Grow Guide | June 14, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, June 14, 2026
Series Theme: Learn with devotion
Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
What was a time someone thanked you that meant a lot to you?
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 letter is addressed to Timothy in Ephesus, from which the Apostle Paul has departed for Macedonia. Paul plans to return, but he may be delayed, so he sends instructions to Timothy and expects him to carry them out while he is away. Much of the letter contrasts true and false teachers and prescribes a specific church order. Although the letter is addressed to Timothy, the author sometimes “talks past” him to a larger community that is to hear certain exhortations. For example, all are to honor elders who rule well, preach, and teach; and enslaved individuals are to obey their masters.
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?
Open to Acts 1:8. This verse continues to shape the church today. Paul and Timothy are in conversation because of this verse! This letter exists because this verse continues to unfold.
Jump to 1 Timothy 1:12. What is the author pointing to Jesus as being the source of? Which word on that list do you need more of in your life? Why?
What is received in verse 13? What does that mean to you?
Christian faith from the Lutheran lens means that we focus on what God has done for us. Faith that receives rather than have a list of things to do. Why might that be good news in our time in history?
What is happening in verse 14? Is that a comforting image or not? Why or why not? Who gets that kind of love and mercy and forgiveness?
Verse 15 is at the heart of the good news about Jesus or “the gospel.” What does it say in your own words?
"Sinners” is a very loaded word for people. How might you explain this to someone who has not heard it? Interesting, the author does not apply it to “those people,” but to whom? Why does that matter?
What does Jesus show the author in verse 16? This is a not a common description of what God does.
Pause and flip to Luke 13:6-9. How does patience pop up here?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church learn to be “patient” to share the love of God more clearly to our neighbors? How might God be calling us to do so?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
Look for examples of patience in the coming week to model the life of Jesus in your home and world.
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.