B. God accomplishes His purposes through people.
Esther is an amazing example of divine sovereignty and human responsibility perfectly intersecting with one another.
C. He has a purpose for each of His children. This includes all of us. Hathach is a great example of this truth.
D. God will accomplish His purposes even if we disobey Him, but there are consequences for us and others depending on whether or not we obey. Warren Wiersbe has written, “If Esther rejected the will of God for her life, God could still save His people, but Esther would be the loser….If you and I refuse to obey God, He can either abandon us and get somebody else to do the job, or He can discipline us until we surrender to His will. Two examples come to mind. Since John Mark left the mission field and returned home (Acts 13:13; 15:36-41), God raised up Timothy to take his place (16:1-3). When Jonah ran from God, the Lord kept after him until he obeyed…When God isn’t permitted to rule, He overrules, and He always accomplishes His purposes.” However, we see that there are either positive or negative consequences for us and others depending on our obedience or disobedience.
E. Our trials are not preventing us from fulfilling our purpose but are preparing us for our purpose (see Genesis 50:20). Let your pain become your platform.
F. The problem that is breaking our hearts may actually be revealing our purpose.
2. We can make a difference by doing what God tells us to do.
How do we know what He is telling us to do?
A. The Word of God
B. Opportunities that present themselves.
C. The next right thing.
D. Getting wisdom from godly counsel.
This story shows us that it is not necessarily one big moment but moment by moment choices (Luke 16:10a).
3. We can make a difference by surrendering our lives to accomplish the purpose of God. Esther laid it all on the line when she said, “If I perish, I perish.” This is also pictured in the story by the fasting and sackcloth; which pictures brokenness, repentance, and submission to the Lord. We are called to lay our lives down for the sake of the gospel (Acts 20:24). Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Conclusion-Applications:
1. This is ultimately a picture of our Deliverer, Jesus, who laid down His life to rescue us from sin (Hebrews 2:14-18).
2. Ask God to show you His purpose for your life.
3. Do what God is putting in front of you
4. Prepare to get as far upstream as possible
5. Make a difference in somebody’s life right now (Easter)
“Make A Difference”
Esther 4
Sermon Series: “Unseen Hand Of God”
Main Idea: God is faithfully connecting the dots of our lives in order to use us to make a difference in the world.
How can we make a difference?
1. We can make a difference by understanding that God has a purpose for our lives. Understanding precedes action. Conviction precedes obedience.
A. God has purposes that He is accomplishing in the world. His ultimate propose is redeeming a community of worshippers who will enjoy and glorify Him forever (Rev. 7).
B. God accomplishes His purposes through people.
Esther is an amazing example of divine sovereignty and human responsibility perfectly intersecting with one another.
C. He has a purpose for each of His children. This includes all of us. Hathach is a great example of this truth.
D. God will accomplish His purposes even if we disobey Him, but there are consequences for us and others depending on whether or not we obey. Warren Wiersbe has written, “If Esther rejected the will of God for her life, God could still save His people, but Esther would be the loser….If you and I refuse to obey God, He can either abandon us and get somebody else to do the job, or He can discipline us until we surrender to His will. Two examples come to mind. Since John Mark left the mission field and returned home (Acts 13:13; 15:36-41), God raised up Timothy to take his place (16:1-3). When Jonah ran from God, the Lord kept after him until he obeyed…When God isn’t permitted to rule, He overrules, and He always accomplishes His purposes.” However, we see that there are either positive or negative consequences for us and others depending on our obedience or disobedience.
E. Our trials are not preventing us from fulfilling our purpose but are preparing us for our purpose (see Genesis 50:20). Let your pain become your platform.
F. The problem that is breaking our hearts may actually be revealing our purpose.
2. We can make a difference by doing what God tells us to do.
How do we know what He is telling us to do?
A. The Word of God
B. Opportunities that present themselves.
C. The next right thing.
D. Getting wisdom from godly counsel.
This story shows us that it is not necessarily one big moment but moment by moment choices (Luke 16:10a).
3. We can make a difference by surrendering our lives to accomplish the purpose of God. Esther laid it all on the line when she said, “If I perish, I perish.” This is also pictured in the story by the fasting and sackcloth; which pictures brokenness, repentance, and submission to the Lord. We are called to lay our lives down for the sake of the gospel (Acts 20:24). Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Conclusion-Applications:
1. This is ultimately a picture of our Deliverer, Jesus, who laid down His life to rescue us from sin (Hebrews 2:14-18).
2. Ask God to show you His purpose for your life.
3. Do what God is putting in front of you
4. Prepare to get as far upstream as possible
5. Make a difference in somebody’s life right now (Easter)