Imitate God

Introduction

Growing up we had our heros we wanted to emulate or we could rightfully say Imitate.

Some of them were fictional heros such as Marvel’s X-Men, The Avengers, DC Comics, He-Man, and the like

Some were true historical heros and others were sports athletes who were the elite and you wanted to be just as they were in their ability to perform as well as they did.

At some point, however, we grow up and we understand those characters (whether fictional or real), could not provide any sustenance within.

If you were raised by a godly mother or father, or guardian, they too can become our heroes.

To see their resilience of faith in Christ. The love and longing for Christ they have; if Christ is in you, sparks a desire to want the same.

Lastly, a little boy who wants to be like his daddy and do the things his daddy does, will desire to be around, or in the presence of, his dad.

There’s something about the impact of a father on his little boy and his little girl; where the boy wants to emulate his father and the little girl wants to find a man who is like her father.

We cannot underestimate, nor neglect, the value a father has in, and outside of, the home.

1. Imitate God

Fresh off the heals of telling the Ephesian church they must no longer walk as the Gentiles do (Eph. 4:17), putting away falsehood (Eph. 4:25), and whoever stole, steal no longer (Eph. 4:28), Paul says “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”

“Be Imitators of God”

Imitators = mimotes = an imitator

imitate = take or follow as a model

imitator = a person who copies the behavior or actions of another

Imitate as a beloved child > dearly beloved

This word (imitate) is used in the scriptures in the following ways:

a. beloved

b. esteemed

c. dear

d. favorite

e. worthy of love

What are we to take from this understanding?

Our imitation is rooted in how much I’m loved, not in how well I can perform

In other words, I imitate because I know, and rest in the fact that, I’m loved.

Understand: Anything I do for God, I do it from the posture of a loved child

Example - Levi

I’m finding my 4-year old son imitates others very well

In fact, he imitates others so well that, if you didn’t know any better, you’d think he’s mocking you.

One day, Tiffany and I were talking with someone out in public. They began to share with us some things and here’s Levi on the side repeating what that person just said

In addition, and more importantly, I’m finding Levi wants to do the things I do.

I’m finding my prayer is what Philip’s, Craig, and Dean sung in the ‘90’s with a song that went:

“Lord I want to be just like You cause he wants to be just like me.

I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see.

Help me be a living Bible Lord, that my little boy can read.

I want to be just like You, cause he wants to be like me.”

This is what Paul is getting to; be like children who imitate their heavenly Father.

Principle: You can’t imitate what you’re not seeing

Question: What are we seeing?