Introduction
In the previous years during the time that I grew up there seem to be a couple of hero’s that one could look up to and strive to be like.
However today that list seems to be fading away, as I look around and realize that Billy Graham in November will turn 98 years old, truly on of the last great role models.
Our world is in need of great role models, someone that one can look up to.
The solution to this dilemma is the need of “Imitators of God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us that we should be “Imitators of God.”
There seems to be no real role models today, which means it is even more important that we become “Imitators of God.”
Our scripture passage this evening is found in Ephesians 5:1-2, turn with me and please let us honor the Word of God by standing and follow along with me as I read our passage for today.
Scripture
Be ye therefore followers of God, (“Imitators of God”) as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:1-2
Prayer
I. To be Imitators of God requires one to have evidence that demonstrates God-like characteristics in one’s daily life:
1. “Imitators of God” display the characteristic of universal treatment: Matthew 5:45 says that: That God makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. MB
Just because it seems that some people are blessed and others are not, that is not our concern. Focus on the Lord he will take care of you.
2. “Imitators of God” display the characteristic of Universal compassion: 2 Peter 3:9 says that: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise to us, not like some count slackness.
Our Lord is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. MB
The Lord has your back; he will take care of you.
3. “Imitators of God” display the characteristic of Universal Forgiveness: Psalms 86:5 says that: Because our Lord is good, and ready to forgive us.
Our Lord is abundant in mercy to all those who call upon Him.
When someone does you wrong, remember it is not your responsibility to cast judgment. Be ready to forgive, show mercy, this will please the Lord.
4. “Imitators of God” display the characteristic of Universal Reward: Matthew 6:3-4 says that: You see when you do a charitable deed, remember this do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Do that charitable deed in secret; and you’re the Lord see all secret will Himself reward you openly? MB
Those that trust in the Lord and follow his paths will not be forgotten. The Lord sees everything that goes on in your life and he is not slack as some view slackness. He is faithful and full of mercy and will reward you.
II. Imitators of God become examples too
other believers: I Timothy 4:12
1. We become examples to other believers: In word: Proverbs 23:23 says that: Get truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding never let it go, do not let it slip out your of hands for mere pieces of silver. MB
Commit
2. We become examples to other believers: In
conduct: Colossians 1:10 says that: that you may
walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being
fruitful in every good work and increasing in the
knowledge of God; MB
Commit
3. We become examples to other believers: In love:
Ephesians 5:1-2 says that: We are to be imitators of God. We are to walk in love, just like Christ did for us, an offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins. MB
4. We become examples to other believers: In spirit:
Acts 6:10 says that: And they were not able to
resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
Commit
5. We become examples to other believers: In faith:
1 Thessalonians 1:3 says that: remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
Commit
6. We become examples to other believers: In purity: 1 Peter 1:22 says that: Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
Commit
III. Imitators of God position themselves for
great blessings promised to them who live
in according to God’s will for our life.
Psalms 1:1-3 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:1-3
Invitation
1. Are you an Imitator of God?
2. Is there evidence that demonstrates God-like characteristics in your daily life?
3. Are you an example to other believers?
4. Are you receiving blessings from God?
If you can’t say yes to these four questions, then you need to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
If you can only say yes to some of these four questions, then you need to rededicate your life.
