Anchor My Faith

Hearing, Seeing, and Trusting: The Call to Obedience and Faith

Old Testament Reading

Deuteronomy 4:1–49 — A Call to Obedience and Remembrance

Overview:
Moses exhorts Israel to listen carefully to God’s statutes and commands so that they may live and possess the land. He warns them not to add to or take away from God’s Word and reminds them of God’s holiness revealed at Horeb. Israel is cautioned against idolatry and urged to remember that the Lord alone is God. Moses recounts God’s mighty acts in delivering them from Egypt and setting them apart as His people, emphasizing obedience as the path to life and blessing.

Theological Themes:
• The authority and sufficiency of God’s Word
• The danger of idolatry and forgetting God
• God’s uniqueness and covenant faithfulness

Key Verse:
Deuteronomy 4:39 – “Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Moses emphasize not adding to or taking away from God’s commands?
   Answer: Because God’s Word is perfect and complete. Altering it reflects distrust in God’s wisdom and leads to error. Obedience requires receiving His Word as given.
2. What was the purpose of reminding Israel of Horeb and God’s voice?
   Answer: To reinforce God’s holiness and authority. The memory of hearing God’s voice without seeing a form warns against creating idols and underscores the uniqueness of God.
3. How does remembering God’s past acts strengthen obedience?
   Answer: It builds trust in God’s faithfulness and power. When Israel recalls deliverance from Egypt, they are encouraged to obey the God who has already proven His love and authority.

New Testament Reading

Luke 6:39–7:10 — True Discipleship and Great Faith

Overview:
Jesus teaches about spiritual blindness, warning that a blind guide cannot lead others. He calls for self-examination before correcting others and emphasizes that a person is known by their fruit. He then illustrates true obedience through the parable of the wise builder. In chapter 7, Jesus commends the extraordinary faith of a Roman centurion who trusts in His authority to heal from a distance, demonstrating that genuine faith recognizes Christ’s authority and responds in humility.

Theological Themes:
• Spiritual discernment and self-examination
• The evidence of true discipleship (fruit and obedience)
• Faith in the authority of Christ

Key Verse:
Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

Why is the centurion’s faith considered great?
Answer: He fully trusted in Jesus’ authority without needing physical presence or signs. His humility and understanding of authority revealed deep faith beyond what was commonly seen in Israel.

What does Jesus mean by the “blind leading the blind”?
Answer: He refers to spiritually unperceptive leaders who lack true understanding. Those without truth cannot guide others, resulting in mutual downfall.

How does Jesus describe the relationship between faith and obedience?
Answer: True faith produces obedience. Calling Jesus “Lord” must be accompanied by doing His will, showing that genuine belief results in action.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 68:1–18 — The Victorious God Who Delivers and Dwells

Overview:
This psalm celebrates God as the victorious King who rises to scatter His enemies and defend His people. God is portrayed as a father to the fatherless and a protector of the vulnerable. The psalm recounts His mighty acts in leading Israel through the wilderness and establishing His presence among them. It culminates in a vision of God ascending in triumph, receiving honor and dwelling among His people.

Theological Themes:
• God as victorious King and deliverer
• God’s care for the weak and oppressed
• God’s presence dwelling among His people

Key Verse:
Psalm 68:5 – “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

What is the significance of God dwelling among His people?
Answer: It reflects covenant relationship; God is not distant but present, guiding, protecting, and blessing His people.

What does God’s rising signify in this psalm?
Answer: It symbolizes His active intervention in defeating enemies and delivering His people. God’s presence brings victory and justice.

How does the psalm describe God’s character toward the vulnerable?
Answer: God is compassionate and protective, caring for the fatherless, widows, and the lonely, showing His justice and mercy.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 11:28 — The Security of Trusting God Over Wealth

Overview:
This proverb contrasts trusting in riches with living in righteousness. Those who rely on wealth will ultimately fall, while the righteous will flourish like a thriving branch. The verse highlights the temporary nature of material security and the enduring stability found in a life aligned with God.

Theological Themes:
• The danger of trusting in wealth
• The stability of righteousness
• True security found in God

Key Verse:
Proverbs 11:28 – “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is trusting in riches dangerous?
   Answer: Wealth is temporary and uncertain. Placing trust in it leads to false security and eventual disappointment or downfall.
2. What does it mean for the righteous to flourish?
   Answer: It signifies spiritual vitality, stability, and blessing that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.
3. How does this proverb connect to broader biblical teaching?
   Answer: Scripture consistently teaches that true security is found in God, not material possessions (e.g., Matthew 6:19–21), reinforcing eternal priorities over temporary gain.