Who do You Try to Imitate?
July 10, 2019
Commentary
Paul continues his discussion on the conduct of believers. He says every Christian should be an imitator of God because we are His children (v. 1). Just as children imitate their parents, we should imitate God. This begins by walking in Christlike love (v. 2). Love is the standard for all Christian behavior. We imitate God by loving others as Christ loved us, even to the point of giving Himself for us.
To walk in love, we must also avoid evil practices (v. 3). Paul warns against sexual immorality, which was common in his time and today. He also condemns covetousness, which is simply another form of selfish desire and uncontrolled appetite. Those who live for sinful pleasure often speak in sinful ways. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Two indications of a person’s character are what makes him laugh and what makes him weep.” Paul warns against shameful talk that mocks purity or makes light of sin. The gift of humor can be a blessing, but when joined to a sinful mind it becomes a curse. “There must not be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, but rather thanksgiving” (v. 4).
At the time Paul was writing, false Christians claimed that believers could sin freely without consequences. Paul makes it clear that those who deliberately continue in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God (v. 5). These warnings describe the habitual practice of sin, not a single failure such as David’s. “Let no one deceive you with empty words” (v. 6), for God will judge those who disobey Him. Therefore, Paul urges, “Do not be partners with them” (v. 7).
Application
On a scale of 1 to 10 how do I rate myself as being an imitator of God by loving others? Today I want to walk in love like Christ, choosing purity instead of sin. What attitudes or words do I need to change? I will thank God for His grace, stay away from temptation, and live in a way that honors Him.
Ephesians 5:1–7 (NET)
1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. 4 Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting—all of which are out of character—but rather thanksgiving. 5 For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be sharers with them,
Watch Who You Imitate
President Calvin Coolidge invited some people from his hometown to dinner at the White House. Since they did not know how to behave at such an occasion, they thought the best policy would be just to do what the President did. The time came fo … Continue