If I Perish, I Perish | David Jeremiah | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

If I Perish, I Perish

Shadow Mountain Community Church • Oct 19, 2026 • 36 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

When a death decree threatened the Jewish people, Queen Esther faced a crucial defining moment that required her to choose between personal safety and selfless courage. Encouraged by Mordecai to see that God strategically positioned her "for such a time as this," Esther risked her life to plead before the king. Dr. David Jeremiah teaches that while God is completely sovereign over all human history, His sovereignty never excuses us from taking personal responsibility and acting in courageous faith.

Themes

God's SovereigntyHuman ResponsibilityCourage and ConvictionDivine PurposeFaithfulness in CrisisDefining Moments

Pastor's Points

1.

God's sovereignty explains what man alone can never understand.

2.

God's sovereignty encircles even those who don't know Him.

3.

God's sovereignty encourages us in difficult situations.

4.

God's sovereignty exempts no one from personal decisions.

5.

God's sovereignty exalts the importance of every individual.

Key Points

1.
God's sovereignty explains what man alone can never understand.
2.
God's sovereignty encircles even those who don't know Him.
3.
God's sovereignty encourages us in difficult situations.
4.
God's sovereignty exempts no one from personal decisions.
5.
God's sovereignty exalts the importance of every individual.
6.
A defining moment occurs when you come face-to-face with a life truth that demands a decision and alters your life forever.
7.
Mordecai reminded Esther that staying silent in the royal palace would not protect her from destruction, and suggested God appointed her as queen for this exact crisis.
8.
Esther displayed selfless courage by calling for a three-day fast and resolving to enter King Ahasuerus's presence uninvited, declaring, "If I perish, I perish."

Sermon Moments

“"A defining moment happens when you come face-to-face with a truth about life that invites you to change the way you live."”

“Looking at God's sovereignty is like looking at the back of a tapestry with messy threads and knots, but one day God will turn it around to reveal His beautiful design.”

“God's sovereignty and human responsibility are like two parallel railroad tracks running side by side that eventually meet in eternity.”

“"Let God take care of His sovereignty, and you take care of your responsibility."”

“"One little boy said, 'God never says oops.' Isn't that a wonderful doctrine?"”

“"I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish."”

“Joseph told his brothers: "You meant it against me as evil, but God meant it for good."”

“Historical events—such as single-vote margins in presidential impeachments or military extensions—demonstrate how much difference one person's choice can make.”

This Week

Identify the unique workplace, neighborhood, or situation where God has intentionally placed you "for such a time as this."

Take personal responsibility for your actions rather than using God's sovereignty as an excuse for passivity or spiritual laziness.

Trust in God's sovereign control when you face difficult, confusing, or painful situations you cannot humanly understand.

Seek God through humble prayer and fasting before making major, life-defining decisions.

Remember that as an individual, your faithful decisions and single actions can make a profound difference in God's kingdom.

Look for ways God can turn former hardships, mistreatment, or evil intentions into opportunities to bring good and preserve others.

Respond decisively to Jesus Christ by trusting Him as your Savior and surrendering full control of your life to Him.

Remember This

God in His sovereignty strategically places us for His divine purposes, but we must take personal responsibility to act with courageous faith.

A Challenge for You

Have you had a defining moment with God? If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, turn to Him today, ask Him to forgive your sins, and give Him control of your life.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.