The King’s Wrath and God’s Grace
Esther 1:10–22
Knowing that God is in control even in the chaos of life does not make the chaos easier, but gives hope, knowing all things will work to his plan, his glory, and our good.
Introduction
God’s
God’s
God’s
Discussion Questions
1. Why does sin tend to lead to more sin in our lives? Why is Christ our only hope of stopping this toxic decline?
2. Ahasuerus wanted to show off Vashti for his benefit rather than hers. In what ways do we use people for our good rather than theirs? How can we avoid using others to their detriment and to our benefit, and why should we?
3. Why do we need godly counselors in our lives who steadily push us to the Word? Who serves you in this way?
4. Why can we be slow to admit our sin and to seek reconciliation with those we wound?
5. Why are we sometimes slow to initiate reconciliation with those who have wounded us but are not seeking our forgiveness? How does initiating reconciliation instead of waiting for people to seek forgiveness image God?
6. We do not know that Ahasuerus ever felt regret about his decision with Vashti. If you could change one decision for the sake of the kingdom, what would it be?
7. God used Ahasuerus’s wretchedness and Vashti’s rebellion to open the door for Esther’s future reign. What does this tell you about his sovereignty and providence?
8. Ahasuerus could not be trusted with absolute power. Why, however, can Christ be trusted with all authority? In what ways is this comforting?
9. Though our political leaders may not make every decision from pure motives or with our good in mind, we know that Christ always does. How should we respond to this truth, especially if a decision Christ makes brings difficulty and grief into our lives?
10. In what ways are you seeking to honor Christ instead of being honored?
(Questions from Exalting Jesus in Esther; Reflect and Discuss)