THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
We have many EVENTS and GROUPS happening throughout January in various ministries. These events provide a great opportunity to invite a friend to join you for a time of encouragement as you enter the new year. Learn more about these opportunities and sign up at adabible.org/signup/.
GROUP VALUES
This January, we are focusing on the group value of RELATIONAL INVESTMENTS. This is all about developing a heart for those in our lives who don’t know Jesus. Talk with your group about praying intentionally for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with people. Ask each group member to share the name of someone they want to see come to know Jesus. Then, regularly pray for those people and for an opportunity to share with them.
GROW AS A LEADER
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DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the second week of our series RESOLVE. This week, we look at Mordecai and Esther’s resolve to obey and serve God during complicated and confusing situations.
What was a highlight of your holidays?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Esther 4:11-16 aloud.
What emotions do you think the characters in this situation experienced?
How does Mordecai’s perspective about the Jews’ future differ from Esther’s initial reaction?
How has Esther been positioned and prepared over time for this moment of crisis?
What does Esther’s planned action demonstrate about her character?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron Buer taught about Mordecai and Esther’s resolve to follow and obey God during complicated and confusing situations. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas or main points.
In what ways do people in our culture struggle with complicated or confusing situations?
Why do you think it’s so challenging for people to know how to act or make decisions when life feels complicated or confusing?
Share with the group a recent situation in which you weren’t sure how to respond or act. What was that like?
When Mordecai faced a complicated choice, he obeyed what God said in his Word even though it might not benefit him. What are the dangers of not starting with God’s Word when facing a complicated decision?
We all face the temptation to bow to things that don’t align with God’s Word. What most commonly tempts you to bow to something other than God and his Word?
What can you put in place to help you face that temptation and invite God’s truth to guide your choices?
When have you had the courage to take risks or make sacrifices to serve others, even when it cost you something? What was the result?
What complicated or confusing situation do you need to entrust to Jesus, remembering that he is at work in and around you and wants to use you? Share with the group and commit to praying for each other this week about those situations.
Which part of the sermon encouraged or challenged you the most, and why?
WRAP UP
Today, we discussed what it looks like to resolve to obey God and his Word, serve others, and trust him even in our complicated and confusing situations. What’s one thing you need to change or do differently in light of our conversation?