I. Learn to "mimic" our God
A. Our "walk of love" flows from being His beloved children!
1. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you (Ephesians 5:1, 2a).
2. See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.
For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:1-3).
3. We are to be... because God is a God of ...!
4. We need to become more acquainted with the God we serve, rather than the rules we follow!
B. Our "walk of sacrifice" is based upon the character of God!
- Walk 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 5:2).
- This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends? (John 15:12, 13).
- We are not to ...because God is a God of...!
- We need to become more acquainted with the God we serve, rather than the rules we follow!
II. Do not "mimic" the world
A. We are to abstain from every appearance of evil morals!
- But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints (Ephesians 5:3).
- Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
B. We are to abstain from every appearance of an evil mouth!
- And there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks (Ephesians 5:4).
- For this, you know with certainty that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:5; see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, October 19th, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Strive to imitate God
An important Guideline of Life Groups: God's eternal purpose is that we become "conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). How can your Life Group promote this spiritual imitation of God?
Getting Started:
- Who has been the greatest model of Christlikeness in your life?
- How would your neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances score you in imitating God?
Discussing Truths:
1. Do you feel the great love of God for you as His beloved children? How does your "walk of love" flow from this dynamic relationship?
2. One key in our striving to imitate God is becoming more acquainted with the God we serve, rather than just the laws we follow! How well do you know the biblical character of God? The next two questions have lists that you can add to about God's character:
3. Which of these traits are easiest and hardest for you to mimic/imitate?
- a. We need to be forgiving, because God is a God of forgiveness!
- b. We need to be kind, because God is a God of kindness!
- c. We need to be humble, because God is a God of humility!
- d. We need to be merciful, because God is a God of mercy!
- e. We need to be loving, because God is love!
4. Which of these traits are easiest and hardest for you not to mimic/imitate?
- a. We are not to speak lies, because God is a God of truth!
- b. We are not to slander others, because God is a God of grace!
- c. We are not to betray people, because God is a God of faithfulness!
- d. We are not to rationalize sin, because God is a God of honesty & purity!
- e. We are not to be self-centered, because God is a God of sacrifice!
5. Does your edifying speech reflect God's gracious presence in your heart (Luke 6:45)?
Now What? Application:
- Just as kids imitate their parents, think of specific ways you can strive to imitate your Heavenly Father!
- Are there any vices listed in Ephesians 5:3-5 that you mimic and need to repent from? Don't wait (1 John 1:9)!