Living Like Christ: Love, Light, and Wisdom

Summary

Today’s focus is on what it truly means to “be like Christ” in every area of our lives. Drawing from Ephesians 5 and 6, the call is to move beyond simply knowing the foundations of our faith—salvation by grace through faith—and to let that faith transform our daily living. Just as Michael Jordan’s “Be Like Mike” campaign shaped a generation, we are invited to let the brand of Christ shape our identity, our relationships, and our witness to the world.

The journey begins with imitating Christ’s love. We are called to walk in love, as dearly loved children, forgiving and showing mercy as Christ did. This love is not just for those who are easy to love, but extends to everyone, even in the most challenging circumstances. Our lives should be marked by a love that is sacrificial and unconditional, so that others recognize who we belong to.

Paul urges us to live as children of light, shining the light of Christ into the dark places of our world. This means our actions, words, and attitudes should reflect the hope and goodness of Jesus, whether we’re at home, at work, or in the community. We are reminded that our witness is not just for Sunday mornings, but for every moment—especially when it’s difficult or inconvenient.

Wisdom is essential for this journey. We are encouraged to ask God daily for wisdom to navigate the complexities of life, to discern what is good and right, and to avoid the pitfalls of our culture. Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event, but a continual process that empowers us to live wisely and courageously.

Relationships are at the heart of this calling. Whether in marriage, family, or work, we are to put others before ourselves, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Parents are charged with training and instructing their children in the Lord, providing a foundation that will sustain them when they face the world’s challenges. In our work, we are to serve wholeheartedly, as if serving the Lord, knowing that God sees and rewards our faithfulness.

The story of the Helms brothers in Charlotte is a modern example of young people using their platform to shine the light of Christ, resisting the pressures of culture, and pointing others to Jesus. Their courage and intentionality challenge us to consider how we can use our own influence to bring glory to God.

Ultimately, the invitation is to have the mindset of Christ: to do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility, to value others above ourselves. This is real life—living out our faith in every relationship, every decision, and every opportunity, so that the world may see Christ in us.

Key Takeaways

- Imitate Christ’s Love in All Things
The call to “be like Christ” is not a slogan but a daily practice of sacrificial love. This means forgiving as Christ forgave, loving the least and the lost, and letting our actions be a fragrant offering to God. Our identity as God’s beloved children is most clearly seen when we love others as He has loved us. [34:08]

- Shine the Light of Christ in a Dark World
We are no longer people of darkness, but children of light. Our lives are meant to illuminate the hope, truth, and goodness of Jesus in every environment—especially where brokenness and sin abound. Even in mundane or frustrating moments, our response can either reflect Christ’s light or hide it; we are called to let it shine boldly. [37:49]

- Seek Wisdom and Be Continually Filled with the Spirit
Navigating real life requires more than good intentions; it demands wisdom from above. We are encouraged to ask God daily for wisdom and to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to discern, to resist temptation, and to live with integrity. This ongoing dependence on God is the foundation for wise living. [39:31]

- Honor and Build Up Relationships Through Mutual Submission
Whether in marriage, family, or work, the pattern is mutual submission and sacrificial love. Husbands and wives are to put each other first, parents are to train and instruct their children in the Lord, and all are to serve one another as unto Christ. This countercultural approach to relationships is the soil in which faith grows and the church is built up. [53:41]

- Use Every Platform to Point to Jesus
Our influence—whether in the workplace, at home, or online—is a gift to be stewarded for God’s glory. The example of the Helms brothers shows that even in a culture saturated with self-promotion, it is possible to use our platforms to shine the light of Christ and invite others into His joy and peace. We are called to be intentional, courageous, and authentic witnesses in every sphere of life. [01:00:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction of Nursery Director
[03:00] - Prayer for New Leadership
[05:00] - Worship and Celebration
[24:05] - Capital Campaign and Renovation Updates
[27:54] - Series Overview: Real Life in Ephesians
[29:38] - Michael Jordan and “Be Like Mike”
[33:09] - The Call to Be Like Christ
[34:08] - Walking in Love as Christ Did
[35:51] - Living as Children of Light
[37:49] - Shining Light in Dark Places
[39:31] - Living Wisely and Seeking God’s Wisdom
[53:41] - Relationships: Marriage, Family, and Work
[55:06] - Serving Wholeheartedly in All We Do
[57:54] - Real Life: Faith Beyond Sunday
[59:38] - The Mindset of Christ and Modern Examples
[01:00:34] - The Helms Brothers: Shining Christ’s Light
[01:03:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Be Like Christ in Real Life”

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### Bible Reading

Ephesians 5:1-2, 8-21; 6:1-9 (ESV)

> 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
> ...
> 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ...
> 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
>
> 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 5:1-2, what does it mean to “walk in love” and how is Christ’s example described?
2. In the sermon, what are some specific ways Paul says we should “shine the light” of Christ in our daily lives? ([37:49])
3. What does Paul say about wisdom in Ephesians 5:15-17, and how does the sermon connect this to our everyday choices? ([39:31])
4. How does Paul describe the pattern for relationships in marriage, family, and work in Ephesians 5:21–6:9? ([53:41])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon compares the “Be Like Mike” campaign to the call to “be like Christ.” What does it look like for someone’s identity to be shaped by Christ rather than by culture? ([33:09])
2. Why is it important, according to both Paul and the sermon, to love not just those who are easy to love, but also those who are difficult? How does this reflect Christ’s love? ([34:08])
3. The sermon talks about being “filled with the Spirit” as an ongoing process. What might it look like to seek the Spirit’s filling daily, and why is this necessary for wise living? ([39:31])
4. In the context of relationships, what does “mutual submission” mean, and how is it different from the way the world often views relationships? ([53:41])

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a relationship in your life—at home, work, or elsewhere—where it’s hard to show sacrificial love. What is one practical step you could take this week to imitate Christ’s love in that relationship? ([34:08])
2. The sermon challenges us to “shine the light” of Christ even in frustrating or mundane moments (like in traffic or at the DMV). Can you recall a recent situation where you could have responded differently to reflect Christ’s light? What would you do next time? ([39:31])
3. Paul urges us to ask God for wisdom daily. Is there a specific area of your life right now where you need God’s wisdom? What would it look like to pray for and act on that wisdom this week? ([39:31])
4. In your family or close relationships, how can you practice “mutual submission” and put others before yourself? Is there a habit or attitude you need to change to make this more real? ([53:41])
5. The Helms brothers used their platform to point others to Jesus, even when it meant going against cultural norms. What is one area of influence you have (work, school, social media, etc.) where you could be more intentional about pointing to Christ? ([01:00:34])
6. The sermon mentions training and instructing children in the Lord. If you are a parent, grandparent, or mentor, what is one way you can be more intentional about passing on faith to the next generation? ([53:41])
7. The call to “be like Christ” is not just for Sunday mornings. What is one change you could make in your daily routine to help you remember and live out your identity as a child of God throughout the week? ([57:54])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group to “be like Christ” in their relationships, choices, and influence this week. Pray for courage, wisdom, and a heart that reflects Jesus in all things.

Devotional

Day 1: Be Imitators of Christ—Walk in Love

To be like Christ is to walk in the way of love, imitating His sacrificial compassion and mercy in every relationship and circumstance. This means forgiving as Christ forgave, loving as He loved, and letting our actions and words reflect the heart of Jesus to those around us—at home, at work, in our communities, and even in the most challenging moments. When we choose to walk in love, we build a brand of faith that points others to the source of true life and hope. [34:08]

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show Christ-like love to today, especially if it requires sacrifice or forgiveness?


Day 2: Shine the Light of Christ in a Dark World

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live as children of light, shining the hope and truth of Christ into the dark places of our world. This means letting our actions, words, and attitudes reflect the light of Jesus, whether we are at home, in public, or facing difficult situations. Our daily choices—how we respond to frustration, how we treat others, and how we handle adversity—are opportunities to let the light of Christ be seen and to glorify God in all we do. [37:49]

Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV)
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).

Reflection: In what specific situation today can you choose to respond with the light of Christ instead of reacting in frustration or negativity?


Day 3: Seek God’s Wisdom and Be Filled with the Spirit

Living wisely in a world full of distractions and temptations requires us to seek God’s wisdom daily and to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. This means evaluating what we allow into our minds and hearts, asking God for discernment in our choices, and relying on His Spirit for strength and guidance. When we intentionally seek God’s wisdom and presence, we are empowered to live out our faith authentically and to make the most of every opportunity for good. [39:31]

Ephesians 5:15-18 (ESV)
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God’s wisdom today, and how will you ask Him for it?


Day 4: Build Up Relationships Through Mutual Love and Respect

God’s design for relationships—whether in marriage, family, or community—is rooted in mutual love, respect, and sacrificial service. We are called to put others before ourselves, to honor and train our children in the Lord, and to serve one another as Christ served us. This kind of relationship requires humility, devotion, and a willingness to prioritize the needs of others, reflecting the love and unity that Christ has with His church. [53:41]

Ephesians 5:21-25; 6:1-4 (ESV)
Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can put someone else’s needs before your own in your closest relationship today?


Day 5: Serve Wholeheartedly as Unto the Lord

Whatever our role—at work, at home, or in the community—we are called to serve wholeheartedly, as if we are serving the Lord Himself. This means doing our best, treating others with kindness and respect, and letting our work and service be an act of worship. When we serve with this mindset, God promises to reward our faithfulness, and our lives become a testimony to His goodness and grace in every sphere of influence. [55:06]

Ephesians 6:7-8 (ESV)
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Reflection: How can you approach your work or daily tasks today as an act of service to God, rather than just to people?

Quotes