Epistle for February 6, 2009
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation February 6, 2009
The Feast of Purim
(Esther 9:1-32)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the events of this chapter
1. On the 13th day of the twelfth month, the Jews, throughout
the Persian empire defended themselves against their
enemies who sought to kill them and confiscate their
property; a great victory was won with the assistance of
Mordecai and other government officials, vv. 1-11.
2. Upon Queen Esther's request, King Ahasuerus allowed
The Jews one additional day to fight against their enemies,
vv. 12-17.
3. The Jews in the Persian capital city of Shushan celebrated
victory on the 15th, whereas in outlying areas of the empire,
the celebration began on the 14th day of the twelfth month;
therefore, the "Feast of Purim" was established as an annual
celebration to be observed on both days, vv. 18-25.
4. These holidays, called "Purim" (meaning "lots" . . . dice which
had been cast by Haman to determine the best day to
exterminate the Jews, Esther 3:7), were permanently set into
the Hebrew Sacred Calendar from the days of Esther and
Mordecai until the present, vv. 26-32.
II. Meditation and Revelation: on the spiritual implications of these events
1. God's people always will be subject to opposition and persecution.
2. The life of a believer is one of almost continual spiritual warfare being
waged against Satan and his hosts of darkness.
3. Victory by God's people is assured; the power of Almighty God will
overthrow and utterly defeat the forces of the devil.
4. God's people should regularly meet together to worship the Lord and
to recount with thanksgiving His mighty acts of deliverance.
III. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Expect to suffer for the cause of Christ, II Timothy 3:12.
2. Engage in spiritual warfare . . . daily put on the armor of God and
advance in intercessory prayer, Ephesians 6:10-18.
3. Rejoice in the assurance that spiritual victory already has been won
through Jesus Christ, Romans 8:31-37.
4. Remember God's mercy and grace, His forgiveness and cleansing,
His guidance and strength, His victory and deliverance . . . as I
worship and praise Him personally and in company with the body
of believers, the church, Hebrews 10:22-25.
Great Is The Mystery Of Godliness
(I Timothy 3:1-16)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Paul outlined the qualification of a bishop (overseer; pastor), vv. 1-7.
2. Paul outlined the qualifications of a deacon, vv. 8-13.
3. Paul wrote that he expected to see Timothy soon; this letter contained
instructions in case he was delayed, vv. 14-15.
4. Paul quoted what may have been an early hymn or "confession", v. 16.
II. Meditation: on verse 16
"Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was
manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels,
preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world,
received up in glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
III. Observations: on mystery and godliness
1. Mystery = formerly hidden secret, now revealed.
2. Godliness = God-likeness; having divine characteristics.
IV. Revelation: on the incarnation (God in human flesh)
1. Manifestation: God appeared in a human body.
See Galatians 4:4; Matthew 1:20-23; Luke 1:30-35;
Colossians 1:15-19.
2. Justification: Jesus was authenticated (vindicated . . .
maintained as true and correct) by the Holy Spirit's
anointing at His baptism.
See Luke 3:21-22; 4:1, 14, 18; John 1:32-34
3. Revelation: Events in His life were heralded and
accompanied by angels.
See Matthew 4:11; 28:2-7; Luke 2:8-14; 22:43;
John 20:10-14; Acts 1:10-11.
4. Proclamation: Jesus was preached among the nations.
See Acts 2:5-40; Mark 16:20.
5. Regeneration: New-birth . . . Christ was believed on in
the world.
See John 3:16; Acts 2:41-47.
6. Glorification: He was taken up IN glory (splendor) and
INTO glory (heaven).
See Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11.
V. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Watch for God's continuing manifestation of Himself in my world today.
2. Receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit with power to vindicate (authenticate)
my calling and mission of service in Christ's name.
3. Cultivate spiritual perception to be able to "see beyond sight" . . . into the
spiritual heavenly places.
4. Tell lost persons that "JESUS SAVES!"
5. Live in active faith, not only for salvation but also for my day-to-day walk.
6. Know with assurance that Christ was glorified and now sits in authority at
the right hand of God the Father, Ephesians 1:20; 2:6; Acts 7:55.
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