Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,151 words, 6 minutes read time
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Divided Hearts and Faithful Servants

Old Testament Reading

1 Kings 12:20–13:34 – Jeroboam’s Rebellion and the Judgment of God

Overview:
After Solomon’s kingdom is divided, the northern tribes make Jeroboam their king. Fearing that the people’s loyalty will return to Rehoboam if they continue worshiping in Jerusalem, Jeroboam establishes unauthorized worship centers at Bethel and Dan. God sends a prophet to condemn this idolatry and foretell the future destruction of Jeroboam’s altar. The prophet’s disobedience to God’s command results in his own judgment, and Jeroboam’s refusal to repent brings a lasting sentence upon his house.

Theological Themes:
• God’s authority over kings and nations
• The danger of compromising true worship
• The necessity of complete obedience to God’s word

Key Verse:
1 Kings 13:34 – “And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did Jeroboam establish alternative places of worship?
   Answer:
   Jeroboam feared that continued worship in Jerusalem would cause the people to return their allegiance to Rehoboam. Rather than trusting God’s promise to establish his kingdom, he relied on political strategy and created a false religious system. His actions demonstrate how fear and unbelief can lead people to compromise God’s commands.
2. What lesson is taught by the judgment of the man of God?
   Answer:
   The prophet had faithfully delivered God’s message but later disobeyed a direct command from the Lord. His judgment illustrates that obedience is required not only in major assignments but also in every detail of God’s instruction. God expects His servants to remain faithful until their task is complete.
3. What does Jeroboam’s response reveal about his heart?
   Answer:
   Even after witnessing miracles and receiving warnings from God, Jeroboam refused to abandon his sinful practices. His hardened heart shows that spiritual rebellion often persists despite clear evidence of God’s power. True repentance requires humility and submission to God’s authority.

New Testament Reading

Acts 9:26–43 – Barnabas, Saul, and the Ministry of Peter

Overview:
After his conversion, Saul attempts to join the disciples in Jerusalem, but many remain fearful of him until Barnabas testifies on his behalf. Saul begins preaching boldly until threats force him to leave the city. The church enjoys a period of growth and peace. Peter then performs two notable miracles: healing Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years, and raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead. These miracles strengthen faith and lead many people to believe in Christ.

Theological Themes:
• The transforming power of the gospel
• God’s work through faithful servants
• The growth of the church through the Holy Spirit

Key Verse:
Acts 9:31 – “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How did Barnabas help Saul become accepted by the church?
   Answer:
   Barnabas testified about Saul’s genuine conversion and his bold preaching for Christ. By advocating for Saul, Barnabas helped bridge the gap between fear and acceptance. His actions demonstrate the importance of encouraging and supporting believers who are growing in their faith.
2. What contributed to the growth of the church during this period? Answer:
   The church was strengthened through sound teaching, reverence for God, and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. As believers walked faithfully with the Lord, the church experienced both spiritual maturity and numerical growth. Healthy churches are built on these same foundations today.
3. What was the significance of Peter raising Tabitha from the dead? Answer:
   The miracle demonstrated God’s power working through His apostle and confirmed the truth of the gospel message. It also revealed God’s compassion for His people and resulted in many individuals placing their faith in Christ. The miracle pointed beyond Peter to the living power of Jesus Himself.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 132:1–18 – God’s Covenant with David and Zion

Overview:
This psalm remembers David’s desire to establish a dwelling place for the Lord and celebrates God’s covenant promises concerning David’s descendants. The psalm highlights God’s choice of Zion as His dwelling place and affirms His commitment to bless His people. Ultimately, these promises find their fullest fulfillment in the Messiah, the eternal King from David’s line.

Theological Themes:
• God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises
• The importance of worship and God’s presence
• The hope of the coming Messianic King

Key Verse:
Psalm 132:11 – “The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is David remembered in this psalm?
   Answer:
   David is remembered because of his devotion to God and his desire to establish a place where God’s presence would be honored among His people. His commitment reflected a heart that valued worship above personal comfort and accomplishment.
2. What covenant promise is emphasized in this psalm?
   Answer:
   God promises that David’s descendants would sit upon his throne. While this promise had immediate fulfillment through David’s royal line, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who reigns forever as the promised Son of David.
3. How does Zion symbolize God’s relationship with His people?
   Answer:
   Zion represents God’s chosen dwelling place and His presence among His people. It signifies God’s commitment to bless, protect, and fellowship with those who belong to Him. The imagery points forward to God’s eternal dwelling with His redeemed people.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 17:6 – The Blessing of Generational Honor

Overview:
This proverb celebrates the mutual blessing found within godly families. Grandchildren are described as a crown to the aged, bringing joy and honor to older generations, while children find honor in parents whose lives provide guidance and stability. The verse highlights God’s design for family relationships built upon love, respect, and faithfulness.

Theological Themes:
• The value of family relationships
• The blessing of generational faithfulness
• Honor within God’s created order

Key Verse:
Proverbs 17:6 – “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why are grandchildren called a crown to the aged?
   Answer:
   A crown symbolizes honor, joy, and blessing. Grandchildren often represent the continuation of a family’s legacy and can be a source of great happiness and encouragement to older generations.
2. What does it mean that children glory in their fathers?
   Answer:
   Children benefit from and take pride in parents who provide guidance, protection, and godly example. A faithful parent leaves a legacy that shapes future generations and reflects God’s design for the family.
3. How does this proverb encourage believers today?
   Answer:
   The verse reminds believers that family relationships are valuable gifts from God. It encourages parents and grandparents to invest in future generations through love, wisdom, and spiritual instruction, creating a lasting heritage of faith.