IMITATE CHRIST

Ephesians 5:1-14 / Keywords 5:1,2

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.

 

5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 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. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater- -has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

 

1. The word walk is used 8 times in Ephesians. Paul encourages them to imitate God and to walk as Christ did in the way of love, loving others as he loved us. The way of love has a fragrant smell of the aroma of Christ. Our Christian walk should reveal that we are born again. A mature Christian imitates God as dearly loved children and walks in the way of love as Jesus did by offering himself up on the cross. How is your Christian walk?

2. We should guard our Christian lifestyles so that there is not even a hint of sexual immorality, greed, or impurity. We need to guard our lips as well, not to sin by complaining, but rather giving thanks. We should not be deceived to think that social norms are okay just because everyone thinks or does so.

3. We must live as children of the light and walk in the light to please God. Then, we can enjoy the fruits of the light: goodness, righteousness, and truth. Let’s have nothing to do with those who walk in shameful darkness but illuminate the light of Jesus to others.

Prayer Father, thank you for Christ, who gave himself up for me. Please help me to walk in the way of love and reveal your light to others.

One Word Be imitators of Christ, walk in his way of love, and shine Jesus’ light