imitators of god (ephesians 5:1-20) · 2016-04-28 · “be imitators of god, therefore, as dearly...

Imitators of God

(Ephesians 5:1-20)

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us

and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” -- Eph 5:1-2

• Imitation is the sincerest form of worship

• Make the Lord your hero!

• John 3:16

I. Not a Hint of Sexual Immorality (5:3)

• Sin “ruffles God’s feathers” because it is harmful to us

• God has the big picture

• Not a hint…No loopholes

• Sin is improper for God’s holy people

II. Not a Hint…of Greed (5:3)

• A person’s “god” is their object of ultimate concern

• “for the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”

-- I Tim 6:10

• “You cannot serve both God and money” -- Mt 6:24

III. No Idolater has an Inheritance in God’s Kingdom (5:5)

• Idolatry is worshiping anything other than God

• Our “idol” is anything we place where God belongs

• Either God is Lord of all or he is not Lord at all

IV. Live What You Are: God’s Child of Light (5:8-14)

• “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.”

• “Have nothing to do with fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

V. Live Intentionally “Be very careful how you live, as wise, making the most of

every opportunity…” (5:15-20)

• Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction…

--Matthew 7:13-14

• Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

-- Ephesians 5:17

Some Intentional Choices (5:18-20)

• Don’t get drunk (5:18)

• Instead, be filled with the Spirit (5:18)

• Sing and make music in your heart (5:19)

• Give thanks to God the Father for everything (5:20)

I Thes 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances”

How we may imitate God

• Not a hint of sexual immorality or greed

• Live as children of light, as children of God, and expose Satan’s lies with God’s truth

• Live intentionally by making godly choices:

Don’t get drunk Be filled with God’s Spirit

Praise God in song Always be thankful

Nothing honors God more than choosing to walk like him!

Have you begun the journey?