Esther 4:9-17

Christ Community Fellowship
April 3, 2011

Pastor Bob Brown

“Quench Not the Spirit”

The Holy Spirit Quenched Part II

Esther 4:9-17

Many people do the discipline of the Christian life in substitute for Christian living. –Galatians 2:20- - Colossians 1:18- We need to seek Jesus, not just the things of Him.

1.       The Response of Esther VS. 9-11

The Holy Spirit has commanded the human spirit to defend her people. Just like when the Holy Spirit tells us to do something. –John 14-16 (the Holy Spirit leading His people)- But sometimes we say “no,” we think we know a better reason not to obey Him. Like how Esther knew she would die if she did that, she told Mordecai “No.” To know who is in control of your life just look at who you obey.

A)     A Lack of Access VS. 10, 11

-Proverbs 3:5-6- What you’re leaning on and who you’re listening to shows who you obey. -1 Thessalonians 5:19- Quench not the Spirit. Quench – suppress, subdue, and silence. Comes from dampening of a fire, where it’s almost out.

B)      A Loss of Affection VS 11D

“He hasn’t asked for me in 30 days.” She begins to come up with things that’ll probably happen. Sometimes we do this. “God is responsible for the consequences of your obedience.” – Charles Stanley. She is saying, “God if I obey you I am going to die, so that’s why I don’t want to.” We often make excuses or reasons why our way is better also.

2.       The Response of Mordecai VS 12-17

The Holy Spirit convicts, especially when you say no. You can’t deal with the flesh only the Holy Spirit can, and in doing so you become stronger.

A)     The Cold Facts VS 12-13

“Don’t think for a minute that you’re safe because you’re in the palace.” The Holy Spirit will always speak the cold hard truth to us. He is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness.

B)      A Calm Faith VS 14

He reminds her that God is absolutely sovereign. “If you don’t do My will, I will carry out my plan anyway but you will suffer consequences for your disobedience.” The word “parish” was first used for a withering crop. It no longer bares fruit. (14B) There is a specific plan in your life. And Mordecai reminds Esther “Why did God allow all of this to happen in your life (becoming queen)? Maybe it was for a time like this.”

C)       Cautious Fortitude VS 15-17

3 days and night is very significant. It’s the time that Jonah spent in the whale. It’s significant in the story of Abraham and Isaac and also Joshua’s life. And most importantly, it was the time Jesus spent in the tomb. 3 Days and nights speak of dying to self. All true life comes out of death.