Read: Ephesians 5:1–2
Watch: Sacrifice and Atonement (BibleProject)
Be Imitators of God and Walk in Love!
Summarizing chapter four of Ephesians, we are called to unity as one Body! We are challenged to be equipped for the work of the Kingdom and commanded to be renewed by putting off the old life and putting on the new, which is Christ. Having been transformed, we are then commissioned to live as a healthy community.
Chapter five begins with a “therefore.” Having considered all that has been stated, we are now told: be imitators of God. How in the world can you imitate God? The answer is simple: walk in love. I love how The Message renders this: “Watch what God does, and then you do it… Keep company with him and learn a life of love.“
We are taught that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. So, the answer is right there: Act, think, talk, live, and love like Jesus. Now, you’re right—you can’t live Jesus’ life. But you can allow Him to teach you how to live your life as if He were living it through you. How do you do this?
- Ask Jesus to be the “Boss” of your life. This is surrender and submission. He is the King; allow Him to be the King of your domain. Give Jesus rule and reign over everything you have a say in: your heart, your mind, your decisions, and your role in every relationship. Do you regularly pray, “Jesus, I give everyone and everything to You”? Start there.
- Ask Jesus to help you. Ask Him to show you the places in your heart and life where you are still white-knuckling control. This may take time and patience, but He will be faithful to show you the people and things you still need to hand over to Him.
- Ask Jesus to love through you. First, ask Him to let you truly experience how much He loves you. Be prepared: when you begin to understand the depth of His affection for you, you can’t help but overflow with His love. That is the point! Jesus tapped into the Fountain of Life and loved just as the Father loved. We can, too!
Are you imitating Christ? Are you walking in that kind of love?
Pray: Father, help me to imitate Christ in all I say and do! Amen.
Discussion Questions:
1. The “Control” Audit
Jesus shows us the areas where we still want control. If you were to look your schedule, your bank account, or your most stressful relationship, which one are you “white-knuckling” the most? What would it look like to practically hand the “keys” of that specific area over to Him this week?
2. Imitation through Observation
The Message states: “Watch what God does, and then you do it.” To watch someone, you have to be close to them. In the busyness of your current season, what is your biggest obstacle to “keeping company” with God? How can you shift your daily rhythm to simply observe His character more clearly?
3. The Overflow Principle
We often try to love others out of our own limited strength, which leads to burnout. Pastor Mark suggests that loving others is an overflow of experiencing God’s love for us. When was the last time you felt truly, deeply loved by God? If that feeling is currently distant, what is one “false narrative” about God’s heart toward you that might be blocking the fountain?