Be Imitators of God

In verse 1, the text instructs us to, “be imitators of God.”  Imitation simply refers to those who mimic; to follow a pattern, model, or example.  Now imposters are those who assume a false identity for the purpose of deception.

“God expects imitators, not imposters.” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

Imitate God by Walking in Love

Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV) – and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

The very nature of God gives.  Love gives; lust takes.

“Am I imitating God by my walk in love?” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

John 13:34 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

“If there is no room for the failures of others, could it be you are not walking in love.” – Pastor Bill Johnson

Imitate God by Walking in Light

Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV)- For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

“It’s not that you walked in darkness, you WERE darkness.” – Pastor Bill Johnson

And darkness in this text references all of us being willfully blind, living in rebellion and opposed to the light.  But thanks be to God that we now walk in the light.

Now as Christians we are to walk in the light.  Now it is important to remember that we aren’t the Light, but that we reflect the light of Christ.

Imitate God by Walking in Wisdom

Ephesians 5:15 (NKJV) – See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise

“Wisdom is the ability to make the right decision at the opportune time.” – Pastor Bill Johnson

We want to make sure we are walking in wisdom because the “days are evil”.  You never know where people are in that “day of evil”, and so it is important that we walk in wisdom.

How Do We Walk in Wisdom?

We walk in wisdom by being filled with the Spirit.  That is, bring yourself under the influence of the Spirit of God.  This being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process.

Being under the influence of the Spirit impacts your speaking.   Before you start speaking ask:

True
Helpful
Inspiring
Necessary
Kind

Being under the influence of the Spirit impacts more than our conversation, it also impacts our worship and our gratitude.

“In the midst of everything, we can have gratitude in our hearts.” – Pastor Bill Johnson

The filling of the Spirit will always show itself in interpersonal relationships. 

“You can’t say I love God, but hate my brother.” – Pastor Bill Johnson