Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,225 words, 6 minutes read time
Previous Lesson
Next Lesson

God’s Faithfulness and Judgment, the Advance of the Gospel, Hope in Divine Forgiveness, and the Testing of the Heart

Old Testament Reading

1 Kings 9:1–10:29 – Solomon’s Reign: Blessing, Responsibility, and Glory

Overview:
After the dedication of the temple, the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, reaffirming His covenant promises while warning that disobedience would bring judgment upon Israel. Solomon continued to strengthen his kingdom through building projects, military organization, trade, and international alliances. His fame spread throughout the world, culminating in the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who witnessed his wisdom, wealth, and the prosperity God had given him. The chapter concludes with a description of Solomon’s extraordinary riches and influence, demonstrating both God’s blessing and the importance of covenant faithfulness.

Theological Themes:
• God’s covenant faithfulness and warnings
• Wisdom as a gift from God
• The blessings and responsibilities of leadership

Key Verse:
1 Kings 9:4–5 – “And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness… then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God appear to Solomon a second time?
   Answer:
   God appeared to reaffirm His covenant with Solomon and the temple while reminding him that continued blessing depended upon covenant obedience. The appearance demonstrated both God’s faithfulness and His expectation of faithful devotion.
2. What was the significance of the Queen of Sheba’s visit?
   Answer:
   Her visit showed that God’s blessings upon Solomon had become known among the nations. She recognized that Solomon’s wisdom came from the Lord, bringing glory to God beyond Israel’s borders.
3. What warning accompanied God’s promises to Solomon?
   Answer:
   God warned that if Israel turned to idolatry and abandoned His covenant, the nation would face judgment and the temple itself would become a byword among the nations. Blessing and responsibility were inseparable.

New Testament Reading

Acts 8:14–25 – Peter and John in Samaria

Acts 8:26–40 – Philip and the Ethiopian Official

Overview:
An angel directed Philip to travel south toward Gaza, where he encountered an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah 53. Philip explained how the passage pointed to Jesus Christ and proclaimed the gospel to him. The official believed, requested baptism, and publicly identified himself with Christ. After the baptism, the Spirit carried Philip away, while the Ethiopian continued his journey rejoicing, becoming one of the earliest known believers to carry the gospel into Africa.

Theological Themes:
• The sovereignty of God in evangelism
• Christ as the fulfillment of Scripture
• Salvation available to all nations

Key Verse:
Acts 8:35 – “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is the Ethiopian official important in Acts?
   Answer:
   His conversion demonstrates that the gospel is for all people regardless of nationality or background. The mission of Christ was already extending beyond Israel into the nations.
2. Why did Philip begin with Isaiah 53?
   Answer:
   Isaiah 53 clearly describes the suffering servant who bears the sins of others. Philip used the passage to show that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy and provided salvation through His death and resurrection.
3. What was the result of the Ethiopian’s faith?
   Answer:
   He was baptized as a public testimony of his belief in Christ and continued on his way with joy, reflecting the transformation that accompanies genuine salvation.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 130:1–8 – Hope in God’s Forgiveness

Overview:
From the depths of distress and guilt, the psalmist cries out to the Lord for mercy. He acknowledges that if God kept a record of sins, no one could stand before Him. Yet God offers forgiveness so that people may fear and worship Him. The psalm concludes with a confident hope in God’s steadfast love and redemption, encouraging Israel to trust in the Lord who fully redeems His people from their sins.

Theological Themes:
• God’s mercy toward sinners
• The hope of redemption
• Waiting upon the Lord in faith

Key Verse:
Psalm 130:4 – “But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does the psalm teach about human sinfulness?
   Answer:
   It acknowledges that no one could stand before God if He judged every sin without mercy. All people are dependent upon God’s grace and forgiveness.
2. Why does forgiveness lead to reverence for God?
   Answer:
   Experiencing God’s mercy deepens appreciation for His holiness and love. Forgiveness does not diminish reverence but increases worship and gratitude.
3. What does it mean to wait for the Lord?
   Answer:
   Waiting for the Lord involves trusting His promises, depending on His timing, and maintaining hope even during seasons of difficulty and uncertainty.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 17:2–3 – Wisdom, Character, and Divine Testing

Overview:
These proverbs teach that wisdom and faithful character are more valuable than social position or inheritance. A wise servant may rise above an unworthy son because true honor comes from godly conduct. The passage also reminds readers that just as precious metals are refined by fire, the Lord examines and tests the hearts of people, revealing their true character.

Theological Themes:
• Wisdom above status and privilege
• God’s examination of the heart
• The refining work of testing

Key Verse:
Proverbs 17:3 – “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why might a wise servant receive honor over a son?
   Answer:
   God values wisdom, faithfulness, and character above family status or privilege. Honor is earned through righteous conduct rather than inherited position.
2. What does the refining of silver and gold illustrate?
   Answer:
   Just as fire removes impurities from precious metals, God uses circumstances and testing to reveal and refine the character of His people.
3. Why is the testing of the heart important?
   Answer:
   God sees beyond outward appearances and examines motives, desires, and intentions. His testing exposes what is genuine and encourages spiritual growth and maturity.