Imitators of God

Be Imitators of God

August 26, 2025

Ephesians 5:1-2 - Be Imitators of God

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 andwalk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Ephesians 5 is full of practical advice on how to live as a Christian. But how do we interpret such guidelines without reverting to the law and living in legalism ? We need to remember the lessons of Ephesians 1 thru 4 about sitting with Christ in heavenly places and walking in the Spirit. We imitate God,  not be striving to obey a list of rules,  but by keeping our eyes on Jesus. If we go where He goes and walk where He walks, we will be imitating or following Him. When we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, we will walk as children of the light.

Ephesians 5:6-13

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of thesethings the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Another point in this passage that is very important in these days is verse 6; “Let no one deceive you with empty words”. Our world today is full of empty words. We are immersed in a world of radio, TV and internet which bombards us continually with empty words. How are we to discern right and wrong and avoid being deceived in such a world?  The only way is to walk in the Spirit and allow Him to guide our thoughts. The Spirit of the Lord knows truth and will tell us the truth if we listen to His voice. He often speaks with a still small voice, so is easily drowned out by the noise of the world if don’t listen carefully. So be wise and spend quiet time where you can hear the voice of the Spirit and so not be deceived by the words of darkness. Then we need to speak out and expose the works of darkness. It is time for these evil deeds to be exposed. We are beginning to see some of this happening in current affairs so we need to pray that more will be exposed and speak out for the truth whenever we have occasion. 

Ephesians 5:15-17

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but aswise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

So as Paul says, the days are evil so we need to be careful how we walk and be wise. By walking in the will of the Lord we demonstrate light and truth to the world. They may not appreciate being exposed to the light, but if enough people come to the light the kingdom of God will grow and flourish in the earth, as it is in heaven .