Imitate God – Eph 5:1-2

[Eph 5:1-2; Eph 4:32; 2Cor 2:15]

Eph 5:1 (NKJV) –Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

Now the therefore immediately points you back – back to the last verse of chapter 4 where we are encouraged;

Eph 4:32 (NKJV) –And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Paul’s topic here is God’s forgiveness as our example of forgiveness.

Eph 5:1 (NKJV) –Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

“Be imitators of God.” In other words, follow the example that God has established for us in forgiveness.

This is a major key to getting our prayers answered. If you are holding bitterness or a grudge in your heart towards someone, that bitterness is going to eat at you. Unforgiveness will keep our prayers from being answered (See, Mk 11:25).

If you refuse to imitate God, by keeping a root of bitterness in your heart, it will cause you to be as unfruitful as the fig tree Jesus cursed. I believe unforgiveness grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders His fruit.

God’s Word tells us the importance of our forgiving one another. When Jesus was giving to the disciples the model prayer, He included, “forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors” (Mt 6:12).

Asking for forgiveness, but also acknowledging the fact that we have received forgiveness, and that we ourselves must be forgiving. Forgive us and help us to be forgiving as we forgive others. Jesus emphasized a very important stipulation as He closed His prayer directive, “For if you will not forgive men their trespasses against you, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses” (Mt 6:15). It is always “our turn” to forgive. God first forgave us, now we must forgive one another “even as” He forgave us.

Peter said, “Lord, how often should I forgive a brother the same offense? Seven times?” Maybe Peter was thinking, “I got this!” Jesus answered him, “No, Peter. Seventy times seven.” Four hundred and ninety?

The Lord was making the point that forgiveness is not a matter of equal accounting, but it is a matter of the spirit. God wants us to have a forgiving spirit. Yes, you have been wronged. Yes, you have a right to be angry. Yes, you have a right to be upset over the situation. Yes, you can be devoured by unforgiveness, or you can forgive and not give place to the devil.

Eph 4:32-5:1 (NKJV) –And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. [5:1] Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

So you see how verse 5:1 ties to the previous verse in chapter 4. God is the example for us in forgiveness; we need to be imitators, as sons of our heavenly Father who has forgiven us. Children are like their parents. God wants us to be like Him, in His image.

And walk in love (Eph 5:2)

Now remember in the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul has explained that God has blessed us in Christ in heavenly places. Having seated us together in Christ, the Father made us heirs together with Him. Three chapters tell us all that God has done for us, and all that God has promised for us. Now he finally starts to talk to us about our walk.

Paul first lays the foundation of God’s love, grace, goodness, blessings, and provisions. Now because you have been so loved of God, so blessed of God, and so taught of God. Now Paul tells us to copy the Father, and walk in love, like Christ loved us.

Eph 5:1-2 (NKJV) –Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

So with forgiveness, God is the example. We are to forgive as God has forgiven us. Be imitators of God. In walking in love, Jesus is our example, who loved us, and gave himself for us. So with self-sacrificing love, that giving love, He has given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.

“Sweet-smelling aroma” is referring to the Old Testament sacrifices. When the priests were finished offering sacrifices, God was satisfied. This obedience to His Word was a sweet smell to Him.

When Jesus went to the cross, died for the sins of the world, and was resurrected on the third day, God was satisfied. When Jesus offered Himself up as a the final sacrifice, He was a “sweet-smelling aroma” before God. God was satisfied with the work of Jesus.

God is satisfied first, with the work of Jesus, and next with me. Because I have accepted the work of Jesus, God is satisfied with me. When Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father, God must have said again, “…This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17). Then when I was born again, He said the same thing about me. I know if I continue to walk in His love, He is satisfied.

2Cor 2:15 (NKJV) –For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

All the while keep in mind that Jesus is the Christ. He is the Anointed One, and we need His anointing to be like Him. As we are continually being filled with the Holy Spirit, we are being enabled for His service and so, His likeness.

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond