Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Approaching the Throne

Bryan Schneider · February 13, 2021

Esther 5

sharonrpc.org/sermons/approaching-the-throne

Summary

After three days of fasting, Esther enters the king's court without being summoned and faces death unless he extends the scepter.
The king receives Queen Esther favorably and offers to grant her request, showing that the people's fasting and appeal have not been ignored.
Esther proceeds cautiously through two banquets rather than immediately naming Haman's plot, illustrating action guided by wisdom without direct revelation.
Meanwhile Haman's pride turns honor into rage because Mordecai still refuses to bow, and he prepares a public execution for him.
The worsening danger teaches that an answer to prayer may remain hidden even while God is already acting providentially.
Ahasuerus' unstable throne contrasts with the holy throne of God, before which every sinner has far greater reason to fear.
Believers approach God confidently only because Christ clothes them in his righteousness, bears judgment, and intercedes for them.
Prayer does not require audible signs; Christians pray through Christ, trust God's covenant favor, and take the next faithful step according to biblical wisdom.

What danger does Esther accept by standing unsummoned in the inner court?
How does the extended scepter answer the fasting and crisis of chapter 4?
Why might Esther invite the king and Haman to a second banquet instead of stating her request immediately?
How does Haman respond when royal favor fails to satisfy his pride?
Why can worsening circumstances coexist with an already-unfolding answer to prayer?
How is God's throne both more holy and more welcoming to believers than Ahasuerus' throne?
On what basis can sinners approach God without fearing condemnation?
Why should believers not require audible voices or visible signs before taking a biblically wise step?
How do Christ's righteousness and intercession sustain persistent prayer?

Golden scepter: The sign by which the Persian king spared an unsummoned visitor and allowed that person to approach.
Providence: God's hidden government of events and human hearts in answer to prayer and according to his purposes.
Wisdom: Faithful action based on God's revealed principles when no direct sign specifies every next step.
Throne of grace: God's holy presence approached confidently through Jesus Christ for mercy and timely help.
Imputed righteousness: Christ's perfect righteousness credited to believers, giving them acceptance before God.
Intercession: Christ's continuing representation and prayer for his people before the Father.
Persevering prayer: Continued petition grounded in God's covenant character even when visible circumstances worsen or answers remain unclear.