Anchor My Faith

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Facilitator: Stephen Weller
800 words, 4 minutes read time

The Cycle of Sin and the Call to Faithfulness

Old Testament Reading

Judges 2:10–3:31 — Israel’s Cycle of Apostasy and God’s Deliverance

Overview:
After Joshua’s generation passes, a new generation arises that does not know the Lord, leading Israel into repeated cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. God raises judges like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar to rescue His people, yet the pattern of disobedience persists. This passage highlights both Israel’s spiritual decline and God’s ongoing mercy in raising deliverers despite their unfaithfulness.

Theological Themes:
• The cycle of sin and spiritual forgetfulness
• God’s justice and mercy in discipline and deliverance
• The need for faithful leadership and covenant obedience

Key Verse:
Judges 2:16 — “Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What caused Israel’s repeated cycles of sin?
   Answer: A failure to know and remember the Lord led to idolatry and disobedience, showing the importance of passing down faith to each generation.
2. Why did God allow oppression before raising judges?
   Answer: God used oppression as discipline to bring Israel to repentance and remind them of their dependence on Him.
3. What does this cycle reveal about God’s character?
   Answer: It shows both His holiness in judging sin and His mercy in providing deliverance through appointed leaders.

New Testament Reading

Luke 22:14–34 — The Last Supper and the Prediction of Peter’s Denial

Overview:
Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper and pointing to His coming sacrifice. He teaches about servant leadership, warns Peter of his coming denial, and emphasizes the spiritual battle ahead. Even as betrayal looms, Jesus demonstrates love, authority, and a commitment to God’s redemptive plan.

Theological Themes:
• The institution of the New Covenant through Christ’s sacrifice
• True greatness defined by humility and service
• Human weakness contrasted with Christ’s intercession

Key Verse:
Luke 22:19 — “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What is the significance of the Lord’s Supper in this passage?
   Answer: It represents the New Covenant, where Jesus’ body and blood are given for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the meaning of Passover.
2. How does Jesus redefine greatness among His disciples?
   Answer: He teaches that true greatness comes through serving others, not seeking power or status.
3. Why does Jesus warn Peter about his denial?
   Answer: To prepare him for the coming test and to show that even in failure, restoration is possible through Christ’s intercession.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 92:1–93:5 — The Righteous Flourish and the Lord Reigns

Overview:
These psalms celebrate the goodness of praising God and affirm His eternal reign. The righteous are described as flourishing under God’s care, while the wicked ultimately perish. Psalm 93 emphasizes God’s sovereign rule over all creation, declaring His power, majesty, and unchanging holiness.

Theological Themes:
• The joy and purpose of worship
• The contrast between the righteous and the wicked
• God’s sovereign and eternal kingship

Key Verse:
Psalm 93:1 — “The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is it good to give thanks to the Lord?
   Answer: Because it aligns our hearts with God’s truth, acknowledges His works, and brings joy and stability to the believer.
2. How are the righteous described in these psalms?
   Answer: They are like flourishing trees, rooted in God’s presence, growing strong and bearing fruit.
3. What does it mean that “the LORD reigns”?
   Answer: It affirms that God is sovereign over all creation, ruling with power, justice, and eternal authority.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 14:1–2 — Wisdom Builds, Folly Destroys

Overview:
These proverbs contrast the outcomes of wisdom and folly. A wise person builds and strengthens their life and household, while a foolish person brings destruction through poor choices. Walking uprightly reflects reverence for God, while crooked ways reveal a rejection of Him.

Theological Themes:
• The constructive power of wisdom
• The destructive nature of folly
• Reverence for the Lord as the foundation of righteous living

Key Verse:
Proverbs 14:1 — “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does it mean to “build her house”?
   Answer: It refers to establishing a life, family, or legacy through wise, godly decisions and actions.
2. How does folly lead to destruction?
   Answer: Foolish choices undermine relationships, stability, and spiritual health, often leading to ruin.
3. What is the connection between uprightness and fearing the Lord?
   Answer: Living uprightly demonstrates reverence for God, while sinful behavior reveals a lack of respect for His authority.