Anchor My Faith

God’s Sovereign Allotment and Faithful Stewardship

Old Testament Reading

Joshua 16:1–18:28 — The Inheritance of the Tribes and the Call to Complete the Land Division

Overview:
This passage records the allotment of land to the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), followed by the remaining tribes receiving their inheritance through the casting of lots at Shiloh. While God faithfully provides each tribe its portion, some fail to fully drive out the inhabitants, revealing incomplete obedience. Joshua challenges the remaining tribes to act diligently in taking possession of what God has given. The chapter emphasizes both God’s sovereignty in assigning the land and the responsibility of His people to walk in obedience to fully possess it.

Theological Themes:
• God’s sovereignty in inheritance and provision
• Human responsibility in obedience and faith
• The danger of incomplete obedience

Key Verse:
Joshua 18:3 – “So Joshua said to the people of Israel, ‘How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does the division of the land reveal about God’s faithfulness?
   Answer: The detailed allotment of land shows that God is faithful to fulfill His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Every tribe receives an inheritance as God had sworn, demonstrating that His word is sure and His covenant reliable.
2. Why is the failure to drive out the inhabitants significant?
   Answer: This failure reflects partial obedience, which can lead to future spiritual compromise. It shows that receiving God’s promises requires not only faith but also faithful action. Incomplete obedience often results in ongoing struggle and influence from what should have been removed.
3. What lesson can we learn from Joshua’s challenge in 18:3?
   Answer: Believers are reminded not to delay in acting on God’s promises. Spiritual blessings must be actively pursued through faith and obedience. Procrastination in obedience can hinder growth and the full experience of God’s provision.

New Testament Reading

Luke 19:1–27 — Salvation Comes to Zacchaeus and the Parable of the Ten Minas

Overview:
Jesus encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, and extends grace that leads to genuine repentance and transformation. Zacchaeus responds with restitution and generosity, demonstrating true salvation. Following this, Jesus tells the parable of the ten minas to correct misunderstandings about the immediate arrival of the kingdom. The parable teaches that servants are entrusted with responsibility and will be held accountable for their faithfulness while awaiting the king’s return.

Theological Themes:
• The transforming power of grace and repentance
• Salvation sought and given by Christ
• Stewardship and accountability in the kingdom

Key Verse:
Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What evidence shows that Zacchaeus truly repented?
   Answer: Zacchaeus demonstrates repentance through action; he gives half his goods to the poor and restores fourfold to anyone he defrauded. This outward change reflects a genuine inward transformation brought about by encountering Jesus.
2. What does Jesus mean by seeking and saving the lost?
   Answer: Jesus reveals His mission to pursue sinners and bring them into salvation. This emphasizes God’s initiative in redemption and His desire to restore those who are spiritually lost.
3. What is the main lesson of the parable of the ten minas?
   Answer: The parable teaches that believers are entrusted with resources and responsibilities and are expected to be faithful. There will be accountability when Christ returns, and faithfulness will be rewarded while unfaithfulness will face loss.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 87:1–7 — The Glory of Zion and the Inclusion of the Nations

Overview:
This psalm celebrates Zion as the city founded and loved by God, highlighting its unique place in His redemptive plan. Remarkably, the psalm declares that people from traditionally foreign and even hostile nations will be counted as citizens of Zion. This points to a future where God’s salvation extends beyond Israel to include all nations. The psalm concludes with joy, as all find their identity and source of life in God.

Theological Themes:
• God’s sovereign choice of Zion
• Inclusion of the nations in God’s plan
• Joy and identity found in God

Key Verse:
Psalm 87:6 – “The LORD records as he registers the peoples, ‘This one was born there.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What makes Zion significant in this psalm?
   Answer: Zion is portrayed as the city established and loved by God, representing His dwelling place and the center of His redemptive work. It symbolizes the place where God’s presence and salvation are revealed.
2. What is surprising about the nations mentioned in this psalm?
   Answer: Nations like Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon, often enemies of Israel, are included as those who will be counted among God’s people. This reveals God’s plan to extend salvation beyond Israel to all nations.
3. How does this psalm point forward to the gospel?
   Answer: It anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s kingdom, fulfilled in Christ, where people from every nation are brought into the family of God. It reflects the universal scope of salvation.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 13:11 — The Value of Honest and Steady Gain

Overview:
This proverb contrasts wealth gained quickly and dishonestly with wealth accumulated gradually through diligence. It teaches that fleeting riches obtained through unjust means will diminish, while steady, honest labor leads to lasting increase. The verse emphasizes the principle that God values integrity and perseverance over shortcuts to success.

Theological Themes:
• The importance of integrity in acquiring wealth
• The value of diligence and patience
• The fleeting nature of dishonest gain

Key Verse:
Proverbs 13:11 – “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does wealth gained hastily tend to diminish?
   Answer: Wealth obtained quickly, often through dishonest or impulsive means, lacks a stable foundation and is easily lost. It reflects poor stewardship and often invites consequences that lead to its decline.
2. What does “gathering little by little” teach us?
   Answer: It teaches the value of patience, discipline, and consistent effort. Steady work over time builds lasting results and reflects wise stewardship aligned with God’s principles.
3. How can this proverb be applied spiritually?
   Answer: Spiritual growth also occurs gradually through consistent faith, obedience, and devotion. Just as wealth grows over time, maturity in Christ develops through daily faithfulness rather than quick, superficial experiences.