Text Study for Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Series Theme: Vision

Reading: Psalm 119: 29-38

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about a time when you learned something new.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord of light, you have looked upon your creation and affirmed its goodness. Sharpen our vision so that we may see the world with your eyes. With your eyes there will be no stranger only the children of God waiting to be welcomed. With your eyes we will not miss the exquisite beauty present all around us that stirs our hearts and gives glory to you, in Jesus' name, amen.

CONTEXT

This sermon series and generosity appeal, VISION, will dig deep into all five of Easter’s vision statements.

live in community,

care with compassion,

worship with joy,

learn with devotion,

love with generosity

Our vision board and pastors prayerfully curated the five vision statements to faithfully guide Easter in our mission (to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ). Focusing on the many ways we express our generosity is how we live out our vision statements at Easter, in our community, and in the world. We are stewarding God’s good gifts to us all when practice each vision. How will you practice each in your life? Join us in exploring and living out our vision statements.

From Dr Nick Schnaser at EntertheBible.org:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the theologian martyred by the Nazis in 1945, used the psalms regularly in his own devotional life and with his students at the Finkenwalde seminary of the anti-Nazi Confessing Church. He wrote: “Whenever the Psalter is abandoned, an incomparable treasure is lost to the Christian church. With its recovery will come unexpected power” (Life Together; Prayerbook of the Bible [Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005] 162). Bonhoeffer understood the psalms to be given to Christians as the prayers of Christ.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Our new series is named “Vision.” What might it mean to you to “learn with devotion?” What is devotion?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Psalm 119. How many verses are in this psalm?
How is this psalm arranged or divided up?
This psalm repeats phrases in themes; it’s the longest of the psalms! What does repetition do for the reader?
Is our reading for today for the community or an individual speaking with God? What clues do you find?
Open to Psalm 119:29. What is being asked of God?
The law—or torah—is an essential gift to help God’s people keep their covenant relationship with God. Notice, what does the second half of verse 29 ask?
Count the number of time that law or another English version of that word appears in these verses.
As Lutheran Christians, we look for the law to show us our need forJesus. We believe that Jesus is good news. How might verse 38 be pointing us to God’s loving kindness?
Luke 10:25-28 contains the “greatest commandment.” What does Jesus say this is?
Make a list of the verbs (the actions) that the writer is asking of God in the first words of verses 33-38. These verbs belong to God. God is doing these things for us. What does Jesus say we should be about in our lives (from the Greatest Commandment)?
In 119:31, what does your translation say? Tell about a time when faith was an anchor for you.
Why is “learning with devotion” part of the life of faith?
What is good news in this psalm for you? For our community?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

What is one thing you wish someone would ask you to teach them? Why?

Sending Prayer

Loving God, by covenant promise and enduring mercy you have joined us to yourself forever, and you invite us to respond to your love with faithfulness. By your Spirit may we share your vision for the church as we share the good news of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Grow Guide | October 26, 2025