Anchor My Faith

Faithful Covenant Living Under God’s Righteous Rule

Old Testament Reading

Joshua 22:21–23:16 — Unity, Obedience, and Covenant Commitment

Overview:
The eastern tribes clarify that their altar was not an act of rebellion but a witness to their shared covenant with Israel, preserving unity and preventing future division. Joshua then gathers Israel and exhorts them to remain faithful to the Lord by obeying His Word and avoiding idolatry. He reminds them that God has fulfilled His promises and warns that disobedience will bring judgment, just as surely as obedience brought blessing.

Theological Themes:
• Covenant faithfulness and accountability
• Unity among God’s people
• Blessing for obedience and warning of judgment

Key Verse:
Joshua 23:14 – “Not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did the eastern tribes build the altar, and what does it teach about unity?
   Answer: They built it as a witness, not for sacrifice, to show their continued share in the covenant. This teaches that clear communication and shared commitment to God’s truth preserve unity among His people.
2. What is Joshua’s central message to Israel before his death?
   Answer: Joshua urges Israel to remain faithful to God’s Word, avoid idolatry, and hold fast to the Lord, emphasizing that continued blessing depends on obedience.
3. How does Joshua connect God’s past faithfulness to Israel’s future responsibility?
   Answer: He reminds them that since God has fulfilled every promise, they must respond with continued obedience, knowing that disobedience will bring consequences.

New Testament Reading

Luke 20:27–47 — Wisdom, Resurrection, and True Devotion

Overview:
Jesus confronts the Sadducees’ denial of the resurrection by affirming life after death and God’s power over it. He then poses a question about the identity of the Christ, revealing that the Messiah is both David’s son and Lord. Finally, He warns against the hypocrisy of the scribes, contrasting their outward religiosity with their inward corruption, especially in how they exploit the vulnerable.

Theological Themes:
• The reality of the resurrection
• The divine identity of Christ
• Warning against religious hypocrisy

Key Verse:
Luke 20:38 – “Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How does Jesus refute the Sadducees’ denial of the resurrection?
   Answer: He points to God’s declaration as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing that they are alive to Him, proving the reality of life after death.
2. What does Jesus’ question about David’s son reveal about the Messiah?
   Answer: It reveals that the Messiah is greater than a mere human descendant; He is both David’s son and divine Lord.
3. Why does Jesus warn against the scribes?
   Answer: Because they practice outward religion for honor while exploiting others, demonstrating that true devotion must come from a sincere and humble heart.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 89:14–37 — God’s Righteous Throne and Faithful Covenant

Overview:
The psalmist declares that God’s throne is founded on righteousness and justice, upheld by steadfast love and faithfulness. He celebrates God’s covenant with David, promising an enduring kingdom despite human failure. Even when discipline comes, God assures that His covenant will not be broken, emphasizing His unchanging faithfulness.

Theological Themes:
• God’s righteousness and justice
• Covenant faithfulness despite human failure
• The enduring promise of David’s line

Key Verse:
Psalm 89:34 – “I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What foundation supports God’s rule according to this passage?
   Answer: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne, showing that His rule is perfectly just and morally pure.
2. How does God respond to the unfaithfulness of David’s descendants?
   Answer: He disciplines them but does not break His covenant, demonstrating both His holiness and His steadfast love.
3. What assurance does this passage give about God’s promises?
   Answer: It assures that God’s promises are unchanging and secure, even when human faithfulness falters.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 13:17–19 — The Path of Wisdom and Faithfulness

Overview:
These proverbs contrast the outcomes of faithfulness and wickedness, showing that a trustworthy messenger brings healing while the unfaithful bring harm. Discipline and instruction lead to honor and life, while rejecting wisdom results in destruction. The passage emphasizes that fulfilled desire brings joy, but turning away from evil is essential to true wisdom.

Theological Themes:
• The value of faithfulness and integrity
• The importance of discipline and instruction
• The joy of righteous living

Key Verse:
Proverbs 13:18 – “Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What is the impact of a faithful messenger?
   Answer: A faithful messenger brings healing and good outcomes, showing the value of integrity and reliability in communication.
2. How does this passage describe the role of discipline?
   Answer: Discipline leads to honor and growth, while rejecting it results in poverty and disgrace.
3. What brings true satisfaction according to these proverbs?
   Answer: Fulfilled desire brings sweetness, but true and lasting satisfaction comes from turning away from evil and walking in wisdom.