Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
951 words, 5 minutes read time
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God’s Faithfulness in Deliverance and Leadership

Old Testament Reading

2 Samuel 20:14–21:22 — Rebellion, Justice, and God’s Deliverance

Overview:
This passage concludes the rebellion of Sheba, who sought to divide Israel after Absalom’s revolt. A wise woman from Abel Beth-maacah prevented the destruction of her city by delivering Sheba to Joab. The chapter then records a famine during David’s reign that resulted from Saul’s earlier sin against the Gibeonites. After justice was carried out, God answered prayers for the land. The passage concludes with accounts of victories over Philistine giants, demonstrating God’s continued protection of Israel through David’s mighty warriors.

Theological Themes:
• God requires justice and righteousness
• Wise leadership can preserve many lives
• God faithfully delivers His people from their enemies

Key Verse:
2 Samuel 21:14 – “And after that God responded to the plea for the land.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What role did the wise woman of Abel play in ending Sheba’s rebellion?
   Answer:
   The wise woman recognized the danger facing her city and acted decisively to preserve it. Through wisdom and negotiation, she convinced the people to remove Sheba, ending the conflict and preventing unnecessary destruction.
2. Why was there a famine during David’s reign?
   Answer:
   The famine came because Saul had violated Israel’s covenant with the Gibeonites. This demonstrated that God takes covenant obligations seriously and that unresolved injustice can have lasting consequences.
3. What do the victories over the Philistine giants teach us?
   Answer:
   They show God’s continued faithfulness to Israel. Just as God had delivered David from Goliath years earlier, He continued to give victory through David’s warriors against powerful enemies.

New Testament Reading

Acts 1:1–26 — The Ascension of Christ and the Preparation of the Church

Psalms Reading

Psalm 121:1–8 — The Lord Our Keeper

Overview:
Psalm 121 is a song of trust that declares the Lord as the ultimate source of help and protection. The psalmist looks beyond the mountains and recognizes that true help comes from the Creator of heaven and earth. God neither slumbers nor sleeps but continually watches over His people. His protection extends through every circumstance of life, preserving His people both now and forever.

Theological Themes:
• God’s constant protection
• Trust in the Creator rather than circumstances
• The Lord’s faithful care for His people

Key Verse:
Psalm 121:2 – “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Where does the psalmist say help comes from?
   Answer:
   Help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. Because God possesses all power and authority, He is the believer’s ultimate source of security.
2. What does it mean that God neither slumbers nor sleeps?
   Answer:
   It means God is always attentive and never unaware of His people’s needs. His protection is constant and unceasing.
3. How does this psalm encourage believers during difficult times?
   Answer:
   It reminds believers that God is always watching over them and that His care extends to every aspect of life. No situation is beyond His notice or control.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 16:18 — The Danger of Pride

Overview:
This proverb warns that pride leads to destruction and that a haughty spirit precedes a fall. Human pride causes people to trust in themselves rather than in God, often blinding them to their weaknesses and need for correction. The proverb serves as a timeless reminder that humility is essential for walking wisely before the Lord.

Theological Themes:
• The danger of pride
• The necessity of humility
• God’s opposition to self-exaltation

Key Verse:
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is pride so dangerous?
   Answer:
   Pride causes people to rely on themselves instead of God. It often blinds individuals to truth, correction, and their dependence upon the Lord.
2. What does it mean that pride goes before destruction?
   Answer:
   Pride often leads people to make foolish decisions because they overestimate their abilities and ignore warnings. This frequently results in failure and ruin.
3. How can believers cultivate humility?
   Answer:
   Believers cultivate humility by recognizing God’s greatness, acknowledging their dependence upon Him, submitting to His Word, and serving others with a teachable spirit.