Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-7
1.Be an Imitator of God Because . . .You are His Beloved Child
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (v1)
“(God) chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance to the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)
“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
Don’t Just Be Loved . . . Be Love!
2. Be an Imitator of God Because . . .You Have Received an Incredible Gift
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (v2)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 4:19)
Don’t Just Be Love . . . Walk Love!
3. Be an Imitator of God because . . .You are a Saint
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (v3-4)
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.” (1 Peter 2:9)
“In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:7-8)
Don’t Just Walk Love . . . Talk Purity!
4. Be an Imitator of God because . . .You Have a Promised Inheritance
“For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (v5)
“(God) has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy you also be holy in all your conduct.” (1 Peter 1:14-15)
Don’t Just Talk Purity . . . Live Purity!