Anchor My Faith

God’s Authority Revealed: True Worship, True Glory, and True Wisdom

Old Testament Reading

Deuteronomy 18:1–20:20 — God’s Appointed Leaders and Instructions for Holy Living and Warfare

Overview:
Moses outlines God’s provision for priests and Levites, forbids pagan practices such as divination, and promises a coming prophet like himself whom the people must obey. The chapter emphasizes discernment between true and false prophets. As the instruction continues into chapter 20, God gives laws for warfare, stressing dependence on Him, courage rooted in faith, and mercy even in conflict. These commands reveal that Israel’s leadership, guidance, and victories must come from God alone, not human or pagan sources.

Theological Themes:
• God as the source of true revelation and guidance
• The promise of a coming prophet (fulfilled in Christ)
• Holiness and dependence on God in leadership and conflict

Key Verse:
Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does God forbid practices like divination and sorcery?
   Answer: These practices seek guidance apart from God and reflect trust in false spiritual powers. God desires His people to depend solely on His revealed truth and authority.
2. Who is the prophet like Moses, and why is he important?
   Answer: This points ultimately to Jesus Christ, who perfectly reveals God’s will and serves as the final authority. Listening to Him is essential for salvation and obedience.
3. What do the laws of warfare teach about God’s character?
   Answer: They show that God is sovereign over victory, values faith over human strength, and calls His people to act with both courage and restraint.

New Testament Reading

Luke 9:28–50 — The Transfiguration and Lessons on Faith and Humility

Overview:
Jesus is transfigured on the mountain, revealing His divine glory to Peter, James, and John, while Moses and Elijah testify to Him. God’s voice confirms Jesus as His chosen Son. Following this, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy when the disciples fail due to lack of faith. He then teaches about His coming death and addresses the disciples’ pride, correcting their misunderstanding of greatness and teaching humility and unity in His kingdom.

Theological Themes:
• The divine identity and glory of Jesus Christ
• Faith as essential to spiritual power and ministry
• Humility as the measure of greatness in God’s kingdom

Key Verse:
Luke 9:35 – “And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

What does Jesus teach about greatness?
Answer: True greatness is found in humility, serving others, and receiving even the least in His name, rather than seeking status or recognition.

What is the significance of the Transfiguration?
Answer: It reveals Jesus’ divine nature and glory, confirming that He is greater than the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah), and that He is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

Why were the disciples unable to cast out the demon?
Answer: Jesus points to their lack of faith. Effective ministry depends on reliance upon God, not personal ability.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 73:1–28 — From Doubt to Confidence in God’s Justice

Overview:
The psalmist wrestles with the prosperity of the wicked and nearly loses faith, questioning God’s justice. However, upon entering God’s presence, he gains eternal perspective and understands the ultimate destiny of the wicked and the security of the righteous. The psalm concludes with renewed trust, declaring that closeness to God is the greatest good and true source of strength and hope.

Theological Themes:
• The tension between earthly prosperity and divine justice
• The transforming power of God’s presence
• God as the ultimate portion and refuge of the believer

Key Verse:
Psalm 73:28 – “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

What is the psalmist’s final conclusion?
Answer: That being near God is the greatest blessing, far surpassing any earthly prosperity.

Why does the psalmist struggle with the prosperity of the wicked?
Answer: He focuses on temporary earthly success and compares it with his own struggles, leading to confusion about God’s justice.

What changes the psalmist’s perspective?
Answer: Entering God’s presence gives him spiritual clarity, helping him see the ultimate fate of the wicked and the eternal security of the righteous.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 12:10 — Righteousness Expressed Through Compassion

Overview:
This proverb highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked by focusing on how they treat animals. The righteous demonstrate compassion and care even for their animals, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s character. In contrast, the wicked lack true mercy, even when they appear outwardly kind. The verse emphasizes that righteousness is revealed through everyday actions and attitudes.

Theological Themes:
• Righteousness expressed through compassion
• The moral condition of the heart revealed in actions
• God’s concern for all creation

Key Verse:
Proverbs 12:10 – “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does this proverb teach about righteousness?
   Answer: Righteousness is not abstract but is demonstrated through practical compassion and care in daily life.
2. Why is the treatment of animals used as an example?
   Answer: It reflects the inner character of a person; how one treats the vulnerable reveals the condition of the heart.
3. How can this principle be applied today?
   Answer: Believers should show kindness, stewardship, and compassion in all relationships, reflecting God’s character in both small and significant ways.