S2: Men and Women in Christ | Esther and Mordecai | Malcolm Cox

Introduction What do we learn about Esther’s relationship with Mordecai?Obedient to himB. Concerned for himC. Protective of himD. Generous to him What do we learn about Mordecai’s relationship with Esther?B. By challenging her to accept responsibilityC. Obedient - Accepts her instructionsD. Cooperative - Worked with her What do we learn about men and women working together?A. Different circumstances, same devotion to God, each doing their partB. Accept their VulnerabilityC. Summary ConclusionWhat do we learn about their work together?Gifts — They bring different gifts to the table.Opportunity — They have different opportunities because of the circumstances, and take responsibility for doing what they can.Necessary — They are necessary to each other fulfilling God's will, for their life and blessings that come to others through themInfluence — Neither is dominant, both have an influence on one anotherAuthority — Both ‘command’ the otherWhat do we learn about God?He rewards faith — expressed in sacrifice and courageEsther depends on God, not her beauty in declaring a fast - 4:16Esther asks Mordecai to gather all of God's people in Susa for three days of fasting and prayer. She refuses to try to achieve this mission based on her beauty and her cleverness and her influence, though they are great. John Ortberg, Overcoming your shadow missionDeclaring a fast indicates a dependency on God 4:16Mordechai has mentioned that rescue may come from another place, indicates his faith in God 4:14Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected] you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)God bless, Malcolm