Week 6 | Day 1
FOLLOW THE LEADER
Ephesians 5:8-22
In Ephesians 5:8–20, Paul reminds believers that following Jesus means a complete transformation of life. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” Following Christ isn’t merely adopting religious practices—it’s living with a new identity that shapes every decision, relationship, and desire. The light of Christ exposes what is false and leads us toward what is good, right, and true. To follow Jesus always and in all ways means allowing His truth to guide our thoughts, words, and actions.
This requires that we live wisely and intentionally, making the most of the time because the days are evil. A life aligned with Jesus seeks to understand the will of the Lord rather than drifting through circumstances seeking to live by faith and not fate. Being filled with the Spirit replaces empty influences with worship, gratitude, and joyful obedience. So, following Jesus always means allowing the Spirit to continually shape our attitudes and responses so that our lives reflect His presence.
This requires that we live wisely and intentionally, making the most of the time because the days are evil. A life aligned with Jesus seeks to understand the will of the Lord rather than drifting through circumstances seeking to live by faith and not fate. Being filled with the Spirit replaces empty influences with worship, gratitude, and joyful obedience. So, following Jesus always means allowing the Spirit to continually shape our attitudes and responses so that our lives reflect His presence.
Application
Remember Your New Identity
We were once in darkness, but now we belong to the Light calling us to live in a way that reflects who we are in Christ—children of the way, truth, and life—a royal priesthood—and a holy people.
Choose What Pleases God First
Following Jesus requires intentional decisions. We’re called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. So, seek daily to honor God with your choices and ask the Holy Spirit to help you in every decision.
Live with Spiritual Awareness
Time is a gift entrusted to us by God. We must strive to use it wisely for what has eternal and earthly value. Such a life looks at things from a spiritual perspective first instead of last by asking—does this decision honor God or someone or something else? Is this decision helping me and others to know and draw closer to God?
Pursue a Spirit-filled Life
Being filled with the Spirit produces worship, gratitude, and humility. A Spirit-filled life is a Spirit-led life which requires our minute-by-minute dependence on Him to guide us in every area of life.
Cultivate Gratitude and Worship
A thankful heart keeps the focus on God’s goodness. Praise strengthens faith and guards against discouragement. Most importantly, gratitude and praise allow us to keep Jesus enthroned in our lives.
We were once in darkness, but now we belong to the Light calling us to live in a way that reflects who we are in Christ—children of the way, truth, and life—a royal priesthood—and a holy people.
Choose What Pleases God First
Following Jesus requires intentional decisions. We’re called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. So, seek daily to honor God with your choices and ask the Holy Spirit to help you in every decision.
Live with Spiritual Awareness
Time is a gift entrusted to us by God. We must strive to use it wisely for what has eternal and earthly value. Such a life looks at things from a spiritual perspective first instead of last by asking—does this decision honor God or someone or something else? Is this decision helping me and others to know and draw closer to God?
Pursue a Spirit-filled Life
Being filled with the Spirit produces worship, gratitude, and humility. A Spirit-filled life is a Spirit-led life which requires our minute-by-minute dependence on Him to guide us in every area of life.
Cultivate Gratitude and Worship
A thankful heart keeps the focus on God’s goodness. Praise strengthens faith and guards against discouragement. Most importantly, gratitude and praise allow us to keep Jesus enthroned in our lives.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for bringing me out of darkness into Your light. Help me follow Jesus in every area of my life and make wise use of the time You have given me. Fill me with Your Spirit so my words, attitudes, and actions reflect Your truth. May my life be marked by gratitude, worship, and faithful obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.