Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
998 words, 5 minutes read time

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Obedience, True Kingship, Righteous Judgment, and the Heart God Desires

Old Testament Reading

1 Samuel 15:1–16:23 — Saul Rejected and David Anointed

Overview:
God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, but Saul disobeyed by sparing King Agag and keeping the best of the livestock. When confronted by Samuel, Saul justified his actions, revealing a heart of partial obedience. Samuel declared that obedience is better than sacrifice and that the Lord had rejected Saul as king. God then sent Samuel to anoint David, the son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel. Though David was the youngest and least expected, God chose him because He looks at the heart. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and came upon David, while Saul was troubled and David was brought in to serve him with music.

Theological Themes:
• Obedience over outward sacrifice
• God’s sovereignty in choosing leaders
• God looks at the heart, not outward appearance

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 15:22 – “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why was Saul rejected as king?
   Answer:
   Saul disobeyed God’s clear command and then justified his actions instead of repenting. His partial obedience revealed a heart that valued his own judgment over God’s authority.
2. What does “obedience is better than sacrifice” mean?
   Answer:
   God desires a heart that listens and obeys Him, not religious actions used to cover disobedience. True worship begins with submission to God’s will.
3. Why was David chosen instead of his brothers?
   Answer:
   David was chosen because God saw his heart. While others looked at outward appearance, God chose a man who would trust and follow Him.

New Testament Reading

John 8:1–20 — Mercy, Truth, and the Light of the World

Psalms Reading

Psalm 110:1–7 — The Reigning and Eternal Priest-King

Overview:
Psalm 110 is a prophetic psalm describing the Messiah as both King and Priest. The Lord invites the Messiah to sit at His right hand, signifying authority and victory over enemies. The psalm declares that the Messiah is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, combining kingship and priesthood. It also speaks of His future judgment over the nations and His ultimate triumph.

Theological Themes:
• The Messiah as King and Priest
• Christ’s authority at God’s right hand
• The certainty of final victory and judgment

Key Verse:
Psalm 110:1 – “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does it mean that the Messiah sits at God’s right hand?
   Answer:
   It signifies authority, honor, and completed victory. The Messiah reigns with divine authority over all creation.
2. Why is the priesthood “in the order of Melchizedek” important?
   Answer:
   It shows that the Messiah’s priesthood is eternal and not based on the Levitical system. He is both King and Priest forever.
3. How does this psalm point to Christ?
   Answer:
   Jesus fulfills this psalm through His resurrection, ascension, and ongoing reign. He is the eternal King who intercedes for His people and will ultimately judge the nations.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 15:8–10 — The Way of the Upright and the Wicked

Overview:
These proverbs contrast the lives of the wicked and the upright. The Lord detests the sacrifices of the wicked but delights in the prayers of the upright, showing that God values the heart over outward actions. The path of the righteous is pleasing to God, while those who reject correction and discipline walk toward destruction. Wisdom requires a heart that accepts instruction and walks in righteousness.

Theological Themes:
• God values the heart behind worship
• The importance of correction and discipline
• The contrast between righteousness and wickedness

Key Verse:
Proverbs 15:9 – “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why are the sacrifices of the wicked an abomination?
   Answer:
   Because they are offered without a sincere heart. Religious actions without righteousness and obedience are unacceptable to God.
2. What does it mean that God delights in the prayer of the upright?
   Answer:
   It means God values sincere relationship and communication with those who walk in righteousness and humility before Him.
3. Why is correction important in the life of a believer?
   Answer:
   Correction leads to growth and wisdom. Rejecting discipline results in straying from the right path, while accepting it leads to life and understanding.