Text Study for Sunday, June 28, 2026

Series Theme: Learn with devotion

Reading: 1 Timothy 6: 6-19

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about a time when money was “tight” in your life? Or, tell about a time you worried about money? What was that like?

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 Mary Hinkle Shore at EntertheBible.org:

People who know almost nothing else about the Christian Bible will sometimes attribute the news that “money is the root of all evil” to it. The maxim is a mistranslation of 1 Timothy 6:10. 1 Timothy 6:9 speaks of “those who want to be rich” in the context is Paul’s commendation of contentment with minimal worldly goods. The sentiment is something like that of Jesus in Luke’s Sermon on the Plain: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing” (Luke 12:22-23).

Many interpreters point out that it is the love of money, and not money itself, that is the root of all kinds of evil. True, but this disclaimer often has the effect of dulling the point of the passage. Pursuing riches is not ethically neutral for Timothy or those who read this letter after him. It is dangerous. It puts at risk not only to one’s contentment, but also the fullness of life (righteousness, godliness, etc.) that is the inheritance of those in Christ. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:34; Matthew 6:21). Paul’s words to Timothy are an observation, and a warning.

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 1 Timothy 6:6. The author combines “godliness” and “contentment.” How would you define both?
Tell about a time someone gave you important financial advice.
Part of the purpose of this letter is Paul being a mentor to Timothy. Christian faith is holistic; faith helps shape every area of our lives. Here, the author is mentoring how faith shapes our money. What is a lesson that includes faith and your finances?
Why is contentment such a challenge in our society? It must have been an issue during Timothy’s day as well!
Search for the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer in Luther’s Small Catechism on “daily bread.” What does Luther teach and what sticks out to you?
What does the author think is essential in verse 8?
Pause and jump to Luke 10. What does Jesus send the disciples with on their journey?
Return to 1 Timothy 6:10. Where might you have heard these words before? How do you hear them today?
Jump to the final advice in 1 Timothy 6:18-19. What is the advice?
Where have you seen money used for good? For bad?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church learn to be thoughtful with our shared value: Love with Generosity What does this look like? Knowing that God has held nothing back in Jesus Christ, we commit to sharing all we have with contagious gratitude. We live in God’s abundance by sharing our space, time, ability, energy, and finances here at Easter and throughout our lives. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8
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 some financial wisdom with someone you care about this week.

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 | June 28, 2026