Esther 4:13
God has a plan and a purpose for each life, and it is worth committing to, even if it means giving up our reputation or career.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that God has a unique plan and purpose for each individual, illustrated through the story of Esther. He explains how past events, even those that seem disastrous, are part of God's divine preparation for fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Smith reassures that God's sovereignty ensures His purposes will prevail, and even if we fail, we can still find meaning by aligning ourselves with His will. He encourages listeners to commit their lives to God, suggesting that our past experiences, including failures, may be preparation for significant moments in our lives. Ultimately, he challenges us to consider what we have to lose by fully surrendering to God's plan.
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"FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS"
I. GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR EACH LIFE.
A. All of the events of the past preparation.
1. Vashtis' rebellion against kings order.
2. The edict to replace her.
3. God had a purpose in creating Esther an especially
beautiful child.
4. Her being chosen as one to appear before the king.
5. Her being chosen by the king.
a. She could have said "Oh Providence."
b. She would have been absolutely correct.
c. All a part of the divine plan.
6. God seeks- to prepare us for the work or purpose He has
in mind for us.
a. "All things work together for good...."
b. That is not true for those who do not love God,
not committed to His purpose.
c. Some of the moves I made in the past that I
thought were disasters, later turned out to be
necessary to bring me where I am today.
II. THE PURPOSES OF GOD IN THE EARTH SHALL STAND.
A. He is sovreign and none can resist His will.
1. "Their enlargement and deliverance shall arise."
2. Even if you fail the purposes of God, shall not fail.
a. Your life will become empty, void, and
meaningless.
b. You will find yourself in despair.
3. God will not exercise His sovereignty against your
free-will.
a. Having given to man the power of choice He
respects your choice.
4. What God then does is to allow us the honor of being an
instrument to fulfill His divine purpose.
a. If we are obedient we receive that glorious
sense of meaning and fulfillment.
III. WHO KNOWS BUT THAT YOUR WHOLE PAST WASN"T BUT PREPARATION FOR THIS
TIME.
A. With Esther, her mission in life was fulfilled ina few days.
1. But she could live the rest of her life with the
satisfaction that she had fulfilled the divine purpose
for her life.
2. Many years of preparation, three days in fulfillment.
B. How can we know what God has purposed for us?
1. By committing our life to Him.
2. Roman 12:1, 2.
C. What if my time already has come and gone and I failed.
1. If you submit your life to Him you will probably
dIscover that He allowed you to fail and experience to
subsequent emptiness, so thatin the big moment.
D. What have you got to lose?
1. "My reputation, I'm known as the biggest drunk, if they
hear that I have become a Jesus freak, they will avoid
me like the plague."
a. Are they then real friends interested.in what
is best for you?
2. "It mightbring an end to my career."
a. It will be the beginning of His career.
Sermon Outline
- God Has a Plan and a Purpose for Each Life
- The Purposes of God in the Earth Shall Stand
- Who Knows But That Your Whole Past Wasn't But Preparation for This Time
- A points: - Many years of preparation, three days in fulfillment - How can we know what God has purposed for us?
Key Quotes
“She could have said 'Oh Providence.' She would have been absolutely correct. All a part of the divine plan.” — Chuck Smith
“What God then does is to allow us the honor of being an instrument to fulfill His divine purpose.” — Chuck Smith
“If you submit your life to Him you will probably discover that He allowed you to fail and experience subsequent emptiness, so that in the big moment, you can fulfill His purpose.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Commit your life to God and follow His will to fulfill His purpose.
- Don't be afraid to give up your reputation or career if it means following God's plan.
- God's sovereignty and free will work together to bring about His divine purpose in our lives.