Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,028 words, 5 minutes read time

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Faithfulness Under Opposition and the Freedom of Truth

Old Testament Reading

1 Samuel 18:5–19:24 – Saul’s Jealousy and David’s Deliverance

Overview:
David prospered in all that Saul sent him to do, gaining favor among the people and Saul’s servants. However, Saul became consumed with jealousy after hearing the women praise David’s victories above his own. Saul repeatedly attempted to kill David, yet the Lord protected him and caused David to prosper. Jonathan loved David and warned him of Saul’s intentions, while Michal also helped David escape. Even when Saul sent messengers to capture David, the Spirit of God intervened, causing them and eventually Saul himself to prophesy before Samuel.

Theological Themes:
• God’s protection over His chosen servant
• The destructive power of jealousy and pride
• The sovereignty of God over kings and nations

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 18:14 – “And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did Saul become jealous of David?
   Answer:
   Saul became jealous because David received praise and success that Saul desired for himself. Instead of rejoicing in God’s blessing upon David, Saul allowed pride and insecurity to control his heart.
2. How did God protect David throughout these events?
   Answer:
   God protected David through Jonathan’s friendship, Michal’s intervention, and even supernatural acts through the Spirit of God. Though Saul repeatedly sought David’s life, God preserved him according to His divine purpose.
3. What lesson can believers learn from David’s response to Saul?
   Answer:
   David remained faithful and humble despite unjust treatment. Rather than taking revenge, he trusted God’s timing and protection, demonstrating patience and dependence upon the Lord.

New Testament Reading

John 8:31–59 – The Truth Will Set You Fre

Psalms Reading

Psalm 112:1–10 – The Blessings of the Righteous

Overview:
Psalm 112 describes the character and blessings of the person who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments. The righteous person is gracious, generous, steadfast, and unshaken by fear because his trust is firmly placed in God. Even in darkness, light rises for the upright, and his righteousness endures forever. In contrast, the wicked see the stability and blessing of the righteous and respond with frustration and despair.

Theological Themes:
• The blessings of fearing the Lord
• Stability through trusting God
• The enduring influence of righteousness

Key Verse:
Psalm 112:7 – “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does it mean to fear the Lord?
   Answer:
   Fearing the Lord means living with reverence, awe, and obedient trust toward God. It is not terror but a deep respect that shapes one’s heart and actions according to His will.
2. Why is the righteous person not shaken by bad news?
   Answer:
   His confidence rests in God rather than circumstances. Because he trusts in the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness, he remains stable even during uncertainty and trouble.
3. How does this psalm contrast the righteous and the wicked?
   Answer:
   The righteous endure in blessing, generosity, and peace, while the wicked ultimately experience frustration and fading hope. The psalm highlights the lasting security found only in God.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 15:12–14 – Wisdom and a Teachable Heart

Overview:
These proverbs contrast the attitudes of the scoffer and the wise. A scoffer resists correction and avoids wise counsel, while the wise seek knowledge and understanding. The condition of the heart affects outward joy and sorrow, and the pursuit of wisdom brings spiritual nourishment. The passage emphasizes humility, teachability, and the importance of seeking truth rather than foolishness.

Theological Themes:
• The value of wisdom and correction
• The condition of the heart
• The contrast between wisdom and foolishness

Key Verse:
Proverbs 15:14 – “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does a scoffer avoid correction?
   Answer:
   A scoffer is controlled by pride and does not want to admit error. Rather than seeking wisdom, he rejects instruction because correction threatens his self-centered perspective.
2. How does the heart affect a person’s outlook on life?
   Answer:
   A joyful and trusting heart brings strength and encouragement, while a broken spirit weighs a person down. Inner spiritual condition influences attitudes, words, and responses to life.
3. What does it mean to seek knowledge with understanding?
   Answer:
   It means pursuing God’s wisdom with humility and discernment. Wise people hunger for truth because they desire to grow in righteousness and live according to God’s ways.