2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT) Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.
Esther 1. Honor preparation Esther 2:12 (NIV) 12 Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.
Honoring preparation is honoring opportunity.
Esther 2:15 (NIV)Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
Kingdom economics: Faithful over littler=Ruler over much.
Esther 2:17 (NIV) Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 3:8–9 (NIV) 8 Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. 9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them …”
2. Honor Heritage & Values
In the book of Esther, God is not mentioned by name but represented by values.
He is present in his people! 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. Ephesians 5:15–17 (NLT) 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.(NKJV- redeeming the time, because the days are evil.)17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
3. Honor Advice Alignment influences assignment. Proverbs 12:15 (NIV) The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Esther 4:14–16 (NIV) 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
4. Honor significance
Honor- Treat it as weighty.
Your significance is found in your segment of God's timeline.
“Doing what is right is risky.”
Luke 22:42 (NIV) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
