How can we "imitate God" in our daily actions and decisions? Setting the Foundation “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). Because Scripture is fully true and trustworthy, this command is not figurative; it is a literal, daily calling for every believer. Why Imitate God? • We bear His image (Genesis 1:26–27). • We are His beloved children, adopted through Christ (Ephesians 1:5). • Our lives become a living testimony to the world (Matthew 5:16). • Imitation shapes us into the likeness of Christ, preparing us for eternity (Romans 8:29). What Does God Look Like? Key Attributes to Mirror 1. Love – “God is love” (1 John 4:8). 2. Holiness – “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16; cf. Leviticus 19:2). 3. Mercy & Forgiveness – “Be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). 4. Truth – “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). 5. Faithfulness – “The LORD, the faithful God” (Deuteronomy 7:9). 6. Justice – “He loves righteousness and justice” (Psalm 33:5). 7. Humility & Servanthood – modeled perfectly by Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). Practical Ways to Imitate God Each Day • Love sacrificially – Serve without expecting return (John 13:14-15). – Give generously to meet real needs (1 John 3:17-18). • Pursue holiness – Reject immoral entertainment, speech, and habits (Ephesians 5:3-4). – Set apart regular time for Scripture and prayer (Psalm 119:11). • Extend forgiveness quickly – Cancel offenses as God canceled ours (Colossians 3:13). – Speak blessing instead of harboring grudges (Romans 12:14). • Speak truth – Let every word be honest yet gracious (Ephesians 4:25, 29). – Refuse gossip and deceit (Proverbs 12:22). • Walk in the Spirit – Depend on His power to produce the fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. – Say “yes” to His promptings, “no” to fleshly impulses (Romans 8:12-14). • Practice faithful integrity – Keep promises, contracts, and vows (Psalm 15:4b). – Work diligently as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). • Seek justice and mercy – Defend the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9). – Give practical help to the poor (James 1:27). • Cultivate humility – Prefer others above yourself (Philippians 2:3-4). – Accept correction without defensiveness (Proverbs 9:8-9). Guardrails for Consistent Imitation • Renew the mind daily with Scripture (Romans 12:2). • Stay connected to a Christ-centered community (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Examine motives and actions under God’s light (Psalm 139:23-24). • Rely on the Spirit’s enabling grace, not mere willpower (Zechariah 4:6). The Joyful Outcome A lifestyle that mirrors God attracts others to Him (1 Peter 2:12), deepens personal fellowship with the Father (John 14:21), and prepares believers for the day when they will see Him face to face and be like Him (1 John 3:2). |
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