7-Day Plan · Step 2 of the Pathway

Following Jesus

You have trusted Christ. What now? Seven passages on the new life He gives — His Word, prayer, honesty about sin, the church, baptism, and the first steps of walking with Him.

Grow in the Word. Walk in the Commission.

7 daysKJV ScriptureRead · Understand · Apply · Pray

How to use this plan

Each day follows the same seven steps. Read the passage first and let Scripture speak before the commentary does. All quoted Scripture on this page is the King James Version; everything outside the quotation boxes is explanation written to help you understand and apply the passage.

Read — the passage itself, in full.
Understand — what it means in context.
Key Truth — the central point in one sentence.
Reflect — an honest question to sit with.
Apply — one concrete action.
Pray — bring the day to God.
Next Step — what carries into tomorrow.

Day 1

Your New Life in Christ

Read

2 Corinthians 5:14–21 (King James Version)
¹⁴For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
¹⁵And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
¹⁶Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
¹⁷Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
¹⁸And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
¹⁹To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
²¹For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:14–21 on BibleGateway ↗

Understand

Paul describes what has actually happened to a person who is in Christ. The love of Christ constrains believers, because if one died for all, then all were dead; and He died for all so that those who live “should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” Verse 17 states the change directly: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This is not something the believer achieved. All of it is “of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ.” The new life begins with what God has done, and the living out of it follows from there.

Key Truth

Anyone who is in Christ is a new creature; the old has passed away.

Reflect

Do you think of your new life as something you must now achieve, or as something God has already begun in you through Christ?
What does being “in Christ” mean to you?
What parts of your old way of living need to change?
What purpose has God given those reconciled to Him?

Apply

Write down something from your old life you need to leave behind and something Christ is calling you to begin pursuing. Pray about both.

Pray

“Father, thank You for the new life You give through Jesus Christ. Change my desires, priorities, and actions so that my life increasingly reflects Christ. Help me live for the purpose You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Next Step

New life needs food. Tomorrow’s passage is about the Scripture God uses to grow you.

Day 2

Growing Through God’s Word

Read

2 Timothy 3:14–17 (King James Version)
¹⁴But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
¹⁵And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
¹⁷That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:14–17 on BibleGateway ↗

Understand

Paul urges Timothy to continue in what he has learned and been assured of, “knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” Timothy had received sound teaching through Scripture and through trustworthy people. Paul says the holy scriptures “are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” — Scripture leads a person to Christ; it is not an end in itself. Because all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, so that the servant of God is thoroughly furnished for every good work. A believer grows on this diet, not on impressions or opinions.

Key Truth

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and equips the believer for every good work.

Reflect

What has been keeping you from reading the Bible regularly — time, difficulty, or simply not knowing where to start?
What does this passage say Scripture is useful for?
What voices currently influence the way you think?
Will you let Scripture correct beliefs or behavior that conflict with God’s Word?

Apply

Choose a realistic daily Bible-reading time. If you are unsure where to continue, begin with the Gospel of John. Before reading, pray for understanding and obedience.

Pray

“Father, thank You for giving us Your Word. Give me a hunger for Scripture. Help me understand what I read, recognize truth, reject error, and obey what You teach me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Next Step

God speaks to you in His Word. Tomorrow you learn to speak to Him.

Day 3

Learning to Pray

Read

Matthew 6:5–13 (King James Version)
⁵And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
⁶But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
⁷But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
⁸Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
⁹After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
¹⁰Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us this day our daily bread.
¹²And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:5–13 on BibleGateway ↗

Understand

Jesus first removes two wrong ideas about prayer. It is not performance for an audience — those who pray to be seen “have their reward” already. And it is not persuasion by volume or repetition, “for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” Then He gives a pattern. It begins with God: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Only then does it turn to our needs — daily bread, forgiveness of debts as we forgive our debtors, and deliverance from temptation and evil. Jesus is teaching His followers to pray as children to a Father who already knows them.

Key Truth

Prayer is speaking honestly to a Father who already knows what you need.

Reflect

Does your praying start with God — His name, His kingdom, His will — or does it usually start and end with your own requests?
What does Jesus warn against in this passage?
What does the Lord’s Prayer teach about what matters to God?
Which area of prayer is most difficult for you?

Apply

Pray through the pattern in verses 9 to 13 slowly, putting each line into your own words as you go.

Pray

“Father, teach me to pray. Help me seek Your will, depend upon You, confess sin honestly, pray for others, and make prayer a regular part of following Jesus. Amen.”

Next Step

Tomorrow deals with what every honest believer runs into: temptation and sin.

Day 4

Obedience, Temptation & Sin

Read

1 John 1:5–2:6 (King James Version)
^1:5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
^1:6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
^1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
^1:8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
^1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
^1:10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
^2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
^2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
^2:3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
^2:4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
^2:5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
^2:6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1 John 1:5–2:6 on BibleGateway ↗

Understand

John states the message plainly: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Walking in the light does not mean being sinless — it means living honestly before God rather than hiding. John rules out two errors. The first is pretending: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” The second is despair, and he answers it with a promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then he adds why he writes — “that ye sin not.” But if any man sin, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” who is the propitiation for our sins. Assurance and obedience belong together here: the one who says he knows Him keeps His commandments.

Key Truth

God forgives and cleanses those who confess their sin, and believers have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Reflect

When you sin, is your instinct to hide from God, to excuse it, or to bring it into the light and confess it?
Is there sin you have been hiding or excusing?
How does 1 John 2:1 give hope when you fail?
What is the difference between obeying to earn salvation and obeying because you love Christ?

Apply

Identify one recurring temptation. Ask what leads toward it, what you can remove or change, what Scripture addresses it, and which mature believer could offer prayer or accountability. Take one concrete step.

Pray

“Father, show me the areas of my life that do not honor You. Give me humility to confess sin and strength to turn from it. Thank You that Jesus Christ is my advocate. Amen.”

Next Step

A believer was never meant to walk alone. Tomorrow is about the people God places you among.

Day 5

The Church, Fellowship & Baptism

Read

Acts 2:37–47 (King James Version)
³⁷Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
³⁸Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
³⁹For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
⁴⁰And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
⁴¹Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
⁴²And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
⁴³And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
⁴⁴And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
⁴⁵And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
⁴⁶And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
⁴⁷Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:37–47 on BibleGateway ↗

Understand

When the crowd heard Peter preach they were pricked in their heart and asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” About three thousand received his word and were baptized that day. Luke then shows what happened next: “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They shared what they had, met daily, ate together with gladness and singleness of heart, praised God, and the Lord added to the church daily. Baptism was the public beginning, and a shared life together was the ordinary pattern that followed.

Key Truth

New believers are baptized and joined to a body that continues in teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

Reflect

Are you known by other believers — not just present among them, but actually known?
Why does Christian fellowship matter?
What characteristics of the early church do you see in Acts 2?
Have you been baptized since trusting Christ?
Are you connected to a faithful local church?

Apply

If you are not connected with a biblical local church, begin looking for one that faithfully teaches Scripture, clearly proclaims the gospel, centers on Christ, encourages holiness and discipleship, and takes the Great Commission seriously. Ask faithful church leaders about baptism.

Pray

“Father, thank You that I do not have to follow Jesus alone. Connect me with faithful believers who will encourage me to grow. Give me humility to learn, willingness to serve, and courage to obey Christ publicly. Amen.”

Next Step

Tomorrow returns to a passage you have already read, and looks at the part of it that reaches outward.

Day 6

Sharing Jesus With Others

Read

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 (King James Version)
¹⁷Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
¹⁸And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
¹⁹To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
²¹For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 on BibleGateway ↗

Understand

This is the second half of the passage you read on Day 1, and it moves from what God did to what He then entrusted. God reconciled believers to Himself by Jesus Christ “and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” He “hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” That is why Paul says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” An ambassador does not invent the message or enforce it; he carries it faithfully. The message itself is verse 21 — the sinless Christ made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

Key Truth

God gives reconciled people the ministry and the word of reconciliation, and sends them as ambassadors for Christ.

Reflect

An ambassador represents someone else. Whose reputation is at stake in the way you speak about Christ?
Who first explained the gospel clearly to you?
Who has God placed in your life who needs Jesus?
What fears keep you from talking about Christ?

Apply

Write down the names of three people who need Jesus. Pray for them. Choose one and look for a natural opportunity to ask, “What do you think about Jesus?” Listen carefully and be ready to explain why your hope is in Christ.

Pray

“Father, thank You for reconciling sinners to Yourself through Jesus Christ. Give me love for people who do not know You and courage, wisdom, and humility to speak about Jesus. Amen.”

Next Step

Tomorrow closes this plan where the Christian life is headed — following Christ in a way that helps others follow Him too.

Day 7

Become a Disciple Who Makes Disciples

Read

Matthew 28:16–20 (King James Version)
¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
¹⁷And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:1–2 (King James Version)
¹Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
²And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Matthew 28:16–20 on BibleGateway ↗2 Timothy 2:1–2 on BibleGateway ↗

Understand

Matthew records the risen Lord’s parting words. Jesus states His authority first — “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” — and then commands His followers to go, teach all nations, baptize them, and teach “them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” with the promise, “lo, I am with you alway.” Paul shows the same work at close range. He tells Timothy first to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” and then to commit what he heard to faithful men “who shall be able to teach others also.” Notice that both passages are addressed to ordinary followers, not to specialists, and both begin with something God supplies — Christ’s authority, and Christ’s grace.

Key Truth

Christ sends His followers to teach others to obey Him, and entrusts His truth to faithful people who will teach others also.

Reflect

Who helped you take your first steps with Christ? What did they actually do that was useful to you?
How has your understanding of following Jesus changed?
Which spiritual habit needs the most growth?
Who could help disciple you?
Who might God eventually allow you to help?

Apply

Choose three next steps: one in the Word, one in community with a faithful church or mature believer, and one in the Great Commission through prayer, encouragement, sharing Christ, or helping someone grow. Write them down and act on them.

Pray

“Jesus, thank You for saving me and calling me to follow You. Help me grow in Your Word, pray faithfully, obey Your commands, walk with Your people, and share Your gospel. As You mature me, use my life to help others follow You. Amen.”

Next Step

The next plan, Growing as a Disciple, goes deeper into abiding in Christ, walking in the Spirit, and growing through trials.

The Pathway

Grow in the Word. Walk in the Commission.

Keep walking

These seven days covered the first steps: new life in Christ, His Word, prayer, honesty about sin, and His people. The next plan goes deeper into how a believer actually grows.

Continue to Growing as a Disciple →All Bible Plans Find community Request prayer