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Strategy & Sacrifice Sermon

Pat Hood [Lead Pastor]

Sermon Points & Scripture References: 

• Sermon Takeaway = Strategy & Sacrifice 

• Scripture Reference: Esther 5

• Sermon Point: Strategy

• Sermon Point: Sacrifice

Sermon Discussion Questions

Get to know me

The purpose of these questions is to generate responses that are self-revealing and informative. Feel free to ask all of these questions to your group or simply choose the one that best fits your group.

1. How has your faith influenced your life this past week? How do you see this influence come to life in your actions or decisions? Can you think of a specific example where this influence was clearly visible?

2. Can you share a moment this week when you felt particularly close to God? What were you doing at the time, and how did that moment make you feel? How has this feeling persisted or changed since that moment?

3. What prayer has been on your heart recently, and why? How can the group help you in prayer concerning this matter?

4. What's a recent challenge where you found strength in your faith? What resources or scriptures helped you navigate through this challenge? 

Into the Bible

The purpose of these questions is to draw group members into the Bible to discover the truth from passages that were not the primary text for the weekend message.

1. Read John 11:49-53. John records the words of Caiaphas prophesying about Jesus’ death. Like Esther, whose boldness put her in front of the king for her people, Jesus would stand before the Jewish rulers. But unlike Esther, Jesus’ death was the necessary sacrifice for sin and His resurrection to show He is truly God. How would you explain to someone how Jesus’ life was about sacrifice, not just the sacrifice at the cross? 

Application

The purpose of these questions is to apply the main points from the weekend message.

1. Sermon Point: Strategy. Mordecai challenged Ester to get off the sidelines and get in the game. He told her God would save the Jews - if not through her then through someone else. But, God has placed her in this position for such a time as this. She told him to call the people to pray and fast for 3 days and after that, she’d go into the king, and if she died, she died. The first step in Esther's plan was to call the people to pray and fast because she knew this was beyond her ability and skill. Think about times in your life where you have had challenges. What have been your common first steps to overcome those challenges? What are some strategies you should consider when faced with future challenges?

2. Sermon Point: Sacrifice.Remember, Esther was a Jew but, in obedience to Mordecai, she kept her identity hidden. Her king/husband didn’t know she was a Jew. But, now, to call out Haman and save the Jews, she’d be required to reveal her true identity. She was willing to sacrifice her life to live on mission. Our lives, unlike Esther, most likely won't require the sacrifice of life but the sacrifice of small things on a regular basis. Think briefly about your daily activities. What could be sacrificed to spend time with God, in His word and thinking about Him to guide your days? If you are married, what could you sacrifice for your spouse?