𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗧𝗜 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧 𝘃𝘀. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧

THE VASHTI SPIRIT vs. THE ESTHER SPIRIT

(Self-Will vs. Submission in the Light of Grace Truth)
Key Text: 1 Corinthians 10:11 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

The lives of Vashti and Esther are often misused doctrinally.
They do not define Church-Age behavior—but they illustrate spiritual principles.
Vashti pictures self-will and independence
Esther pictures submission and availability

In this Dispensation of Grace, we are not saved by submission—but after salvation, grace teaches a transformed walk (Titus 2:11–12).

Today we will see 9 contrasts between these two spirits, applied rightly divided.

POSITION — REJECTED vs. RECEIVED
Esther 1:12; Esther 2:17
Vashti lost position; Esther received favor.

A. Refused Authority – Vashti rejected the call
Esther 1:12
B. Received Appointment – Esther accepted placement
Esther 2:17
C. Pauline Application – Grace places us in Christ
Ephesians 1:6
Dispensational Insight:
Position in Christ is received by grace—but pride forfeits usefulness.

PRIDE — ASSERTED vs. ABANDONED
Proverbs 16:18; Esther 2:15
Self-assertion vs. self-surrender.

A. Asserted Self-Will – Vashti stood on preference
Esther 1:11–12
B. Abandoned Self-Will – Esther submitted willingly
Esther 2:15
C. Pauline Application – Put off the old man
Ephesians 4:22
Dispensational Insight:
Grace humbles the believer before it uses the believer.

RESPONSE — DEFIED vs. DEFERRED
Esther 1:12; Esther 4:16
Reaction reveals the heart.

A. Defied Command – Vashti said no
Esther 1:12
B. Deferred to Counsel – Esther sought wisdom
Esther 4:16
C. Pauline Application – Walk circumspectly
Ephesians 5:15
Dispensational Insight:
Spiritual maturity listens before acting.

INFLUENCE — LOST vs. LEVERAGED
Esther 1:19; Esther 4:14
Opportunity ignored vs. opportunity embraced.

A. Lost Opportunity – Vashti dismissed her moment
Esther 1:19
B. Leveraged Opportunity – Esther rose “for such a time”
Esther 4:14
C. Pauline Application – Redeem the time
Ephesians 5:16
Dispensational Insight:
Grace gives opportunity; wisdom redeems it.

ATTITUDE — DEFENSIVE vs. DEPENDENT
Esther 1:12; Esther 2:10
Independence vs. instruction.

A. Defensive Spirit – Vashti protected self
Esther 1:12
B. Dependent Spirit – Esther followed counsel
Esther 2:10
C. Pauline Application – Not wise in own conceits
Romans 12:16
Dispensational Insight:
Grace teaches dependence, not defiance.

CONSEQUENCE — REMOVED vs. REWARDED
Esther 1:19; Esther 5:2
Choices carry outcomes.

A. Removed from Role – Vashti displaced
Esther 1:19
B. Rewarded with Favor – Esther welcomed
Esther 5:2
C. Pauline Application – Judgment Seat reality
2 Corinthians 5:10
Dispensational Insight:
Salvation is secure—but service is evaluated.

SPIRIT — SELF-CENTERED vs. SERVICE-MINDED
Esther 1:12; Esther 4:16
Who is the focus?

A. Self-Centered Choice – Vashti preserved pride
Esther 1:12
B. Service-Minded Choice – Esther risked herself
Esther 4:16
C. Pauline Application – Live unto Him
2 Corinthians 5:15
Dispensational Insight:
Grace turns servants outward, not inward.

TESTIMONY — SILENCED vs. STRENGTHENED
Esther 1:22; Esther 8:5
Silence vs. influence.

A. Silenced Example – Vashti remembered in loss
Esther 1:22
B. Strengthened Voice – Esther spoke boldly
Esther 8:5
C. Pauline Application – Let your light shine
Philippians 2:15
Dispensational Insight:
Grace gives believers a voice worth hearing.

LEGACY — DISPLACED vs. DELIVERING
Esther 1:19; Esther 9:1
End results reveal true spirit.

A. Displaced Permanently – Vashti removed
Esther 1:19
B. Delivering Many – Esther saved her people
Esther 9:1
C. Pauline Application – Fruit that remains
Colossians 1:10
Dispensational Insight:
A yielded life leaves an eternal mark.

CONCLUSION

Vashti shows what self-will costs.
Esther shows what submission accomplishes.
Vashti spirit: pride, refusal, loss
Esther spirit: humility, obedience, usefulness
Not for salvation—but for service.

CALL TO ACTION

Reject self-will
Receive sound doctrine
Walk worthy of grace
Romans 12:1 (KJV)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Grace saves instantly
Pride limits usefulness
Submission multiplies impact
Grace does not demand obedience to save—
but it produces obedience in the saved.
Choose the Esther spirit. Walk in grace.