Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,060 words, 6 minutes read time
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The Consequences of Pride and the Grace of God’s Sovereign Work

Old Testament Reading

1 Kings 11:1–12:19 – Solomon’s Decline and the Division of the Kingdom

Overview:
Despite being blessed with wisdom and prosperity, Solomon turned from the Lord by loving many foreign women and embracing their gods. Because of his unfaithfulness, God declared that the kingdom would be torn from his descendants, though a remnant would remain for David’s sake. Following Solomon’s death, Rehoboam’s harsh response to the people’s request for relief led to a rebellion that divided the kingdom into Israel and Judah. This passage demonstrates the serious consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God to fulfill His word.

Theological Themes:
• The danger of spiritual compromise
• God’s judgment upon sin
• God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises

Key Verse:
1 Kings 11:11 – “Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, ‘Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God judge Solomon despite his wisdom and blessings?
   Answer: Solomon knowingly disobeyed God by marrying foreign women who turned his heart toward other gods. His wisdom did not exempt him from obedience. God expects faithfulness from all His people, and spiritual privilege does not remove accountability.
2. Why was the kingdom divided after Solomon’s death?
   Answer: The division was both a consequence of Solomon’s sin and the fulfillment of God’s judgment. Rehoboam’s pride and refusal to listen to wise counsel accelerated the division, showing how human choices often become instruments through which God accomplishes His purposes.
3. What can believers learn from the division of the kingdom?
   Answer: Pride, compromise, and disobedience can bring painful consequences. Believers are called to remain faithful to God, seek wise counsel, and recognize that obedience is more important than worldly success or power.

New Testament Reading

Acts 9:1–25 – The Conversion of Saul

Overview:
Saul, a fierce persecutor of the church, traveled to Damascus intending to arrest believers. On the way, the risen Jesus appeared to him, confronting him with the reality that he was opposing God Himself. Blinded by the encounter, Saul was led into the city where Ananias, following the Lord’s instruction, restored his sight. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. His dramatic transformation illustrates the power of God’s grace to save and commission even the most unlikely person.

Theological Themes:
• The transforming power of God’s grace
• Jesus’ identification with His church
• God’s sovereign calling and purpose

Key Verse:
Acts 9:15 – “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Saul’s conversion teach about God’s grace?
   Answer: Saul’s conversion demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s saving power. The man who persecuted Christians became one of Christianity’s greatest missionaries. Salvation is based on God’s grace, not human merit.
2. Why did Jesus ask Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?”
   Answer: Jesus identifies closely with His people. Attacking believers is viewed by Christ as an attack upon Himself. This truth emphasizes the unity between Christ and His church.
3. How did Saul respond after encountering Christ?
   Answer: Saul responded with obedience and faith. He accepted God’s call, was baptized, and immediately began preaching Jesus. Genuine conversion results in a changed life and a desire to serve God.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 131:1–3 – Humble Trust in the Lord

Overview:
David expresses a heart characterized by humility and contentment before God. He rejects pride, ambition, and the pursuit of matters beyond his understanding. Instead, he compares his soul to a weaned child resting peacefully with its mother, illustrating complete trust and dependence upon the Lord. The psalm concludes by calling all Israel to place their hope in God both now and forever.

Theological Themes:
• Humility before God
• Contentment and trust
• Hope in the Lord

Key Verse:
Psalm 131:2 – “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does David teach about humility?
   Answer: David teaches that humility involves recognizing one’s limitations and refusing to be consumed by pride or self-exaltation. A humble person trusts God rather than seeking personal greatness.
2. What is the significance of the image of a weaned child?
   Answer: A weaned child rests contentedly with its mother, no longer driven by immediate desires. Likewise, believers can rest peacefully in God’s care, trusting Him to provide what is best.
3. How can believers cultivate a quiet and trusting heart?
   Answer: By surrendering pride, trusting God’s wisdom, and focusing on His faithfulness rather than circumstances. Prayer, Scripture, and dependence upon God help produce contentment and peace.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 17:4–5 – The Character of the Wicked and the Compassionate

Overview:
These proverbs contrast sinful attitudes with godly behavior. Evil people delight in lies and deception, while those who mock the poor insult their Creator. God takes seriously how people treat others, especially the vulnerable. The passage teaches that our words, attitudes, and treatment of others reveal the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God.

Theological Themes:
• The danger of deceitful speech
• Respect for God’s image in others
• God’s concern for the vulnerable

Key Verse:
Proverbs 17:5 – “Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is listening to lies considered evil?
   Answer: Those who welcome falsehood participate in wrongdoing and contribute to the spread of deception. God values truth, and His people are called to reject lies and uphold honesty.
2. Why does mocking the poor insult God?
   Answer: Every person is created in God’s image. To ridicule or despise someone because of poverty is to show contempt for the Creator who made them. God calls His people to compassion and respect.
3. What warning is given to those who rejoice in another’s suffering?
   Answer: God promises accountability for those who take pleasure in the misfortunes of others. Believers are called to show mercy, compassion, and love rather than delighting in another’s hardship.