Text Study for Sunday, July 26, 2026

Series Theme: Learn with devotion

Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about a time when you gave your all towards something. What was it like? What did you learn from the experience?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Gracious God, you gift us with everything we need for life: daily bread, community, joy and growth. Help us grow in faith so we trust you more and see our neighbor more clearly. Thank you for your forgiving love. Thank you for extending that same love to my neighbor, whomever they may be. We trust your promises, and pray through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

CONTEXT

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Learn with devotion, the Spirit inspires us all to grow. We encourage all generations to teach and learn from each other, from birth through adulthood, with space for everyone to learn, grow, be curious, and discern. We will actively support parents and caregivers in the faith development of youth.

From Dr Arland Hultgren at EntertheBible.org:

The Apostle Paul addresses Timothy as his “beloved child” and speaks of him as one whom he has ordained. This letter begins and unfolds as the most intimate of the three so-called Pastoral Epistles, which also include 1 Timothy and Titus. In its references to Paul and his suffering, the Second Letter to Timothy appears to have been written, at least in part, to elicit sympathy for the apostle. The letter is an exhortation not to be ashamed of the gospel and to stand firm even if that would mean suffering on its behalf.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Our theme is connected to our church’s vision statement “Learn with devotion.” How might you explain the value of this emphasis with someone else?
What is one life lesson you would like to pass on to someone else? Why?
Jump to 2 Timothy 4:6. What is the first image given in this passage from a mentor to a student?
Do you see your life as a “libation” or an offering for something? Why or why not?
Verse seven communicates three distinct images. What are they? What speaks most to you today? If you imagine Jesus’s day and time, what jobs or roles might each of the three images connect to?
What charge does Paul give Timothy in 4:1-2?
In verse eight, who is the giver? Why is this a key distinction in a world that often celebrates individual’s efforts?
Jump to verse 16. Do you resonate with what happened to the author? Why or why not?
Verse 17 is key. What does God do in the first part of the verse? What are we called to do in response?
What is one part of your story that shows how God has been faithful?
What image is used to describe how God has helped? How does the last verse serve as a benediction for the encouragement before it in chapter four?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church live into a way of sharing our vulnerable stories of faith?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Find a song that embodies how you experienced this passage. Is it a lyric? Is it a feeling?

Sending Prayer

God of all wisdom, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to praise you. Fill us with your Spirit, that we would join with your whole church in experiencing you through the good news of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Grow Guide | July 26, 2026