Anchor My Faith

Covenant Faithfulness, True Righteousness, and the Call to Choose Life

Old Testament Reading

Deuteronomy 29:1–30:20 — Renewal of the Covenant and the Call to Choose Life

Overview:
Moses renews the covenant with Israel, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and warning against future rebellion. He foretells both exile due to disobedience and restoration through repentance. The passage climaxes with a clear choice set before the people, life and blessing through obedience, or death and curse through disobedience, urging them to love and obey the Lord wholeheartedly.

Theological Themes:
• Covenant responsibility and accountability
• Blessing and curse tied to obedience
• God’s mercy in restoration and repentance

Key Verse:
Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does this passage teach about the nature of God’s covenant with His people?
   Answer:
   God’s covenant is both relational and conditional in experience; it is grounded in His faithfulness but calls for human obedience. While God remains faithful, the people’s experience of blessing depends on their response to Him.
2. How does God show mercy even when warning of judgment?
   Answer:
   God promises restoration if the people repent, showing that judgment is not His final word. His desire is always to bring His people back into relationship with Him.
3. What does it mean to “choose life” today?
   Answer:
   It means to love God, trust His Word, and walk in obedience. Ultimately, it points to choosing Christ, who is the source of true life.

New Testament Reading

Luke 11:37–12:7 — Woes to the Pharisees and the Call to Fear God

Overview:
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and lawyers for their outward religiosity while neglecting justice and love. He exposes hypocrisy and warns His disciples to beware of such false righteousness. He then teaches about the proper fear of God, emphasizing God’s authority over life and death and assuring His followers of their great value in His sight.

Theological Themes:
• Hypocrisy versus true righteousness
• The danger of external religion without inward transformation
• Proper fear of God and divine care

Key Verse:
Luke 12:5 – “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Jesus strongly rebuke the Pharisees?
   Answer:
   Because they focus on outward appearances while neglecting inner purity and justice. Their religion is superficial and misleading, leading others away from true devotion.
2. What is the “leaven” of the Pharisees?
   Answer:
   It is hypocrisy, pretending righteousness while harboring sin within. It spreads subtly and corrupts genuine faith.
3. How does Jesus balance fear of God with assurance?
   Answer:
   He teaches that God has ultimate authority and should be feared, yet He also deeply cares for His people, valuing them more than sparrows and knowing every detail of their lives.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 78:1–31 — God’s Faithfulness and Israel’s Rebellion

Overview:
The psalmist calls God’s people to remember His mighty works and to teach future generations. Despite God’s miraculous provision, especially in delivering Israel and providing manna, the people repeatedly respond with forgetfulness and unbelief. The passage highlights the contrast between God’s steadfast faithfulness and human rebellion.

Theological Themes:
• The importance of remembering God’s works
• Human tendency toward forgetfulness and unbelief
• God’s patience and provision despite rebellion

Key Verse:
Psalm 78:7 – “That they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is remembering God’s works so important?
   Answer:
   Remembering builds faith and trust in God. Forgetfulness leads to doubt and disobedience, as seen in Israel’s history.
2. What pattern of behavior is seen in Israel?
   Answer:
   A cycle of receiving God’s blessings, forgetting Him, rebelling, and facing consequences, yet God continues to provide.
3. How can believers avoid repeating this pattern?
   Answer:
   By regularly recalling God’s faithfulness, teaching His Word, and cultivating gratitude and obedience.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 12:19–20 — Truthful Speech and the Heart’s Intentions

Overview:
These proverbs contrast truth and deceit, showing that truthful speech endures while lying is temporary. They also reveal that the heart’s intentions shape one’s actions; deceit brings trouble, but those who promote peace experience joy.

Theological Themes:
• The enduring value of truth
• The consequences of deceit
• The connection between the heart and actions

Key Verse:
Proverbs 12:19 – “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does this passage teach about truth versus deceit?
   Answer:
   Truth is lasting and aligned with God’s character, while deceit is temporary and ultimately leads to judgment and instability.
2. How do inner intentions affect outward actions?
   Answer:
   What is in the heart shapes behavior—deceitful hearts produce harm, while hearts devoted to peace produce joy and righteousness.
3. How can believers cultivate truthful and peaceable lives?
   Answer:
   By aligning their hearts with God’s truth, speaking honestly, and seeking to promote peace in their relationships.