Ephesians 5:1-21; Imitation As Honor

Sermon in a sentence: I will honor God by imitating Christ in my thoughts, words and actions.

Introduction

The saying goes, “Imitation is the highest form of flattery.”

I Will Walk In Love (vs. 1-8)

We walk differently because we are loved by God.

Our actions flow out of our relationship with God. They do not create the relationship.

Love is emotional and active.

God so loved the world that he gave… (John 3:16)

Love is not focused upon our own desires - impurity, covetousness. Instead, it is thankful!

Empty words - Symphony and Empathy are not to rule our love. (1946 Movie)

I Will Walk In Light (vs. 8-14)

Walking in light causes us to see the world for what it truly is.

We are not blinded but we can truly see sin.

John 1:4–5 ESV

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Walking in the light requires us to expose the darkness.

Wake up! Come out of your sins and live in light!

1 Corinthians 5:9–12 ESV

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?

I want to say this with truth, love, grace, mercy, and humility. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of things that have happened in the past that have been swept under the rug here at Colgate. Issues were not addressed. I have no ill will towards the previous pastor. But sins must be addressed and exposed for the sake of the glory of God and the health of his church.

With that being said. I have had multiple questions about Gary Bullock. I have had questions from members and even nonmembers this very week. Unfortunately, Gary did not like a decision I made, after the deacons and I came up with a plan. He later sinned against me in front of other members of Colgate and then repeatedly refused to spoke to me to reconcile. Gary is not a member of Colgate, he is not a deacon at Colgate, and he is in unrepentant sin.

I Will Walk In Wisdom (vs. 15-21)

Wisdom is not optional in the Christian life.

Proverbs 14:1 ESV

1 The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

God has revealed his will. Now we must have wisdom to live it out.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 ESV

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Listening to God’s Word is the most practical way to walk in God’s wisdom.

We must first hear God’s Word to know it. Then we guard it in our hearts.

But we must also be able to submit to it and one another when we speak with God’s authoritative word.

Conclusion

Driving through town, just my boy and me

With a Happy Meal in his booster seat

Knowing that he couldn't have the toy 'til his nuggets were gone

A green traffic light turned straight to red

I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath

His fries went a-flying and his orange drink covered his lap

Well, then my four-year-old said a four-letter word

That started with "S" and I was concerned

So I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to talk like that?"

He said, "I've been watching you, dad. Ain't that cool?

I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you

And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are

We got cowboy boots and camo pants

Yeah, we're just alike. Hey, ain't we, dad?

I wanna do everything you do

So I've been watching you"

We got back home and I went to the barn

I bowed my head and I prayed real hard

Said, "Lord, please help me help my stupid self"

Then this side of bedtime later that night

Turning on my son's Scooby Doo nightlight

He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees

He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands

And spoke to God like he was talking to a friend

And I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to pray like that?"

He said, "I've been watching you, dad. Ain't that cool?

I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you

And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are

We like fixing things and holding mama's hand

Yeah we're just alike. Hey, ain't we, dad?

I wanna do everything you do

So I've been watching you"

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug

Said, "My little bear is growing up"

He said, "But when I'm big I'll still know what to do"

'Cause I've been watching you, dad. Ain't that cool?

I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you

And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are

By then I'll be as strong as Superman

We'll be just alike. Hey, won't we, dad?

When I can do everything you do

'Cause I've been watching you"

Application

Listen to the Psalms and meditate upon them each day this week.