Photo: Mark Zelinski (UWC Red Cross Nordic)
Previous Lesson
Next Lesson
Facilitator: Stephen Weller
930 words, 5 minutes read time
God Raises Deliverers, Reveals His Word, Calls for Righteous Living, and Exposes the Heart
Old Testament Reading
Judges 11:1–12:15 — Jephthah, Deliverance, and Division
Overview:
Jephthah, a rejected son, was called by Israel’s elders to lead them against the Ammonites. Before battle, he attempted peace by recounting Israel’s history, but war followed. Empowered by the Spirit, Jephthah made a rash vow that resulted in great personal sorrow after victory. Later, conflict arose with the Ephraimites, leading to internal bloodshed. Following Jephthah, several minor judges led Israel. This passage shows God using flawed leaders to deliver His people while revealing the consequences of impulsive decisions and internal division.
Theological Themes:
• God’s sovereignty in using imperfect leaders
• The danger of rash vows and impulsive faith
• Internal division among God’s people
Key Verse:
Judges 11:29 – “Then the Spirit of the LORD was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh…”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why did God use Jephthah despite his background?
Answer:
Jephthah was rejected and marginalized, yet God raised him up to deliver Israel. This shows that God’s calling is based on His purpose, not human status or reputation. - What was wrong with Jephthah’s vow?
Answer:
His vow was unnecessary and impulsive, attempting to bargain with God. It reflected a misunderstanding of God’s nature and resulted in tragic consequences. - What does the conflict with Ephraim reveal?
Answer:
It shows how pride and jealousy can lead to destructive division among God’s people, even after God grants victory.
New Testament Reading
John 1:1–28 — The Word Became Known
Overview:
This passage opens with the declaration that the Word existed from the beginning, was with God, and was God. Through Him all things were created, and He is the source of life and light for humanity. Though the world did not recognize Him, those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God. John the Baptist is introduced as a witness sent to testify about the light, preparing the way for the coming Messiah and pointing others toward Him.
Theological Themes:
• The deity and eternal nature of Christ
• Jesus as the source of life and light
• The role of John the Baptist as witness
Key Verse:
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- What does it mean that Jesus is “the Word”?
Answer:
It means Jesus is the full revelation of God. Just as words express thoughts, Jesus reveals God’s nature, will, and truth perfectly to humanity. - Why is light an important image in this passage?
Answer:
Light represents truth, life, and holiness. Jesus brings spiritual illumination to a dark world, exposing sin and guiding people to God. - What was John the Baptist’s role?
Answer:
He was not the light but a witness to it. His mission was to prepare hearts and point people to Jesus as the Messiah.
Psalms Reading
Psalm 101:1–8 — A Commitment to Righteous Leadership
Overview:
This psalm is a declaration of commitment to live with integrity and to lead with righteousness. The psalmist resolves to walk blamelessly, reject evil, and avoid corrupt influences. He pledges to surround himself with faithful people and to remove wickedness from his presence. The psalm reflects a desire for personal holiness and just leadership that honors God.
Theological Themes:
• Personal integrity before God
• Righteous leadership and accountability
• Separation from evil influences
Key Verse:
Psalm 101:2 – “I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why is personal integrity important for leaders?
Answer:
Leadership flows from character. A leader who walks with integrity reflects God’s righteousness and influences others toward godly living. - What does it mean to “set no worthless thing before my eyes”?
Answer:
It means intentionally rejecting influences that lead to sin. Holiness requires guarding what we allow into our hearts and minds. - How does this psalm apply to believers today?
Answer:
It calls all believers, not just leaders, to pursue integrity, reject sin, and surround themselves with those who walk faithfully with God.
Proverbs Reading
Proverbs 14:13–14 — The True Condition of the Heart
Overview:
These proverbs reveal that outward appearances can be deceptive. Even in laughter, the heart may carry sorrow, and apparent joy can end in grief. They also contrast the backslider, who is filled with the consequences of his ways, with the good man, who is satisfied by his conduct. The passage emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from righteousness, not outward emotion or temporary pleasure.
Theological Themes:
• The difference between outward appearance and inward reality
• The consequences of turning away from God
• The satisfaction found in righteousness
Key Verse:
Proverbs 14:14 – “The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why can laughter hide sorrow?
Answer:
External expressions do not always reflect internal reality. A person may appear joyful while experiencing deep inner pain or spiritual emptiness. - What does it mean to be a “backslider in heart”?
Answer:
It refers to someone who turns away from God internally, even if outwardly they appear unchanged. Their life eventually reflects that inward departure. - How does a good person find satisfaction?
Answer:
A good person lives in alignment with God’s ways, and the fruit of that life brings lasting peace and fulfillment rooted in righteousness.
Anchor My Faith 
Leave a comment