Behind the Seen

BEHIND THE SEEN  

ESTHER INTRO and 1:1-9
October 4, 2026
Sermons by Dave Shoffner and Kevin Pitts

OPENER: What is the most vain thing you regularly do?

• What stood out to you the most about the introductory material? In what way does learning the background stuff help you prepare for a study (if any)?
• Ahasuerus' kingdom was MASSIVE. In what ways are we tempted to put our confidence in our country's size and strength; or even put too much confidence in our government? How do you remind yourself of your true citizenship?
• Emperor Xerxes was incredibly vain and self-centered. In what ways is God convicting you in this regard? How does being others-centered help our Christian witness? What is one of your favorite questions to ask others in order to really get to know them?
• The great display of wealth must have been awe-inspiring to behold. How is God's display of wealth better? 
• How much of a part has materialism ("I am what I own") played in your life? In what ways are you tempted to think sinfully about wealth or the lack thereof? 
• Ahasuerus micromanaged even the drinking at the party. How has the "illusion of control" been a struggle for you? How has someone's micromanaging negatively impacted you? 
• How is the feast of The Lord's Supper superior to Xerxes' feast? 
• What else did you hope we would discuss?