1. A Father of great grace and wisdom who has blessed us spiritually (Ephesians 1:3-14)
a. He chose us
b. He adopted us as sons
c. He made us accepted in Christ
d. He has forgiven us and redeemed us
e. He has given us an inheritance
f. His grace abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence
2. A Father of great light who enlightens us through His Spirit (Ephesians 1:15-23)
a. With reference to salvation
b. With reference to the Church
3. A Father of great love who has given us salvation (Ephesians 2:4)
a. Being saved from sin
b. Becoming His handiwork
THE CHALLENGE TO BE AN IMITATOR OF GOD
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” Ephesians 5:1
1. To be imitators of God
a. To mimic our Father of great love, light and wisdom.
b. To be a follower of our Father
2. Seeking to be dear children
a. Having a Father- son relationship
b. Having a deep love for God as Father
c. In obedience to our Father as dear children
ASPECTS OF BEING IMITATORS OF GOD
1. Walk in love for each other
“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 offering.” Ephesians 5:2
a. Following Christ
i. As Christ loved us
ii. As He sacrificially gave Himself for us
iii. We too should love sacrificially
b. Not following the world (Ephesians 5:3-7)
c. Doing that which is fitting for saints (Ephesians 5:3)
2. Walk as children of light
“Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
a. Bearing the fruit of light / Spirit
i. In all goodness
ii. In righteousness
iii. In truth
b. Not fellowshipping with darkness
c. Not going back to darkness
3. Walk in wisdom
“See then that you walk circumspectly…” Ephesians 5:15
a. Not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time
b. Not being unwise but understanding the will of God
c. Not drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit