Anchor My Faith

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Facilitator: Stephen Weller
858 words, 5 minutes read time

God’s Call, Man’s Failure, and the Call to Worship and Wisdom

Old Testament Reading

Judges 6:1–40 — The Call of Gideon and God’s Assurance

Overview:
Israel falls into oppression under Midian because of their disobedience, crying out to the LORD for deliverance. God responds by calling Gideon, a fearful and unlikely leader, to deliver His people. Through the angel of the LORD, God assures Gideon of His presence and power, despite Gideon’s doubts and feelings of inadequacy. Gideon seeks confirmation through signs, including the offering consumed by fire and the fleece test, revealing both his hesitancy and God’s patience. The passage highlights God’s initiative to save and His willingness to strengthen weak faith.

Theological Themes:
• God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s disobedience
• Divine calling and empowerment of the unlikely
• God’s patience with human doubt

Key Verse:
Judges 6:12 – “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God allow Midian to oppress Israel?
   Answer: God allowed oppression as a consequence of Israel’s disobedience, using it to bring them to repentance and dependence on Him.
2. What does Gideon’s response reveal about human nature?
   Answer: Gideon’s hesitation and need for signs reveal human weakness, doubt, and the struggle to trust God fully without visible confirmation.
3. How does God respond to Gideon’s doubt?
   Answer: God responds with patience and reassurance, providing signs and confirming His presence to strengthen Gideon’s faith.

New Testament Reading

Luke 22:54–23:12 — Peter’s Denial and Jesus Before Authorities

Overview:
After Jesus is arrested, Peter follows at a distance but denies knowing Him three times, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction. As Peter realizes his failure, he weeps bitterly in sorrow and repentance. Meanwhile, Jesus endures mockery, false accusations, and unjust trials before religious leaders, Pilate, and Herod. Despite His innocence, He is treated with contempt, yet remains silent and composed, fulfilling His role as the suffering servant. This passage contrasts human weakness with Christ’s steadfast obedience.

Theological Themes:
• Human failure and repentance
• The innocence and suffering of Christ
• God’s sovereign plan in the midst of injustice

Key Verse:
Luke 22:61 – “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter… And he went out and wept bitterly.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What led Peter to deny Jesus?
   Answer: Fear, pressure, and lack of courage led Peter to deny Jesus, showing how quickly faith can falter under trial.
2. How does Jesus respond to His accusers?
   Answer: Jesus remains largely silent and composed, demonstrating His submission to the Father’s will and fulfillment of prophecy.
3. What is the significance of Peter’s weeping?
   Answer: His weeping reflects genuine repentance, showing that failure can lead to restoration when it produces sorrow and turning back to God.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 95:1–96:13 — A Call to Worship and Obedience

Overview:
These psalms call God’s people to joyful worship, recognizing the LORD as Creator, King, and Judge. Psalm 95 emphasizes both praise and a warning against hardening one’s heart, recalling Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness. Psalm 96 expands the call to all nations, declaring God’s glory and righteousness among the peoples. Worship is presented as both joyful celebration and reverent obedience, grounded in God’s greatness and coming judgment.

Theological Themes:
• Worship rooted in God’s sovereignty and creation
• The danger of hardened hearts
• God’s universal reign and coming judgment

Key Verse:
Psalm 95:6–7 – “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God…”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is worship central in these psalms?
   Answer: Worship acknowledges God’s authority as Creator and King and aligns the heart in submission and gratitude to Him.
2. What warning is given in Psalm 95?
   Answer: The psalm warns against hardening the heart as Israel did, urging immediate obedience to God’s voice.
3. How does Psalm 96 expand the scope of worship?
   Answer: It calls all nations to worship the LORD, emphasizing that God’s glory and rule extend over the entire earth.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 14:5–6 — Truthfulness and the Pursuit of Wisdom

Overview:
These proverbs contrast the faithful witness with the false witness and highlight the difference between a scoffer and one who seeks understanding. A truthful person reflects integrity and reliability, while deceit corrupts justice and relationships. The scoffer fails to find wisdom because of pride and resistance, whereas knowledge comes easily to one who seeks it with humility. The passage underscores the moral and spiritual posture required to walk in wisdom.

Theological Themes:
• The value of truth and integrity
• The consequences of pride and scoffing
• Wisdom as accessible to the humble

Key Verse:
Proverbs 14:6 – “A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What distinguishes a faithful witness from a false witness?
   Answer: A faithful witness speaks truth consistently, while a false witness deceives, undermining trust and justice.
2. Why does a scoffer fail to find wisdom?
   Answer: Because pride and mockery prevent openness to instruction, making true understanding unattainable.
3. How can one gain wisdom according to this passage?
   Answer: By approaching learning with humility and a sincere desire for understanding, wisdom becomes accessible.