king of the kingdom
1:10 JOURNEY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.
What was the most impressive party or celebration you ever attended?
2.
What did you hear in the sermon that made an impression on you as a new, significant, or helpful insight?
3.
4.
5.
Read Esther 1:1-8. What might be the occasion for such an extravagant open house lasting 6 months? How would you describe the setting of the king’s party? What does this reveal about his character, his rule, his values? Do you tend to be easily impressed by the lifestyles of the rich and famous? How does a true follower of Jesus view the world and its priorities? Discuss the relevance of Mark 8:36-38 and 1 John 2:15-17. Read Esther 1:9-15. Why does the king send for his queen—what is his motive? Why does the writer mention the influence of wine? Reflect on the meaning of Proverbs 23:29-35; 31:4-7, Ephesians 5:18. Why do you think the queen refuses to come? Did she make the right decision? What is going on in the king’s heart that would cause him to be so angry? Compare Proverbs 16:32. Why is it so hard to practice self-control? At home, how do you work out disagreements? Read Esther 1:16-22. Explain the irony of the edict recommended by his adviser.
Sunday, September 13, 2015 • Summit Evangelical Free Church, Alta, IA • Pastor Doug Corlew Series: For Such A Time As This (Esther), Message #1
KING OF THE KINGDOM ESTHER 1 The story of Esther begins in the palace of a pagan king...
1. ______________________________________ (v 1-8)
2. ______________________________________ (v 9-15)
3. ______________________________________ (v 16-22)
How is God sovereignly at work, even through the foolishness of a pagan king? Contrast this passage with the attitude of King Jesus toward His bride. Read Ephesians 5:22-33 and discuss the roles of Christian husbands and wives. What cultural challenges do we face as we seek to live out these roles at home? The King of kings is not like Ahasuerus…
FAMILY FAITH TALK — Esther 1
1. ________________________________________________
Questions progress from targeting younger children (#1-2) to teens (#5-6).
1. How powerful was King Ahasuerus? 2. Who is more powerful than King Ahasuerus? 3. What are all the ways that King Ahasuerus showed he was powerful and rich? 4. What are the foolish things the king did? How about Queen Vashti, was she foolish? 5. How is the kingdom of the Ahasuerus similar to our country? 6. Explain how God is working in the midst of Persian politics?
2. ________________________________________________
What was the most impressive party or celebration you ever attended?
2.
What did you hear in the sermon that made an impression on you as a new, significant, or helpful insight?
3.
4.
5.
Read Esther 1:1-8. What might be the occasion for such an extravagant open house lasting 6 months? How would you describe the setting of the king’s party? What does this reveal about his character, his rule, his values? Do you tend to be easily impressed by the lifestyles of the rich and famous? How does a true follower of Jesus view the world and its priorities? Discuss the relevance of Mark 8:36-38 and 1 John 2:15-17. Read Esther 1:9-15. Why does the king send for his queen—what is his motive? Why does the writer mention the influence of wine? Reflect on the meaning of Proverbs 23:29-35; 31:4-7, Ephesians 5:18. Why do you think the queen refuses to come? Did she make the right decision? What is going on in the king’s heart that would cause him to be so angry? Compare Proverbs 16:32. Why is it so hard to practice self-control? At home, how do you work out disagreements? Read Esther 1:16-22. Explain the irony of the edict recommended by his adviser.
Sunday, September 13, 2015 • Summit Evangelical Free Church, Alta, IA • Pastor Doug Corlew Series: For Such A Time As This (Esther), Message #1
KING OF THE KINGDOM ESTHER 1 The story of Esther begins in the palace of a pagan king...
1. ______________________________________ (v 1-8)
2. ______________________________________ (v 9-15)
3. ______________________________________ (v 16-22)
How is God sovereignly at work, even through the foolishness of a pagan king? Contrast this passage with the attitude of King Jesus toward His bride. Read Ephesians 5:22-33 and discuss the roles of Christian husbands and wives. What cultural challenges do we face as we seek to live out these roles at home? The King of kings is not like Ahasuerus…
FAMILY FAITH TALK — Esther 1
1. ________________________________________________
Questions progress from targeting younger children (#1-2) to teens (#5-6).
1. How powerful was King Ahasuerus? 2. Who is more powerful than King Ahasuerus? 3. What are all the ways that King Ahasuerus showed he was powerful and rich? 4. What are the foolish things the king did? How about Queen Vashti, was she foolish? 5. How is the kingdom of the Ahasuerus similar to our country? 6. Explain how God is working in the midst of Persian politics?
2. ________________________________________________
