1. His way is not what we want to hear 1-9

2. His way is brave, beautiful, and full of love 10-13

1. A Survival Strategy 11-12

2. Suffering for Christ 13-20

3. Suffering like Christ 21-25

Remember, rehearse, and rejoice in your rest!

• Says Mordecai (20-22)

• Say all God’s people everywhere (23-28)

• Say God’s ‘priest’ and ‘king’ together (29-32)

… Because the Good God still holds the dice

… Because his Good King still holds the future

1. In every corner of the world, 8:3-17

the great unwind of sorrow is decreed

2. In every human heart, 9:1-19

the great destruction of hatred is delivered

• his justice will always be wonderfully fitting

• his Son will always be wonderfully favoured

• his honour will always be wonderfully upheld

1. A queen who ties her fate to her people

2. A king who ties his honour to his bride

3. A traitor who ties his noose around his neck

In this God’s world…

• his justice will always be wonderfully fitting

• his Son will always be wonderfully favoured

• his honour will always be wonderfully upheld

1. Here is how to see your identity right now 1-5

• Because of the gospel (10-12)

• So, stand firm in it (5:12)

2. Here is how to interpret your experience right now 6-8

• Because of the gospel (10-12)

• So, stand firm in it (5:12)

1. Providence: 1-5

God orders all things with beautiful timing

2. Pride: 6-9

God allows human egos to beautifully bloat

3. Pleasure: 10-14

God honours his own with a beautiful delight

1. The Church Without Christ 11-13

2. The Church Made by Christ 14-18

3. The Church in Christ 19-22

1. The Same Diagnosis (1-3)

2. The Same Treatment (4-7)

3. The Same Result (8-10)

The gift too big to ask for…

1. Receive the Gift

2. Rejoice in the Giver