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Kimara continues the Timothy series with a close look at Paul's reminder to Timothy that he had a window into Paul's life and ministry - as such, he should continue on in the example Paul laid out. Providing context, Kimara walks us through parallel passages where we see bold commands from Paul to his readers to follow or imitate him as he imitates Christ. While the thought of letting one's life set the example for someone to follow is intimidating, we're encouraged that it's not about an example of perfection, but about daily steps into the purpose God has for our lives. As we mature in this way, even through our struggles, others can catch a glimpse into the beautiful realities of Christ's presence in our lives and begin to desire it for themselves.

Ed Wade, one of Uflourish's elders, continues the series through Paul's letters to Timothy. Digging into 2 Timothy 3:1-9, we see Paul teaching Timothy that there will be great difficulty to endure in building the church - for many deceptions and selfish desires will be working to lure people away from God's purposes, both outside and even within the church. The common mark in each case is a self-gratifying motive. But, Paul also makes it clear that the folly of these opponents will someday become plain to all. So we're encouraged to stand firm in God's call for our lives, resist the influences that would draw us away, and trust that God's authority will not be overcome.

Pastor Kurt take a deep dive into 2 Timothy 2:14–26, where Paul challenges Timothy to Rightly Divide the Word by handling truth carefully and avoiding useless arguments and distorted teaching. He then calls him to Rightly Display the Walk through a life marked by a Christlike posture toward those who oppose the truth.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into 2 Timothy 2:1-13 where Paul challenges Timothy to Entrust the Deposit by faithfully passing on the gospel and to Endure the Difficulty that comes with following Christ. Through the examples of a soldier, athlete, and farmer, Paul shows that faithfulness requires focus, discipline, patience, and endurance.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into 2 Timothy 1 where Paul encourages Timothy to Gas Up the Gift God has placed within him and to Guard the Gospel that has been entrusted to him. Timothy is reminded of his spiritual heritage, his God-given calling, and the power available to him, while also being challenged not to shrink back when faithfulness becomes costly.

Dr. Kimara Ellefson wraps up our time in 1st Timothy by taking a close look at Paul's concluding instructions. Having just warned Timothy of the dangers of false teachers and the desire for wealth, Paul then charges Timothy to flee those things and instead pursue the ways of Christ, which will culminate in taking hold of "that which is truly life." With timeless parallels to our present day, Kimara invites us to examine where we've been drawn into the empty promises of the world around us and to surrender those areas for a fresh pursuit of God. Common to much of Paul's instructions, his closing words of "grace" remind and encourage us that it will be by God's grace that this transformation can take place in our lives.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into 1 Timothy 6:1-10 where Paul contrasts Counterfeit Godliness with Contented Godliness. In verses 1–5, he warns against a distorted faith that produces disrespect, division, unhealthy controversy, and ultimately treats godliness as a means of personal gain; then in verses 6–10, he shows that true godliness is marked by contentment rather than an unhealthy craving for more.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into 1 Timothy 5:17–25, where Paul teaches that the church must do two things well: Honor Faithful Leaders and Hold Leaders Accountable. Faithful elders who lead, preach, and teach well should be respected and appropriately supported, but that honor must never become immunity from examination, correction, or discipline.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive in 1 Timothy 5:1–16, where Paul teaches Timothy that healthy church life requires both Relationships Guided by Respect and Resources Guided by Responsibility. Believers are to treat one another like family, with honor, purity, and care, while also ensuring practical support is handled wisely so families fulfill their responsibilities and the church can care for those truly in need.

Uflourish Church Elder, Chad Ellefson, wraps up this year's Following Jesus series with a message on the cost of following Jesus. Just as Jesus invited the crowds around him to lay down all they had to follow him, our call is the same today. Working through the subjects of familial approval, money and possessions, time and talents, comfort and security, Chad helps us examine what things may be driving us, or even at times controlling us. Ultimately, we return to the call to surrender those things, laying it all down for the sake of Christ and his work in and through us. Though it may be a tall order, we're encouraged that we do so with the help of the Holy Spirit, by whom Jesus will pick us up whenever we may stumble or fall.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into John 21:15-25 where Jesus restores Peter after his failure by reaffirming his love, recommissioning him to care for Christ’s people, and calling him again to follow even when discipleship will ultimately cost him his life. Peter then shifts his attention toward John and asks about his future, revealing how easily comparison can distract us from our own calling.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into Luke 7:36–50, where a woman known publicly as a sinner enters the home of Simon the Pharisee and honors Jesus with her tears, kisses, and costly ointment. Simon judges her by her reputation, but Jesus interprets her actions as reverence flowing from a heart that understands forgiveness.

Uflourish Church elder Ed Wade takes us through John 10, where Jesus refers to himself both as the shepherd and the door for the sheep. He challenges us, just like the sheep in Jesus' story, to listen only for his call among the many voices in the world, and to trust that he lays down his life to protect the flock. When we face troubles, we know that we're still surrounded by the protection and promises of God, and he will see us through those things on our way to everlasting life with him in heaven.

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive in Luke 6:39–49, where Jesus teaches that the heart reveals your character through your words, actions, mercy, and fruit. He then shows that the storm reveals your construction, exposing whether your life is built on merely hearing His words or actually obeying them.

Uflourish welcomes First Baptist Sulphur Springs, who have come in numbers on their annual summer mission trip from Texas up to the Milwaukee area in order to bless and support the ministries of Uflourish and several other churches in the area. Their pastor, Dr. Jeff Gravens, joins us in our Following Jesus series by diving into the portion of Luke 9 where Jesus calls his disciples to pick up their cross daily in order to follow him. In this daily surrender - a daily death to ourselves and the empty promises of the world - we find a lasting hope and purpose in our passionate pursuit of Jesus.