Anchor My Faith

Lesson Title: Holiness, Humility, and Hope in the Covenant

Old Testament Reading

Leviticus 24:1–25:46 — God’s Holy Order: Justice, Worship, and Redemption

Overview:
This passage moves from the continual care of the lampstand and bread of the Presence to the serious judgment of blasphemy, and then into the laws of Sabbath years and the Year of Jubilee. God establishes rhythms of worship, justice, and restoration for Israel’s life in the land. The Sabbath year and Jubilee emphasize that the land belongs to the Lord and that His people are stewards, not owners. Through redemption laws, provision for the poor, and release from debt and slavery, God reveals His heart for restoration and covenant faithfulness. Holiness in worship flows into holiness in community life.

Theological Themes:
• God’s holiness and justice
• Stewardship and divine ownership
• Redemption and restoration (Jubilee principle)

Key Verse:
Leviticus 25:23 – “The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why were the Sabbath year and Jubilee necessary for Israel?
   Answer: They reminded Israel that God owned the land and that they depended on Him. They prevented generational poverty and modeled restoration and mercy.
2. What does the judgment for blasphemy reveal about God?
   Answer: It shows the seriousness of God’s holiness and the importance of honoring His name.
3. How does Jubilee point forward to Christ?
   Answer: It foreshadows ultimate redemption, release from debt, restoration of inheritance, and freedom, fulfilled spiritually in Christ

New Testament Reading

Mark 10:13–31 — Childlike Faith and the Cost of Discipleship

Overview:
In this passage from the Gospel of Gospel of Mark, Jesus welcomes children and declares that the kingdom belongs to those who receive it with childlike humility. He then encounters the rich young ruler, exposing how wealth can hinder wholehearted surrender to God. Jesus teaches that salvation is impossible by human effort but possible with God. The disciples learn that following Christ may require sacrifice, yet it results in eternal reward. The passage contrasts humble dependence with self-reliant attachment.

Theological Themes:
• Humble faith and dependence
• The danger of wealth as an idol
• Salvation by God’s power, not human merit

Key Verse:
Mark 10:27 – “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Jesus say we must receive the kingdom like a child?
   Answer: Because children exemplify dependence, trust, and humility rather than self-sufficiency.
2. What prevented the rich young ruler from following Jesus?
   Answer: His attachment to wealth revealed that possessions had become his idol.
3. What encouragement does Jesus give to those who sacrifice for Him?
   Answer: He promises multiplied blessings in this life (with persecution) and eternal life in the age to come.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 44:9–26 — A Cry for Help Amid Apparent Rejection

Overview:
This portion of Psalms is a communal lament. Though Israel has remained faithful, they experience defeat and humiliation. The psalmist wrestles with the tension between covenant loyalty and suffering, yet continues to appeal to God’s steadfast love. The prayer ends not with resolution but with urgent dependence. It teaches believers to bring confusion and pain honestly before the Lord while anchoring hope in His covenant mercy.

Theological Themes:
• Faith amid suffering
• Covenant loyalty
• Appeal to God’s steadfast love

Key Verse:
Psalm 44:26 – “Arise for our help, and redeem us for Your mercies’ sake.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What makes this lament unique?
   Answer: The people claim continued faithfulness, yet still suffer, highlighting the mystery of righteous suffering.
2. How should believers respond when circumstances seem inconsistent with God’s promises?
   Answer: By honestly crying out to God while trusting His covenant faithfulness.
3. What anchors the psalmist’s hope?
   Answer: God’s steadfast love and redemptive character.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 10:20–21 — The Value of Righteous Speech

Overview:
In Book of Proverbs, these verses contrast the speech of the righteous and the wicked. The tongue of the righteous is compared to choice silver, valuable and refining, while the heart of the wicked lacks worth. Words reveal character and influence many. Wisdom literature consistently teaches that righteousness is not merely inward but expressed through speech that nourishes others.

Theological Themes:
• The power of words
• Righteousness expressed in speech
• Wisdom as life-giving influence

Key Verse:
Proverbs 10:21 – “The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why are righteous words compared to silver?
   Answer: Because they are valuable, pure, and beneficial to others.
2. What does this passage teach about the connection between heart and speech?
   Answer: Speech reflects inner character; a righteous heart produces life-giving words.
3. How can believers apply this proverb today?
   Answer: By speaking truth, encouragement, and wisdom that build up others.