Anchor My Faith

Lesson Title: Holy Worship, Humble Discipleship, and Trust in God

Old Testament Reading

Leviticus 22:17–23:44 — Acceptable Offerings and the Appointed Feasts of the LORD

Overview:
In this passage, the LORD gives instructions regarding acceptable sacrifices, emphasizing that offerings must be without blemish because they are presented before a holy God. The text then outlines the appointed feasts of Israel, including the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. These sacred assemblies structure Israel’s calendar around worship, remembrance, atonement, thanksgiving, and covenant identity. Through these commands, God teaches His people that worship must be reverent, intentional, and rooted in redemption. The rhythm of the feasts continually points Israel back to God’s saving acts and forward to His ongoing provision.

Theological Themes:
• The holiness of God in worship
• The necessity of unblemished sacrifice
• Redemption remembered through sacred time

Key Verse:
Leviticus 23:2 — “These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why must sacrifices be without blemish?
   Answer: Because they are offered to a holy God who deserves the best. The requirement teaches reverence and foreshadows the perfect sacrifice ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
2. What purpose do the appointed feasts serve for Israel?
   Answer: They structure the community’s life around God’s redemptive acts, reinforcing covenant identity and continual dependence on Him.
3. How do these feasts deepen our understanding of redemption?
   Answer: They remind believers that salvation is both historical and ongoing—rooted in God’s past deliverance and pointing toward future fulfillment.

New Testament Reading

Mark 9:30–10:12 — The Way of the Cross and the Call to Faithfulness

Overview:
As Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem, He again predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection, but the disciples struggle to understand. Instead, they argue about greatness, prompting Jesus to teach that true greatness is found in humility and servant-heartedness. He warns against causing others to stumble and calls for radical seriousness about sin. Later, He addresses questions about marriage, reaffirming God’s original design for lifelong covenant faithfulness. Throughout this section, Jesus redefines power, purity, and commitment in light of God’s kingdom.

Theological Themes:
• Servant leadership in the kingdom
• The seriousness of sin
• Covenant faithfulness in marriage

Key Verse:
Mark 9:35 — “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did the disciples struggle to understand Jesus’ prediction of His death?
   Answer: They expected a triumphant Messiah, not a suffering one. Their misunderstanding reveals how human expectations often conflict with God’s redemptive plan.
2. What does Jesus teach about greatness?
   Answer: Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by humility and service, not status or power.
3. How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage reflect God’s design?
   Answer: He points back to creation, affirming that marriage is a lifelong covenant established by God, not merely a human agreement.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 44:1–8 — Remembering God’s Mighty Works

Overview:
The psalmist recounts God’s past deliverance of Israel, emphasizing that victory did not come by their own strength but by God’s hand. The community remembers how God drove out nations and planted His people in the land. Their confidence rests not in weapons but in divine favor. This remembrance strengthens faith in present trials. The psalm is a declaration that God alone is the source of salvation and triumph.

Theological Themes:
• God as the true source of victory
• Corporate remembrance of redemption
• Trust rooted in God’s past faithfulness

Key Verse:
Psalm 44:6 — “For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does the psalmist recount past victories?
   Answer: Remembering God’s faithfulness builds confidence and trust in Him during present difficulties.
2. What does the psalm teach about human strength?
   Answer: It shows that military or personal strength is insufficient apart from God’s intervention.
3. How can believers today apply this principle?
   Answer: By recalling God’s past work in Scripture and personal life, believers strengthen their trust for current challenges.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 10:19 — Wisdom in Words

Overview:
This proverb contrasts excessive speech with righteous restraint. It teaches that many words increase the likelihood of sin, while wisdom is shown through thoughtful silence. Speech reflects the condition of the heart, and disciplined communication protects relationships and honors God. The verse calls believers to exercise self-control in conversation.

Theological Themes:
• The power of speech
• Self-control as wisdom
• Righteous restraint

Key Verse:
Proverbs 10:19 — “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why do many words often lead to sin?
   Answer: Excessive speech increases the chance of careless, prideful, or harmful words.
2. What does restraint reveal about a person?
   Answer: It demonstrates wisdom, humility, and self-control.
3. How can believers practice godly speech?
   Answer: By thinking before speaking, seeking to edify others, and allowing God’s Word to guide their conversations.