Be Followers of God
Eph. 5:1-2
Introduction
We were talking about Christian walk and conduct last week, and honestly, I think Chapter 5 is a
continuation of this topic. As I go reading the Bible, more truth comes out, more things I learn, the
more I love God’s Word. We are God’s dear children, literally speaking, beloved children. The Greek
translation of the word “dear” is “beloved”, and that makes us all very special. Our son ship
motivates us to serve the Lord and it enables us to obey His standards. With this in mind we are
exhorted to:
I. Be followers of God (Eph. 5:1)
A. The word “follower” in Greek is translated as “imitator.”
B. The imitation of God is not a new teaching. It was often taught in the Old Testament
and this was repeated in the New Testament. Our Lord Himself taught us to imitate
God.
1. Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say
unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
2. 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
C. Paul does not teach us to seek to imitate God in everything. God is God and we can
never imitate Him fully.
D. There are some attributes of God and character which belong only to Him.
Theologians call these God’s incommunicable attributes. Some of them are:
1. Eternal
2. Omnipotent
3. Omnipresent
4. Omniscient
E. God’s communicable attributes are those which we can follow and should imitate.
Example of them are:
1. Love
2. Mercy
3. Longsuffering
4. Justice.
F. Following God or following Christ can be costly
1. Self-denial is needed (Mat. 16:24)
2. It may mean renunciation of things like:
a. Leaving home and friends (Mk. 10:28)
b. Leaving business (Lk. 5:27)
c. Paul’s Renunciation (Phil. 3:8)
3. It involves taking our own cross, a full surrender demanding total commitment
even unto physical death,
G. Blessings Promised to followers of God
1. Spiritual Knowledge (Hos. 6:3)
2. Spiritual light (Jn. 8:12)
3. Guidance of the still small voice (Jn. 10:27)
4. Heavenly honor (Jn. 12:26)
5. Divine Example (1 Pet. 2:21)
Illustration: Kempis’ “Imitation Of Christ”
Thomas ‘a Kempis, a German mystic, was a member of the Brethren of the Common Life. One of his
tasks was to serve as a copyist. In fact, he is supposed to have copied the Bible four times. He wrote
a great many letters, poems, sermons, and devotional pieces.
The Imitation of Christ is one of the most popular devotional books in the world. One authority
claims that it has been issued in more than two thousand different editions and printings. It is a book
for all Christians (in spite of its strong sacramentalism in some sections) because the writer seeks to
glorify Jesus Christ. (Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times)
II. Walk in Love (Eph. 5:2)
A. Love should be the ruling principle in the believer’s life
B. We are commanded to love one another, even the most unlovable person.
1. We are to love even our enemies.
C. Modern generation expresses love in three lettered word which is “sex”.
D. Real love is “sacrificial” in the sense that Christ died in the cross for His love for us.
E. There are seven Bible facts about love
1. Love is God’s nature (1 Jn. 4:8,16).
2. Godly love is giving, sacrificial love (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:9; 3:16-17).
3. Love is the greatest thing (1 Cor. 13:13).
4. Love is an evidence of being Christ’s disciple (Jn. 13:35).
5. Love is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
6. Love is the first thing the Apostle mentioned concerning Christian living (Eph.
4:1-6).
7. True Christian love cannot be separated from truth and holiness and obedience
(Phil. 1:9; 1 Jn. 5:3; 2 Jn. 1:1-13; 3 Jn. 1:1-4).
Illustration: Holy Influence
Many years ago a young fellow by the name of Wray, a student at Princeton College, applied for
appointment as a foreign missionary. He was a thoroughly good man, but not very quick in respect
to learning, and when he reached the field of his prospective labors he found it difficult to master
the language. But though the simple natives could not understand his talk, they could understand his
walk. One day when they, according to the custom in those countries, were seated in a circle on the
ground, listening to the instruction of one of their teachers, the question was asked, “What is it to be
a Christian?” And none could answer. But finally one pointed to where this young man sat, and
replied: “It is to live as Mr. Wray lives.” Not one of them could read the Gospel according to
Matthew, to Mark, to Luke, or to John; but everyone there could read the Gospel according to Wray.
From: Heartwarming Bible Illustrations.
III. Conclusion:
Following Christ can be very costly and very difficult but rewarding. We must walk in
love for Christ commanded us to love one another. Will you follow Christ and walk in
love? The choice is always yours.
