1. Stand Up and Speak
May 20

2. Admit it, now …
When have you regretted or been embarrassed by something you said?
Today we look at two people who spoke up or spoke out.
They had different motives
They saw different results
Sometimes it is important to speak up, other times it is more important to keep our mouths shut

3. Listen for self-importance.
Esther 6:3-11 (NIV) "What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?" the king asked. "Nothing has been done for him," his attendants answered. 4 The king said, "Who is in the court?" … 6 When Haman entered, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" Now Haman thought to himself, "Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?

4. Listen for self-importance.
So he answered the king, "For the man the king delights to honor, 8 have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. … 10 "Go at once," the king commanded Haman. "Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate.

5. Listen for self-importance.
Do not neglect anything you have recommended." 11 So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!"

6. Faithfulness Honored What advice did the king request of Haman?
Assuming it was himself to be honored, what did Haman suggest should be included in the honor to be given?
What do you suppose were Haman’s thoughts and motives when he responded to the king?
How did the king respond to Haman’s ideas?

7. Faithfulness Honored
What is ironic so far in the story about what happened to Haman and Mordecai?
Haman’s pride is what got him into trouble (both here in the coming events). Who or what tempts you to feel proud … and could cause you trouble?
How can we protect ourselves against the temptation to be proud or arrogant?

8. Listen for evil revealed.
Esther 7:1-6 (NIV) So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther, 2 and as they were drinking wine on that second day, the king again asked, "Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted." 3 Then Queen Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, O king,

9. Listen for evil revealed.
and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life--this is my petition. And spare my people-- this is my request. 4 For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept

10. Listen for evil revealed.
quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king." 5 King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, "Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?" 6 Esther said, "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman." Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

11. Speak Out Against Evil
What words and phrases show how Queen Esther prefaced her request politely and tactfully?
So, finally, what did Esther ask of the king?
We considered Haman’s thoughts and motives in his response to the king. Now, what do you think were Esther’s thoughts and motives? How can we tell she was not motivated by pride?

12. Speak Out Against Evil
What were the reactions of each of these three people as Esther declares her request?
King Ahasuerus
Queen Esther
Haman

13. Listen for Haman’s fate.
Esther 7:7-10 (NIV) The king got up in a rage, left his wine and went out into the palace garden. But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life. 8 Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall,

14. Listen for Haman’s fate.
Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, "Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?" As soon as the word left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said,

15. Listen for Haman’s fate.
"A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman's house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king." The king said, "Hang him on it!" 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.

16. Leave Vengeance to God
How did the king react to what he learned from Esther?
What did Haman attempt to do?
What made matters worse for him?
What order did the king issue?
Let’s list all the ironic circumstances surrounding Haman’s death in chapters 6 and 7?

17. Leave Vengeance to God
Esther was bold in confronting impending injustice. Where do we have opportunities to be bold about injustice in our society?
When we speak out, what are some things we should do first?

18. Application
Pray.
Ask the Lord to reveal ways you can use what He’s given you—your time, possessions, influence, and position.
Pray before you speak out against evil and injustice in society.

19. Application Look. Do some research.
Find opportunities in your community to help fight injustice.

20. Application Act. As a group, prayerfully consider what you can do.
You can act through your local church or a trusted local organization.
You can help make a difference in the area God is calling you to serve

21. Check it out at https://tinyurl.com/y7wv7q4o
Family Activities
Say, if you don’t like the Word Search puzzle on the handout, look here. There’s always the Crossword! Actually, there’s several fun things to do … for all ages.
Check it out at

22. Stand Up and Speak
May 20