Who Are You Following? Following Jesus as the True Head

Devotional

Day 1: Praying for Spiritual Wisdom and Revelation

Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus is a powerful model for how believers should pray for one another: not just for physical needs, but for a deeper understanding of God, spiritual wisdom, and revelation. He asks that the eyes of their hearts be enlightened so they may know the hope to which God has called them, the riches of His glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of His power. This kind of prayer lifts our focus from the everyday to the eternal, reminding us that God desires to reveal Himself to us and empower us as His people. When we pray for our church and each other in this way, we invite God to do a mighty work among us, uniting us in faith and purpose. [05:41]

Ephesians 1:15-23 (ESV)
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Reflection: Who is one person in your church family you can pray for today, specifically asking God to give them spiritual wisdom and a deeper knowledge of Him?

Day 2: Jesus as the Head of the Church

Jesus alone is the true head of the church—not any pastor, elder, or leader. Every member, from the leaders to the newest attendee, is a part of the body of Christ, each with a unique role and purpose. When one part of the body suffers or strays, the whole body is affected, just as a physical body limps when a foot is injured. The church is healthiest and most effective when every member recognizes their place under Christ’s authority and works together in unity, following His lead rather than personal preferences or traditions. [07:31]

Ephesians 1:22-23 (ESV)
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Reflection: In what ways do you see yourself as part of the body of Christ, and how can you better submit to Jesus’ leadership in your role?

Day 3: Growing Through Life’s Difficulties

Life inevitably brings challenges and hardships—what the sermon humorously called the “fertilizer” that helps us grow. Instead of trying to avoid or escape these valleys, believers are called to walk through them with God, trusting that He will carry them through and use every trial for their growth. The promise is not that God will remove all trouble, but that He will be present and provide comfort and strength in the midst of it. This perspective transforms suffering into an opportunity for spiritual maturity and deeper dependence on God. [13:02]

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Reflection: What is one current difficulty you are facing, and how can you invite God to walk with you through it rather than trying to avoid or fix it on your own?

Day 4: The Importance of Assembling Together

The church is not a building or a set of traditions, but the assembly of believers coming together as the body of Christ. While methods and traditions may change over time, the essential element is gathering with other Christians for worship, encouragement, and service. Each person has a role to play, and the church cannot function as intended when believers try to “assemble” alone. True community happens when everyone brings their gifts, serves one another, and recognizes their need for the rest of the body. [33:09]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community you can reach out to this week to encourage or invite to gather with you, either in worship or fellowship?

Day 5: Following Jesus Above All Else

Every day, believers are faced with choices about whom or what they will follow—tradition, culture, personal desires, or Jesus Himself. Like a GPS, Jesus sets the destination and the best route, but we often think we know a better way, only to find ourselves lost or delayed. The call is to continually realign our hearts and decisions to follow Jesus, even when it means letting go of our own preferences or plans. When we follow Him, He leads us on the right path, and even if we stray, He graciously brings us back to where we need to be. [40:17]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to “go your own way” instead of following Jesus’ direction, and what step can you take today to trust Him with it?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to reflect on what it truly means to follow Jesus as the head of the church. We began by lifting up our sisters on retreat and Pastor Steve in prayer, remembering that our unity and strength come from Christ, not from any one leader or tradition. Reading from Ephesians 1:15-23, we saw Paul’s deep prayer for the church: that we would receive wisdom, revelation, and enlightenment to know the hope, inheritance, and power we have in Christ. This is not just a blessing for the early church, but a living prayer for us today.

We considered the analogy of the church as the body of Christ, where every member has a unique and vital role. Just as a physical body suffers when one part is injured, so too does the church when one of us is struggling or disconnected. We all go through seasons of hardship—what I called the “fertilizer” of life—but these are often the very things God uses to grow us. The key is not to give up or try to fix everything ourselves, but to hand our burdens to God and trust Him to carry us through.

A central question emerged: Who are you following? It’s easy to get caught up following personalities, traditions, or even our own preferences. But Jesus alone is the head of the church. Our methods and traditions may change over time, and that’s okay—what matters is that we are following Christ, not just doing things the way they’ve always been done. The early church didn’t have a manual for “how to do church”; they simply gathered, shared, and worshiped Jesus together, even under threat of persecution.

We also discussed how holidays and traditions—like Halloween or Christmas—can become points of contention or confusion. The important thing is not the outward form, but the heart: are we using every opportunity to worship Jesus and be a light in the world? The church is not a building or a set of customs; it’s the assembly of believers, each playing their part, whether seen or unseen.

Finally, I shared a personal story about trying to do things my own way, only to end up right where God wanted me in the first place. The destination God sets for us doesn’t change, even if we take detours. The challenge for each of us is to humble ourselves, listen for God’s direction, and follow Jesus—together, as His body.

Key Takeaways

1. Every member of the body matters deeply No part of Christ’s body is insignificant, even if its role is hidden or humble. When one member suffers or strays, the whole body feels it. God has given each of us a purpose, and sometimes dissatisfaction is a nudge to step into the role He’s prepared for us. Don’t underestimate the quiet acts of service; they are essential to the health of the church. [35:30]
2. Hardship is the fertilizer for spiritual growth We all encounter seasons of difficulty, but these are not wasted. God often uses the “manure” of life to grow us in ways comfort never could. Rather than trying to avoid or escape hardship, we are called to walk through it with God, trusting that He is shaping us for His purposes. [11:38]
3. Traditions are tools, not the foundation The way we “do church” is shaped by history and necessity, but it’s not prescribed in Scripture. Traditions can be helpful, but they must never become our focus or our master. What matters is that we are following Jesus, not just maintaining customs for their own sake. [30:10]
4. Following Jesus means surrendering our own way It’s tempting to think we know a better route, but God’s direction is always best—even if it’s not the easiest or most familiar. When we insist on our own way, we often find ourselves back where God wanted us to begin. True discipleship means humbly listening, adjusting, and following Christ, even when it means letting go of our preferences. [40:17]
5. The church is an assembly, not a solo act We are called to gather, to be the church together—not just as individuals. The word “church” means assembly, and we need each other to function as Christ’s body. Lone Christianity misses the richness and accountability of true community. [33:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Praying for Our Church Family
[00:57] - Reading Ephesians 1:15-23
[02:24] - Opening Prayer
[02:44] - Seasons and Traditions
[03:35] - Paul’s Prayer for the Church
[04:55] - The Power of Intercessory Prayer
[06:43] - Who Is the Head of the Church?
[07:31] - The Body Analogy: Roles in the Church
[09:41] - When One Part Suffers
[11:19] - Growth Through Hardship
[13:02] - Who Are You Following?
[16:47] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
[19:26] - Wrestling with Traditions and Holidays
[23:35] - What Scripture Says About Church
[27:22] - The Early Church’s Example
[30:10] - Tradition vs. Command
[33:09] - The Meaning of “Church”
[35:30] - Every Part Has a Purpose
[38:22] - Following Jesus in Everyday Life
[40:17] - God’s Route vs. Our Route
[46:31] - Closing Challenge and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:15-23 (ESV) — 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Observation Questions

According to Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23, what three things does he specifically ask God to give the church?
In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the church and its members? What happens when one part of the body is hurting or disconnected? [[09:41]]
What are the only two practices the sermon says are commanded in Scripture for the church to do together? [[30:10]]
How did the early church gather and function, according to the sermon’s description of Acts 2? [[27:22]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul pray for wisdom, revelation, and enlightenment for the church? What does he hope the church will understand or experience as a result?
The sermon says, “Every part of the body has a purpose. Every part.” What does this mean for people who feel their role in the church is small or unseen? [[35:30]]
The pastor mentions that hardship is like “fertilizer” for spiritual growth. How might God use difficult seasons in our lives to shape us or the church? [[11:38]]
The sermon challenges us to consider, “Who are you following?” Why is it important to recognize Jesus as the head of the church rather than following personalities, traditions, or our own preferences? [[16:47]]

Application Questions

Think about a time when you felt disconnected or struggled in your faith. How did it affect your involvement in the church, and how did it impact others around you? What could help you reconnect or heal? [[09:41]]
The sermon says that sometimes dissatisfaction is a nudge from God to step into a new role or area of service. Is there a place in the church where you feel dissatisfied or see a need? How might God be inviting you to get involved? [[35:30]]
When you face hardship or “fertilizer” seasons, do you tend to give up, try to fix things yourself, or hand your burdens to God? What would it look like for you to trust God more in your current struggles? [[12:04]]
Are there any church traditions or personal preferences that you hold tightly to? How can you tell if you’re following Jesus or just doing things the way they’ve always been done? [[30:10]]
The pastor shared a story about trying to do things his own way and ending up right where God wanted him. Can you relate to this? Share a time when you tried to take a shortcut or do things your way instead of God’s way. What did you learn? [[40:17]]
The sermon says, “The church is an assembly, not a solo act.” How are you currently participating in the life of the church? Is there a step you could take to be more connected to others in the body? [[33:09]]
Holidays and traditions can sometimes cause confusion or disagreement. How can you use these times as opportunities to worship Jesus and be a light to others, rather than getting caught up in debates or outward forms? [[21:39]]

Sermon Clips

Jesus is the head of the church. I don't know if y'all are aware of this or not. I don't know if you've heard that before, but Jesus is the head of the church, not Pastor Steve, not me, not Pastor Jimmy or Chad or the elders. We're not the head of the church. I told Steve the other day, I said, I hate to break it to you, Steve, you are not the head of the church. You're the neck. Think about it. [00:06:51] (34 seconds) #JesusIsTheHead

What happens when you go through that stuff and especially when it is so bad that you just know that you can't fix it. What happens? Well, there's two things you can do at that point. You can just give up or you can give it to God. And I promise you because I've been there and done it when you give it to God, when you turn it over to Him, He'll take it, your burden. He don't fix it like that. Okay? He don't promise to carry you around trouble. He promises to carry you through it. [00:12:07] (46 seconds) #GiveItToGod

Who are you following today? Because, see, here's the thing. If you're following the government, if you're following a person in our government, we need to have some counseling after this because they're going to lead you into that ditch. If you're following me this morning, all I can tell you is to follow me as I follow Christ because if you follow me for me, we're both going in that ditch. [00:13:19] (37 seconds) #FollowChristNotMan

Are you following your friend who don't even know the Lord? I go on to Midland now. We do that, don't we? How many times you've been with a friend or a person that doesn't know the Lord and they want to give you advice for your life? Now, that doesn't mean everything they say is wrong, right? But, what if their advice don't line up with what the Bible teaches or what Jesus says? Well, you've got a choice to make. Who are you following? [00:16:03] (44 seconds) #FollowJesusLead

Jesus is the head of the church. And I pray, my prayer for Riverbend is that the elders, the pastors, everybody here, we're following Jesus' lead. I don't really care what my desires are for this church if they don't line up with Jesus' desire. Are you willing to say that this morning? Because that's a big deal. And that's not just for Riverbend, that's for every church. [00:16:47] (27 seconds) #KeepEyesOnJesus

I worship Jesus. I worship Jesus on Halloween. I worship Jesus on Christmas. I worship Jesus on Easter. I worship Jesus on Tuesday after next. I'm going to still be worshiping Jesus. I don't have to have a holiday to worship Jesus but I'm going to worship Jesus on the holidays too. [00:24:20] (24 seconds) #TraditionWithPurpose

You know what the word church means? Assembly. You can't assemble by yourself not unless you're Voltron. Some of you get that some of you don't. But you can't assemble by yourself. You have to have other Christians to assemble with. That makes you the church. You as a group are the church. And this book we just read out of this scripture says that you are the body of Christ. All of you. We all have different parts to play because the body has many different parts. [00:32:56] (53 seconds) #TrustGodsGPS

Here's the thing. When you're following GPS, every turn you make, it'll give you another route, right? If it tells you to go straight and you turn left, it's going to tell you, all right, now go up here and turn right. And you've got another choice to make. You either keep going your way or you listen to GPS. But here's the thing, it might take you longer, you might have to go around a lot of different things, but what never changes? The destination never changes. [00:40:47] (38 seconds)

Who are you following this morning? Are you following your own self? Are you following culture, society, tradition, or are we going to follow Jesus? As for me, my prayer is I follow Jesus. If you want to follow me, don't follow me because of me. Follow me because I'm following Jesus. As Paul said, follow me as I follow him. Does that mean we're not going to fall in a ditch? We might, but we'll help each other out and we'll keep on following Jesus. [00:46:22] (36 seconds)

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