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  ESTHER 4:14
  by Chuck Smith
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Summary: God accomplishes His purposes through human instruments who
submit and dedicate themselves to Him.

Topics: "Obedience to God", "Divine Purpose"
Scripture References: Esther 4:14, Psalm 138:8, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 55:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:6, 2 Timothy 1:9

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DESCRIPTION
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Chuck Smith emphasizes that God's purposes are accomplished through
human instruments, as illustrated in the story of Esther. He highlights
how Esther's life was divinely orchestrated for a pivotal moment to save
her people, reminding us that our own lives are also part of God's
greater plan. Smith encourages submission and dedication to God's call,
stressing that we must be willing to act even in the face of fear. He
reassures that even if we fail, God's plans will prevail, and we are
here to glorify Him through our obedience. Ultimately, we are reminded
that our existence serves a divine purpose, and we should embrace the
opportunities God provides.

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CONTENT
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"FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS"

I. GOD'S PURPOSES ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH HUMAN INSTRUMENTS.

A. Threatened annihilation of Abraham's seed, before God's promise

was fulfilled.

1. "Through thy seed shall all nations of world be

blessed."

2. "There shall arise a branch out of the stem of Judah."

3. God must preserve this tribe to fulfill His Word.

B. God's advance preparations.

1. Vashti's disobedience and de-thronement.

a. What sparked the mind of the drunken King to

issue the order that she disobeyed?

2. Esther chosen over all other to be new queen.

a. You say her beauty - who gave her such

beauty - God working in womb of mother.

b. God's purposes begin even before birth.

Paul - "Separated unto the Gospel from mother's womb."

C. Esther's whole life was being led to this psychic moment "such

a time as this."

1. Why was Esther born?

a. To save Judah from destruction?

b. To please God through obedience.

2. Why were you born?

3. Note years of preparation for a two-day task.

a. Despise not the days of preparation.

4. The time of revelation.

D. How can we become instruments for God's use?

1. Submission.

a. "I will go."

b. "Present your bodies as living sacrifices."

c. When the call of God comes we must go and trust

the circumstances to Him.

2. Dedication.

a. "If I perish I perish."

b. Many ventures for God forsaken for lack of

courage, which comes from total dedication.

1. What have you got to lose?

My neck!

What's so precious about your

neck? -

"Fear not him who can kill the

body . . ."

E. What if we fail God.

1. "If you hold your peace there enlargement and

deliverance shall come."

2. What faith in the purposes of God.

a. "But you and your fathers house shall be

destroyed."

3. We have been placed here on earth for one chief

purpose. All others spring from Him.

a. To glorify God by our submission and obedience

to Christ.

b. God gives us many opportunities throughout

life.

c. Longsuffering and patient.

d. He doesn't let us go.

e. He pursues after us.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/esther-414/
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