IBC Richmond

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• Compare and contrast Mordecai's edict (8:9-12) from Haman's edict (3:12-15)? What are the similarities and differences?
• Why couldn't King Ahasuerus "revoke" (vs. 5) Haman's edict?
• Is redemption a simple undoing of evil already done? Why or why not?
• According to Esther 8:9 how many months remain until the final resolution? What possible reason explain divinely purposed delays?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What lessons can be learned from Esther 7 about living as a believer in a secular environment?
• In what ways do you feel unchristian if you have enemies? How can you determine if your enemy is God’s enemy or one of your own creation?
• How does King Ahasuerus respond in verse 5? What does the king’s reaction show about Haman’s plot?
• Consider the relationship between Esther and Mordecai (8:1)? Who is like family to you? Who can teach, challenge, and warn you?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• In light of Mordecai's public mourning, how has someone else's grief influenced your reaction to suffering?
• Who can counsel you like Mordecai counseled Esther? Why do you need counselors?
• Name all the emotions in Esther 4. How do you understand and identify with these emotions?
• Is it faith or fatalistic to say with Esther "If I perish, I perish"?

The goal we are presenting is to be a church ruled by Christ, governed by members, led by elders, served by deacons.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What, if any, is the significance that Mordecai was a Jew and Haman was an Agagite?
• How did God use Mordecai and Esther’s positions for good? How can your position and influences be used for good?
• Is randomness like casting lots (Esther 3:7) antithetical to God’s sovereignty? Why or why not?
• How must God’s people receive persecution in light of his providence?