Text Study for Sunday, July 5, 2026

Series Theme: Learn with devotion

Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about someone who has prayed for you. What happened?

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 primary sources on the life and theology of the Apostle Paul are his seven undisputed letters (Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon). The utility of the Acts of the Apostles as a secondary source has been disputed by scholars. 2 Timothy has also been important for understanding Paul, portraying him as an apostle who was not only a proclaimer of the gospel but one who was willing to suffer for it. Paul is portrayed as the ideal Christian and apostle.

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?
Jump to 2 Timothy 2:1. Who is being addressed in this new letter?
This is a second letter of mentorship. Tell about mentor in your life, espcially one younger than you. What did you learn?
The words “promise of life” are central in verse one. What do you think that means?
In Lutheran theology, commandments and promises are especially important in the way we hear and interpret scripture. Can you give an example of a commandment and a promise? A commandment is law or a “should.” A promise is an unconditional “for you” or a word that sets free or forgives.
Who does Paul invoke in verse three? What does the communion of saints mean to you?
In verse four, important people are mentioned. Who are they? Remember, most often, people in the Bible do not have names. What might it say about these people that they are mentioned and named?
What is the key verb in verse six? Tell about a time when you felt your faith was “strong” and a time when it needed to be “rekindled.”
What are the gifts mentioned in verse seven? How might they appear in our lives?
What do we learn about Paul in verse eight? What is his status?
In verse 11, what is Paul’s title or calling? What is the “work” of this role?
Notice twice; the words “do not be ashamed” appear. What is that inviting us to do?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church live into “grandparent faith” like Eunice? What might that look like even for a young person to mentor someone else?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Share a promise of faith with someone you know—in your own words.

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 5, 2026