Esther 3-7, God's Plans and His Redemptive Reversals BSF Lesson 14

Lesson 14: Esther 3-7. Spiritual subversions and God's ReversalsIn the Old Testament, we see satanic spirits in hiding behind disguises, as idols and enemies, working through surrogate pawns and puppets, rulers, nations, and empire systems, always acting to shape dark and ruinous cultures, and dehumanize and degrade people and their minds. One of the key identifiers of those who work against God is human pride. It denigrates and defies God. It doesn't understand God and His Truth, and rejects them out of hand. But God always thwarts the ways of darkness and patiently holds out the truth for those who would seek Him. In the New Testament, Jesus our Messiah finally arrives and sheds light in the darkness, and evil spirits can no longer hide. They come up to the surface and are expelled. Their facades fall away, and false disguises crumble to show the waste and ruin they have done. Evil spirits are everywhere, and Jesus casts them away, releasing people from bondage, giving them victory by His Power.In this lesson, we learn that God's fingerprints of planning and guidance is everywhere. He guides and shapes events and actions to lead His people to His perfect Will and Plans. He is in charge. Through challenge, His people learn how great God is working to protect and guide them, even when we are totally ignorant of all the parts He coordinates to bring about our victory and our good.AIM: God sovereignly works to teach and reveal truth, to save souls, show His power, and demonstrate His faithfulness according to HIS glorious planOutline:1. Evil’s Plot Unfolds (3:1–15) – when pride and hatred rise, God constrained them and their effects.2. God’s People Persevere (4:1–5:14) – when fear surrounds, God perfectly positions His people to act in faith.3. God’s Perfect Reversal (6:1–7:10) – when evil seem formidable, God gives His people power to overcome and victory.Principles:1. God sovereignly permits His people to face opposition for His glory.2. God sovereignly positions and calls His own to live out courageous faith.3.God can sovereignly flip the tables on the enemy’s plans and reward His people in due time.