Ephesians 5:1-2

Ephesians 5:1–2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

It’s beyond us to know Paul meant verses 1&2 to be a part of the end of chapter 4 or a prelude to chapter 5-

But it is here that Paul makes the highest, most complete statement that will ever be made concerning the doctrine of Christianity…concerning what it means to be a believer…

“Be imitators of God!”

The late Presbyterian Pastor and Theologian “James Montgomery Boice” once said that, “In terms of the Christian life we are not innovators; we are imitators.”

Let me tell you about a man who was:

Faithful amid temptation.

The object of his father’s love.

Was mocked by his family.

Was sold for pieces of silver.

Was stripped of his robe.

Was delivered up to the Gentiles.

Was falsely accused.

Stood before rulers.

Embraced God’s purpose through physical harm.

And saw others bow before him.

Who am I talking about?…………Joseph!

Joseph that the Book of Genesis tells us was the great-grandson of Abraham. The 11th Son of Jacob and member of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Who received his Father’s birthright, whose sons and descendents helped lead the Hebrew people into the land promised to them by God, who name was held in high honor as he is included beside the great patriarchs in Hebrews 11.

Why? Because He was an “Imitator of God!”

Imitator meaning he was a person who copied the behavior or actions of another - and that another was God!

Folks…Joseph and his descendents did not live in the will and inherit the eternal blessing of God by just standing by idly and letting it happen for them…

No..No…It was because they loved God. They believed God. They yearned for God. They pursued God. They imitated God!

Jeremiah 29:13 - You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

The more you know about Him…the better you are at loving Him…

Father loved him

Brothers detested him

They wanted to kill him, but sold him into slavery

Potiphar wife falsely accused him

He ended up in prison

Gen 41 - Famine in the land

We as Believers are to imitate God in ALL of our conduct

Not a slaves…but as children [fully dependent on the example of our Father]

Follow Him as your guide…even when you can’t see the end… [taking jimenez home - the water was raging, but i kept watching the guides]

Dont compartmentalize

Dont justify why you cant imitate Christ in your life

Obedience is the mark of a true believer…

God used Joseph

If we would venture more upon the naked promise of God, we should enter a world of wonders to which as yet we are strangers.

Charles Spurgeon