Higher Level Living Series

Ephesians 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.” (NIV)

What does it mean to be an imitator of God? By understanding what the attitude of God looks like.

Paul gives us this in Philippians 2:3-8 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!” (NIV)

What does living a life of love and being an imitator of God look like?

1. When I am self-absorbed I grieve the Heart of God!

Vs. 3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,”

Selfish ambition is about competition.

James 4:1-2 “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it.” (NIV)

The person who gets too big for their britches will be exposed in the end!

2. When I value people I live at a Higher Level!

Vs. 3 “but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

Better doesn’t mean superior it means “worthy of respect”.

Vs. 4 “Each of you should look not only to your own interests,”

The bible says you should have enough:

Self-concern: food, rest, and safety.

Self-respect: to not allow people to manipulate, intimidate, violate, or abuse you.

Self-esteem: to know you have a God who loves you and that your life matters.

3. When I care about the needs of others I live at a Higher Level.

Vs. 4 “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Question: If I wanted to get to the top what would I need to do?

In God’s economy the way to the top is down: I need to pay attention to the needs of others.

Can you name the top five needs of your wife, husband, children or co-worker?

4. When I have the attitude of Jesus I live a life of Love!

Vs. 5-8 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!”

I will you say, “I will love you God and others, where you send me I will go, who you send me to I will serve, where you point me I will go, lead me and I will follow no conditions.”