Choosing Humility: Lessons from Esther's Courage
Summary
In my sermon, I explored the themes of pride, humility, and God's providence as illustrated in the story of Esther. I began by reflecting on the nature of choices we face in life, highlighting that our decisions can lead us down paths of pride or humility, success or failure, truth or lies. I emphasized the importance of making choices that align with God's will, as exemplified by Esther and Mordecai.
I recounted the story of Esther, who, despite the risk to her own life, approached King Xerxes to save her people from annihilation. Her strategy involved hosting banquets for the king and Haman, the antagonist. Esther's humility and wisdom were evident in her patient approach, waiting for the right moment to reveal her Jewish identity and plea for her people's salvation.
I discussed Haman's pride and his deep-seated prejudice against Mordecai and the Jews. Haman's arrogance led him to construct a gallows to hang Mordecai, but in a twist of divine irony, the king honored Mordecai for previously thwarting an assassination attempt. Haman was compelled to lead Mordecai through the city in a parade, celebrating the very man he sought to kill.
The climax of the story occurred at the second banquet when Esther courageously exposed Haman's plot to the king. In a dramatic turn of events, Haman was executed on the very gallows he built for Mordecai, and Esther's people were saved. Mordecai was elevated to a position of authority, and the Jewish people were granted protection.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the dangers of pride and the virtue of humility. I used the example of Haman's downfall as a caution against the destructive nature of pride, contrasting it with Esther's humility, which led to her exaltation and the deliverance of her people. I also touched on the importance of respect for all individuals, regardless of status or background, as a reflection of God's love and commandments.
I concluded by drawing parallels between the biblical narrative and contemporary life, urging the congregation to live humbly and trust in God's plan. I reminded them that while talent can bring success, it is character and integrity that sustain it. I encouraged everyone to be proud of their achievements without becoming prideful, to recognize the contributions of others, and to give glory to God for all blessings.
Key Takeaways:
1. Choices define our lives, and we must choose humility over pride. Esther's decision to risk her life for her people exemplifies the power of humble courage. When we face critical decisions, let us seek God's guidance and choose the path that honors Him. ([02:23])
2. God's providence is often hidden, working behind the scenes. Even when He seems absent, as in the book of Esther, His hand guides events towards His purposes. Trust in God's unseen presence and His ability to turn situations around for our good. ([14:02])
3. Respect is a gift we can give to anyone, anywhere. It is not contingent on a person's status or achievements but is a reflection of God's love for all His creation. Let us treat others with the respect and dignity they deserve, as Jesus did. ([15:19])
4. Humility leads to exaltation by God. Esther's humility and Mordecai's integrity were honored by God, while Haman's pride led to his destruction. Let us live with humility, knowing that God elevates the humble in His time and way. ([27:49])
5. Character sustains where talent takes us. Our abilities may open doors, but it is our character that keeps us there. Let us cultivate integrity and humility, recognizing that these virtues are essential for lasting success and influence. ([31:48])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Esther 5:4-8 (NIV)
> "If it pleases the king," replied Esther, "let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him." "Bring Haman at once," the king said, "so that we may do what Esther asks." So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, "Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted." Esther replied, "My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king's question."
2. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
> "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
3. James 4:10 (NIV)
> "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Esther's strategy in approaching King Xerxes to save her people? How did she demonstrate humility and wisdom in her actions? ([05:18])
2. How did Haman's pride manifest in his actions and decisions throughout the story? ([04:08])
3. What was the outcome for Haman and Mordecai, and how did their fates reflect their respective pride and humility? ([21:32])
4. How does the story of Esther illustrate the concept of God's providence working behind the scenes? ([09:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Esther chose to delay her request to the king by hosting multiple banquets? What does this reveal about her character and strategy? ([08:00])
2. How does the proverb "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" apply to Haman's story? What lessons can be drawn from his downfall? ([03:34])
3. In what ways did Mordecai's integrity and humility lead to his eventual exaltation? How does this align with the promise in James 4:10? ([04:38])
4. How does the story of Esther encourage believers to trust in God's unseen presence and providence, even when He seems absent? ([09:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult choice. How did you seek God's guidance in that decision? What was the outcome? ([02:23])
2. Can you identify areas in your life where pride might be leading you towards destructive behavior? How can you practice humility in those areas? ([03:34])
3. How can you show respect to others in your daily interactions, regardless of their status or background? Think of specific actions you can take this week. ([15:19])
4. In what ways can you cultivate humility in your life, knowing that God elevates the humble in His time and way? Share a personal example or a plan you have. ([04:38])
5. Consider your talents and achievements. How can you ensure that your character and integrity sustain your success? What steps can you take to cultivate these virtues? ([31:48])
6. Think of a situation where you felt God's providence working behind the scenes. How did that experience strengthen your faith? ([09:15])
7. How can you give glory to God for the blessings in your life, recognizing the contributions of others and avoiding pride? Share a specific instance where you can apply this. ([31:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humble Courage
Choices carry the weight of our character and destiny. Esther's decision to risk her life for her people is a testament to the power of humble courage. In a world that often celebrates the bold and the brash, it is the quiet strength of humility that often forges a path of righteousness. Humility is not about self-deprecation; it's about recognizing one's place in the grand tapestry of life and acknowledging the One who weaves it together. It is in the moments of decision that one's true values are revealed. Choosing humility over pride is not merely a moral high ground; it is a strategic alignment with the divine will that brings about a greater good beyond one's personal safety or gain. [02:23]
"Though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar." (Psalm 138:6)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you had to make a difficult choice. How did humility or the lack thereof play a role in your decision-making process?
Day 2: Trusting the Unseen Hand of Providence
The narrative of Esther unfolds with a divine subtlety, reminding us that God's providence often operates behind the scenes. It is a comforting thought that even when God's presence is not overtly manifest, His hand is still at work, orchestrating events for the ultimate benefit of His people. This hidden providence calls for a deep trust in God, especially during times when the path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Trusting in God's unseen presence requires faith that He is intimately involved in the details of our lives, turning even the most desperate situations around for our good. [14:02]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8)
Reflection: Can you think of a time when you felt God was absent, only to see His providence revealed in hindsight? How might this perspective change the way you trust God with current challenges?
Day 3: The Universal Gift of Respect
Respect is a fundamental expression of love that transcends status, achievements, and background. It is a gift that can be freely given to anyone, anywhere, reflecting the inclusive love of God for all His creation. In a society that often values people based on their contributions or social standing, the call to respect others as Jesus did is countercultural. It challenges believers to see others through the lens of divine image-bearing, honoring them as fellow recipients of God's grace and love. [15:19]
"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:17)
Reflection: Who in your life do you find difficult to respect? How can you begin to show them the respect and dignity they deserve as someone created in the image of God?
Day 4: The Path to Divine Exaltation
The biblical account of Esther and Mordecai illustrates a profound truth: humility leads to exaltation by God. In a world that often rewards the proud, it is the humble who ultimately stand tall in God's economy. This principle is not about seeking honor for oneself but about living in a manner that allows God to lift one up in His time and way. It is a life lived with integrity and humility that God honors, as seen in the elevation of Mordecai and the deliverance of Esther's people. [27:49]
"Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 18:12)
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your daily life, and in what ways can you allow God to exalt you in His timing rather than seeking your own glory?
Day 5: Integrity as the Sustainer of Success
Talent may open doors, but it is character that sustains us in the rooms we enter. The story of Esther reminds us that while abilities can bring about success, it is integrity and humility that maintain it. This truth challenges us to cultivate virtues that are essential for lasting influence and impact. It is not enough to be skilled or knowledgeable; one must also be grounded in the character traits that reflect the heart of God. [31:48]
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1)
Reflection: Consider the talents and abilities that have brought you success. How are you ensuring that your character remains the foundation upon which your success is built?
Quotes
1) "Sometimes choices are really difficult to make and we have to understand that sometimes there's battles between two things that come up and that happen and sometimes we want to make a right choice or we make a wrong choice in sometimes it's between truth or lies, it's good versus bad, it's success versus failure, it's proud versus being humble." [02:23]
2) "Haman was a very prideful man he thought everything was about him... but see it also says in James chapter 4 verse 10 humble yourselves in the sight of Lord and he's going to lift you up and this is the perfect verse that we see for Esther because Esther was humble was was willing to do whatever it took to be able to to get to where she needed to do on behalf of her people." [04:08]
3) "Respect is a gift that should be given to everyone everywhere it doesn't matter where they're from respect is something that you can give to anyone anywhere at any points being respectful of who they are... we saw the Esther she really she had a thing about respect but Haman he didn't." [15:19]
4) "Talent will only take you where character can keep you. I'm gonna say that again talent will only take you to a place but it's gonna be your character that will keep you there... if we were just humble God will take you to where you need to be to do what you need to do." [31:48]
5) "God will always elevate those that are humble... being proud of what you can accomplish in what you can do but you have to be careful that being proud of what you do doesn't become something that you are prideful in what you do." [27:49]
6) "The story of Esther reminds us of God's wisdom and protection... Haman being the way that he is an Esther being the way that she is... Esther in giving up of herself was blessed and honored and it reminded me of a verse in Mark... for what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world it loses his own soul." [26:28]
7) "Why would God allow Haman to believe in such a lie that he would build those gallows to be able to hang that man... this whole thing was based on a lie and God was allowing this to happen... pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." [14:02]
8) "When you're connected with God he will protect you but God will also elevate you and as he begins to elevate you your character and your integrity will keep you at that place of elevation as you continually grow with him." [33:33]
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