Old Testament: Esther 1 - 10
How did Vashti lose her position?
Why do you think Mordecai told Esther not to let anyone know she was Jewish?
Why did the king agree to Haman's plan to have all the Jews killed?
Why did Esther fast and want others to fast before she appealed to the king?
In chapter 5 Haman illustrates an odd feature of human nature. There were many things he was happy about, but one thing he wasn't happy about that overshadowed everything. He said in verse 13, "But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai..." Is there anyone in your life that you have given the ability to overshadow your happiness? What should our happiness be based on?
In 6:13 Haman's wife and advisers told him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!" Why did they come to this conclusion?
Why did the king have Haman executed in chapter 7?
8:17 says that wherever the kings new edict came giving the Jews the right to defend themselves, "there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating." Which was more important, celebration or making sure everyone heard the news?
How did Purim become a two-day celebration?
Psalms 82 - 85
82:3 says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless." What opportunities do you have to do this?
Psalm 83 is a prayer for God to act against those who say, "let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more." (83:4) What do you expect from God today for those who now want to destroy Israel as a nation?
84:10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." How can you experience God's presence in a way that one day in His presence would be better than a thousand doing anything else?
85:6 says, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Revive means to restore to life. Who or what should you be asking God to restore to life?
New Testament: Acts 17 - 20
What did the Jews in Berea do that showed that they were of "more noble character than those in Thessalonica"?
In 17:30 Paul says that God, "commands all people everywhere to repent." How do people everywhere know that God commands them to repent?
God encouraged Paul in 18:9-10. Why did He do this? Do you need to hear God's encouragement? What can you do to be more receptive to His encouragement?
What happened to the twelve men in chapter 19 after they were baptized and prayed for by Paul?
Why did the sons of Sceva get beat up after using the name of Jesus? What should we learn from their experience?
In chapter 19 new believers who had practiced sorcery burned scrolls that would have been worth millions of dollars in today's currency. Are you willing to put the old life behind even if there is sacrifice involved?
Who started the riot in chapter 19 and why?
In 20:24 Paul said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Do you know that task the Lord has given you? Do you aim to complete it?
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