In this lesson, we’re talking about two young people (Joseph and Esther) whose examples teach us some important lessons. Many young people (and older people as well) are tempted to sin because they feel the need to have the approval of others. In a sense, they are dependent on the approval of those around them. This can be difficult and stressful because the people around us are always changing their values, priorities, morals, etc. What they want from us can be different from one day to the next. However, there is a peace that comes by being dependent upon God. This makes us, in a sense, independent of the approval of others. Yet we must never see ourselves as being independent from God.
Similarities between Joseph and Esther
- Young people in a foreign land (Genesis 37:25-28; 39:1; Esther 2:5-7)
- Put in a certain position without any choice on their part (Genesis 39:2-6; Esther 2:8, 16-17)
- Kept their identity a secret (Genesis 42:7; Esther 2:10, 20)
- Maintained their faith in God (Genesis 50:24-25; Esther 4:14-16) – this is critical
- Saved the people of God (Genesis 45:4-11; Esther 8:3-14)
How Joseph Demonstrated His Dependence on God
- Refused to sin with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:7-12)
- Faithfully served while in jail (Genesis 39:19-23)
- Credited God with his interpretations of dreams (Genesis 40:8; 41:16)
- Prepared for the famine (Genesis 41:46-49)
- Credited God for being in a position to save his family (Genesis 45:4-11)
How Esther Demonstrated Her Dependence on God
- Recognized the opportunity she had to help her people (Esther 4:14)
- Fasted before going to the king (Esther 4:16) – prayer is implied with this
- Was willing to give her life to help save her people (Esther 4:16)
How We Demonstrate Our Dependence on God
- Do good even when others tempt us to sin (1 John 2:15-17; cf. 1 John 5:3)
- Do right even when treated unfairly (Hebrews 12:2-3; 1 Peter 2:12)
- Speak truth even among those who do not believe (Philippians 2:15-16; 1 Peter 3:15)
- Make preparations for what God said will happen (Matthew 6:19-21; 25:1-13)
- Help others when opportunities arise (Galatians 6:10; James 2:14-17)
- Pray to God when facing challenges (Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13)
- Make sacrifices to fulfill God’s mission (Philippians 3:7-11; Luke 9:23)
Conclusion
- All of those actions could be perceived as independence because we do them regardless of what others think – we are not merely going along with those around us
- Yet this independence is really a dependence upon God – a humble and fearless trust in Him; Joseph showed this; Esther showed this; we must show it in our lives as well
