Anchor My Faith

Obedience, Repentance, and the Blessing of Hearing God’s Voice

Old Testament Reading

Joshua 5:1–7:15 — Consecration, Victory, and Hidden Sin

Overview:
Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land through renewed consecration, circumcision and the Passover, marking a fresh commitment to the covenant. God brings a miraculous victory at Jericho, demonstrating that success comes through obedience to His commands. However, Achan’s hidden sin brings defeat at Ai, revealing that disobedience disrupts God’s blessing among His people. The passage highlights the necessity of holiness, obedience, and corporate accountability before God.

Theological Themes:
• Covenant renewal and consecration
• God’s power in victory through obedience
• The seriousness and consequences of sin

Key Verse:
Joshua 7:13 – “Get up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the LORD, God of Israel, “There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.”’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did Israel renew circumcision and observe the Passover before entering battle?
   Answer: These acts restored covenant identity and reminded Israel that their strength came from their relationship with God, not military ability. It was a spiritual preparation emphasizing dependence on God’s promises.
2. What does the fall of Jericho teach about how God works?
   Answer: God often works in ways that defy human logic, showing that victory comes through obedience and faith rather than human strength or strategy.
3. Why was Achan’s sin treated so seriously?
   Answer: Achan’s disobedience affected the entire nation, demonstrating that sin is never purely personal. It disrupts fellowship with God and brings consequences to the community.

New Testament Reading

Luke 15:1–32 — The Joy of Repentance and Restoration

Overview:
Jesus responds to criticism from the Pharisees by telling three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Each story emphasizes God’s deep concern for the lost and His joy when sinners repent. The parable of the prodigal son reveals both the grace extended to the repentant and the hardness of heart in the self-righteous. Together, these parables highlight God’s mercy, the call to repentance, and the invitation to rejoice in restoration.

Theological Themes:
• God’s pursuit of the lost
• Repentance and restoration
• The danger of self-righteousness

Key Verse:
Luke 15:7 – “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What do the parables reveal about God’s attitude toward sinners?
   Answer: God actively seeks the lost and rejoices when they are found. His heart is full of compassion, not condemnation, toward those who repent.
2. What is the significance of the prodigal son’s return?
   Answer: It illustrates true repentance; recognizing sin, turning back to the father, and receiving grace. It also shows that restoration is based on the father’s love, not the son’s merit.
3. What does the older brother represent?
   Answer: The older brother represents self-righteous individuals who fail to understand grace. His attitude warns against pride and a lack of compassion for those who repent.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 81:1–16 — A Call to Listen and Obey

Overview:
This psalm is a call to joyful worship and a reminder of God’s past deliverance of Israel. Yet it also carries a warning: Israel failed to listen to God, choosing their own ways instead. As a result, God allowed them to experience the consequences of their disobedience. The psalm ends with a longing from God’s heart; if His people would only listen, He would bless and satisfy them abundantly.

Theological Themes:
• Worship and remembrance of God’s deliverance
• The importance of hearing and obeying God
• God’s desire to bless His people

Key Verse:
Psalm 81:13 – “Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is remembering God’s past deliverance important?
   Answer: Remembering builds trust and strengthens faith, reminding believers that God is faithful and worthy of obedience.
2. What happens when God’s people refuse to listen to Him?
   Answer: God may allow them to follow their own desires, which leads to spiritual decline and consequences of sin.
3. What does this psalm reveal about God’s heart?
   Answer: God desires a relationship with His people and longs to bless them, but His blessings are tied to their willingness to listen and obey.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 13:1 — The Wise Response to Instruction

Overview:
This proverb contrasts the wise and the foolish through their response to instruction. A wise son listens to and accepts correction, demonstrating humility and a desire to grow. In contrast, a scoffer rejects rebuke, revealing pride and resistance to wisdom. The verse underscores the importance of teachability as a key mark of wisdom.

Theological Themes:
• Wisdom expressed through teachability
• The value of correction and discipline
• The danger of pride and rejection of truth

Key Verse:
Proverbs 13:1 – “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What distinguishes a wise person from a foolish one in this proverb?
   Answer: A wise person listens to instruction and correction, while a foolish person rejects it, often out of pride.
2. Why is receiving correction important?
   Answer: Correction leads to growth, maturity, and alignment with truth. It helps prevent greater mistakes and strengthens character.
3. How can believers cultivate a teachable spirit?
   Answer: By remaining humble, seeking God’s Word, being open to correction from others, and valuing truth over personal pride.