Anchor My Faith

Lesson Title: Nearness to God — Covenant Fellowship, True Family, Enduring Righteousness

Old Testament Reading

Leviticus 7:28–9:6 — Ordination and the Glory of the LORD

Overview:
In Leviticus 7:28–9:6, the LORD establishes the priestly portion of the peace offering and commands the ordination of Aaron and his sons. Moses gathers the congregation, washes and clothes Aaron with holy garments, anoints him, and consecrates the altar. Sacrifices are offered for atonement and ordination, emphasizing purification before service. The people witness that the LORD Himself has commanded these things, and Moses declares that obedience will result in the appearance of the LORD’s glory. The passage highlights that access to God requires atonement, consecration, and obedience to His revealed will.

Theological Themes:
• Holiness and consecration
• Mediation through priesthood
• Obedience leading to divine glory

Key Verse:
Leviticus 9:6 – “This is the thing that the LORD commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why was consecration necessary before priestly service?
   Answer: Because God is holy, those who minister before Him must be cleansed and set apart. The washing, garments, anointing, and sacrifices demonstrate that sinful humanity cannot approach God casually. Mediation requires divine preparation.
2. What does this passage teach about obedience?
   Answer: The repeated phrase “as the LORD commanded” shows that blessing and manifestation of God’s glory are tied to faithful obedience. Worship must follow God’s revealed instructions, not human preference.
3. How does this foreshadow Christ?
   Answer: The priesthood anticipates Jesus as our perfect High Priest who provides final atonement (Hebrews 4:14–16). Unlike Aaron, Christ needed no sacrifice for Himself, yet He consecrates His people through His own blood.

New Testament Reading

Mark 3:31–4:25 — The True Family and the Parable of the Sower

Overview:
In Mark 3:31–4:25, Jesus redefines family as those who do the will of God, emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological ties. He then teaches the Parable of the Sower, explaining how different hearts respond to the word of God; some hardened, some shallow, some distracted, and some fruitful. Jesus stresses the importance of hearing rightly, comparing truth to a lamp that must not be hidden. The measure one uses in receiving and applying God’s word determines the measure of understanding received. The passage centers on responsiveness to divine revelation.

Theological Themes:
• Spiritual family through obedience
• The power and reception of God’s Word
• Revelation and responsibility

Key Verse:
Mark 4:20 – “But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How does Jesus redefine family?
   Answer: Jesus teaches that true family consists of those who do God’s will. Spiritual obedience forms deeper bonds than biological relationships, emphasizing allegiance to God above all.
2. What determines fruitfulness in the Parable of the Sower?
   Answer: The condition of the heart. The same seed is sown, but different responses yield different outcomes. Fruitfulness results from hearing, receiving, and persevering in the Word.
3. What does the lamp illustration teach?
   Answer: God’s truth is meant to be revealed and responded to. As believers receive light, they are responsible to live it out and share it. Greater attentiveness leads to greater understanding.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 37:12–29 — The Inheritance of the Righteous

Overview:
Psalm 37:12–29 contrasts the fleeting success of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. Though the wicked plot and draw their swords, the LORD laughs, knowing their day is coming. Their weapons ultimately turn against them, while the righteous are upheld by God’s sustaining hand. Temporary prosperity cannot compare to covenant security. The psalm assures believers that righteousness, generosity, and trust in the LORD lead to lasting inheritance and peace.

Theological Themes:
• Divine justice
• Covenant faithfulness
• Eternal inheritance

Key Verse:
Psalm 37:24 – “Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does the LORD “laugh” at the wicked?
   Answer: God’s laughter expresses His sovereign awareness and control. The apparent success of evil is temporary and cannot thwart His purposes.
2. What assurance is given to the righteous?
   Answer: The righteous are upheld, sustained, and ultimately granted inheritance. Even in hardship, they are not abandoned.
3. How does this psalm encourage perseverance?
   Answer: By contrasting temporary gain with eternal reward, it strengthens faith to endure injustice, trusting in God’s ultimate vindication.

Proverbs Reading

Section 4: Proverbs 10:5 — Wisdom in Seasons

Overview:
Proverbs 10:5 presents a concise contrast between wisdom and shame. A son who gathers during harvest demonstrates diligence and discernment, recognizing opportunity and acting accordingly. In contrast, one who sleeps during harvest brings disgrace. The proverb highlights the importance of recognizing God-given seasons and responding with responsible action. Wisdom is not merely knowledge but timely obedience.

Theological Themes:
• Diligence and stewardship
• Wisdom in action
• Accountability for opportunity

Key Verse:
Proverbs 10:5 – “He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does harvest symbolize?
   Answer: Harvest represents opportunity, provision, and responsibility. It is a limited season that requires action.
2. What is the danger of spiritual “sleep”?
   Answer: Spiritual neglect leads to missed opportunities and eventual loss. Ignoring God’s timing results in shame and regret.
3. How can this proverb apply spiritually?
   Answer: Believers must act faithfully when God provides opportunity, whether in service, repentance, or witness, because seasons of grace should not be wasted.