Anchor My Faith

Commit Your Way to the Lord

Old Testament Reading

Leviticus 9:7–10:20 — Glory Revealed and Judgment Executed

Overview:
After Aaron offers the prescribed sacrifices, the glory of the LORD appears and fire comes out from before Him to consume the offering, and the people fall in worship. Immediately afterward, Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire before the LORD and are consumed by divine judgment. Moses explains that God must be regarded as holy by those who draw near to Him. The chapter concludes with instructions about priestly holiness and a clarification regarding the handling of the sin offering, demonstrating that obedience and reverence are essential in approaching God.

Theological Themes:
• The holiness of God
• Proper worship and obedience
• Priestly responsibility and accountability

Key Verse:
Leviticus 10:3 – “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did Nadab and Abihu’s action result in such severe judgment?
   Answer: They approached God in a way He had not commanded, disregarding His revealed instructions. Their action treated God casually, undermining His holiness. The severity highlights that leadership carries greater responsibility and that worship must conform to God’s Word, not human creativity.
2. What does the fire from heaven in Leviticus 9 reveal about God?
   Answer: It reveals His acceptance of proper sacrifice and His glorious presence among His people. The same fire that consumes the sacrifice in approval later consumes disobedience in judgment, showing both His grace and His justice.
3. How should this passage shape our understanding of worship today?
   Answer: It calls believers to approach God with reverence, obedience, and humility. Worship is not centered on preference but on honoring God according to His revealed will.

New Testament Reading

Mark 4:26–5:20 — The Growing Kingdom and the Authority of Christ

Overview:
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God grows mysteriously and powerfully, like seed sprouting unseen and like a mustard seed becoming a great plant. He then demonstrates His authority by calming a raging storm, showing power over nature. Crossing into Gentile territory, He casts out a legion of demons from a possessed man, displaying authority over the spiritual realm. These events reveal that the kingdom grows quietly yet advances with unstoppable authority through Christ.

Theological Themes:
• The mysterious growth of the kingdom
• Christ’s authority over nature and demons
• Faith versus fear

Key Verse:
Mark 4:39 – “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What do the seed parables teach about the kingdom of God?
   Answer: The kingdom grows according to God’s power, not human effort. Its growth may seem small or hidden, but it is certain and expansive.
2. What does calming the storm reveal about Jesus?
   Answer: It reveals His divine authority over creation, echoing Old Testament descriptions of God stilling the seas. The disciples’ fear shifts from the storm to awe of Christ’s identity.
3. Why is the healing of the demoniac significant?
   Answer: It shows Jesus’ authority over a multitude of demons and demonstrates the kingdom advancing even into Gentile regions, restoring what was hopelessly broken.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 37:30–40 — The Lord Delivers the Righteous

Overview:
The psalm contrasts the righteous and the wicked, affirming that the righteous speak wisdom and walk securely because the law of God is in their hearts. Though the wicked plot against them, the LORD upholds and ultimately delivers His faithful ones. Salvation and refuge belong to the LORD, who rescues those who trust in Him. The passage assures believers that divine justice prevails in the end.

Theological Themes:
• The security of the righteous
• The ultimate justice of God
• Salvation and refuge in the LORD

Key Verse:
Psalm 37:39 – “The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What characterizes the righteous in this passage?
   Answer: Wisdom in speech, obedience in conduct, and a heart shaped by God’s law. Their stability flows from internal devotion rather than external security.
2. How does God respond to the plots of the wicked?
   Answer: Though the wicked scheme, the LORD upholds the righteous and ensures ultimate justice. Evil does not have the final word.
3. What comfort does this psalm offer believers?
   Answer: It assures them that their salvation and security come from the LORD, especially in times of trouble.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 10:6–7 — The Lasting Memory of the Righteous

Overview:
These proverbs contrast the righteous and the wicked. Blessings crown the righteous, while violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous endures with honor, but the name of the wicked decays. The passage highlights the lasting impact of a life lived in covenant faithfulness versus one marked by evil.

Theological Themes:
• Blessing upon righteousness
• The enduring legacy of godliness
• The contrast between righteous and wicked

Key Verse:
Proverbs 10:7 – “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does it mean that blessings are on the head of the righteous?
   Answer: It signifies divine favor and honor resting upon those who live in wisdom and obedience.
2. Why does the memory of the righteous endure?
   Answer: Because their lives reflect God’s character and bring benefit to others, leaving a legacy that honors the LORD.
3. What warning is given regarding wickedness?
   Answer: Wickedness ultimately leads to shame and forgotten legacy. A life apart from God cannot produce lasting honor.