God Is Never Named Once in the Book of Esther

Sermon outline

A fruitful Christian shines wherever God has placed them: like Esther, they let the season of preparation shape them, use their position for God's purpose rather than their own recognition, and carry Christ's character and gifts into every sphere of life.

1. Fruitful people influence without striving for recognition

   God is not named once in the book of Esther, yet His hand is visible throughout. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by Mordecai, was taken out of her comfort zone and obeyed; she found favour that extended to those around her, listened to counsel and asked for nothing beyond what she was advised, and gave Mordecai the credit for exposing the plot against the king. She never pursued prominence, but when God positioned her, she used her position for His purpose.

   “Esther did not pursue prominence.”

   • Esther 2:7-17
   • Esther 2:21-22

2. For such a time as this: preparation and timing

   When Haman's decree threatened every Jew, Mordecai told Esther she would not escape by keeping quiet, and asked whether she had come to the kingdom for such a time as this. Her position suddenly connected with her purpose. She did not rush in or wait eleven months for the perfect argument; she called a three-day fast and then went in with wisdom, patience and strategy. Every trap set for Mordecai fell on Haman, and the whole people were saved. If you are in a pruning season, there is a purpose for your pain.

   “Preparation means something is being produced in you.”

   • Esther 4:13-17

3. Fruitful people carry God's presence into every sphere

   Character is something you carry wherever you go. Jesus was the same in the synagogue, among sinners, with religious leaders and before Pilate, and our Christianity was never meant to stay inside the church walls. Salt changes whatever it touches and light does not announce itself. The Holy Spirit produces His fruit in us, so that people encounter integrity, kindness, patience and humility because we are there, and recognise the God we represent.

   Illustration: Your palace may not look like Esther's: it may be a classroom, a boardroom or just your family, and you may be the only one with influence there.

   “God has not called us merely to fit into every sphere of life. He has called us to carry His presence into every sphere of our life and transform it.”

   • Matthew 5:13-16
   • Galatians 5:22-23

4. Fruitful people use their gifts to build the kingdom

   A tree's fruit is never for itself, and Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams was not for his own advancement but to preserve nations. Many think they have nothing to offer and could never disciple anyone. She once thought praying for her unsaved family was enough, but when discipleship became intentional, her brother was saved and now serves in church, and every member of her cell serves. When she said she would pray about a difficult situation, Pastor Ashana told her the time for prayer was over and it was time to declare.

   Illustration: Exactly a year earlier, at her first G12 conference, she stood among ten thousand women watching hundreds go forward at the altar calls, and could only cry.

   “When you do it just once, you realize it's possible, and then you can do it again.”

   • Genesis 41:38-40
   • Genesis 50:20

5. Fruitful people live intentionally

   To live intentionally is to live with purpose, clear goals and preparation. She used her demanding job, schedule and young children to justify not growing, but we always find time for what we prepare for, like an early meeting or a flight. The busy season will pass, and if the habits are not built now, there will never be another time. Coming as you are is good; remaining as you are is not, and signing the attendance register like a gym subscription produces no muscle.

   Illustration: She and her husband were perpetually late for church unless they were serving in the sound room, and the ushers knew it. Now being on time is simply part of life.

   “You will always have the time to do the things you actually prepare to do.”

In this message