Imitating God: Embracing Our Identity as His Children

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth of our identity as children of God, focusing on the call to be imitators of our Heavenly Father. Drawing from Ephesians 5:1-8, we delved into the transformative power of being adopted into God's family through Jesus Christ. This adoption is not just a change in status but a complete transformation of identity, granting us the privileges and responsibilities of being God's children. We are called to live lives that reflect His character, embodying love, holiness, vigilance, and light.

The analogy of children resembling their parents was used to illustrate how we, as God's children, should reflect His attributes. Just as children naturally imitate their parents through observational learning, we are called to imitate God by embodying His communicable attributes such as love, mercy, and holiness. This imitation is not about achieving perfection but about progressively growing into the likeness of Christ, allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

We also discussed the importance of living a life that is set apart, holy, and distinct from the world. This involves rejecting behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's nature, such as impurity, greed, and foolish talk. Instead, we are to embrace a life of obedience, understanding that God's love language is obedience. By living in accordance with His Word, we demonstrate our love for Him and become a light in the darkness, drawing others to His glory.

Furthermore, we emphasized the need for vigilance in our spiritual walk, being aware of false teachings and empty words that can lead us astray. We are called to be discerning, ensuring that our lives and beliefs align with the truth of Scripture. As we walk as children of light, we not only reflect God's glory but also prepare ourselves for the eternal inheritance that awaits us in His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

- Adoption into God's Family: Our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ is a transformative process that changes our identity and grants us the privileges of being His children. This adoption is not just a change in status but a call to live lives that reflect His character and love. [01:09:13]

- Imitating God: As children of God, we are called to imitate His communicable attributes such as love, mercy, and holiness. This imitation is a progressive journey of becoming more like Christ, allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. [01:21:57]

- Holiness and Obedience: Living a holy life means being set apart from the world and embracing a life of obedience to God's Word. Our love for God is demonstrated through our obedience, and this obedience is a sweet-smelling aroma to Him. [01:32:52]

- Vigilance Against False Teachings: We must be vigilant in our spiritual walk, discerning false teachings and empty words that can lead us astray. By aligning our lives with the truth of Scripture, we ensure that we are walking in the light and reflecting God's glory. [01:45:33]

- Being Light in the Darkness: As children of light, we are called to be a beacon of hope and truth in a dark world. Our lives should draw others to God's glory, and our distinctiveness should be both attractive and offensive to those living in darkness. [01:50:01]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:01:09] - Adoption into God's Family
[00:17:18] - Resembling Our Heavenly Father
[00:21:57] - Imitating God's Attributes
[00:24:08] - Communicable and Incommunicable Attributes
[00:27:03] - The Power of Love
[00:32:52] - Holiness and Obedience
[00:35:16] - Living as Saints
[00:38:20] - The Process of Sanctification
[00:43:13] - The Narrow Path to Eternal Life
[00:45:33] - Vigilance Against False Teachings
[00:50:01] - Being Light in the Darkness
[00:52:55] - Drawing Others to God's Glory
[00:56:29] - The Eternal Inheritance
[00:58:44] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:1-8

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Ephesians 5:1-8 say about the behaviors and attitudes that are not fitting for saints? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on living a life set apart from the world? [01:32:52]

2. In the sermon, the pastor used the analogy of children resembling their parents. How does this analogy help us understand our call to imitate God? [01:18:13]

3. According to the sermon, what are some of the communicable attributes of God that believers are encouraged to embody? [01:24:08]

4. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs when we are adopted into God's family? What changes in our identity and privileges are highlighted? [01:09:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that God's love language is obedience. How does this concept challenge or affirm your understanding of how we express love to God? [01:31:26]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers should be vigilant against false teachings? How can this vigilance impact our spiritual walk? [01:45:33]

3. The pastor spoke about being a light in the darkness. What does it mean to be a light, and how can this be both attractive and offensive to those living in darkness? [01:50:01]

4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of being set apart and holy? What practical steps are suggested for living a life that reflects this calling? [01:32:52]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there specific behaviors or attitudes that you need to reject to live a life set apart for God? How can you begin to make these changes this week? [01:32:52]

2. Think of a time when you felt the need to imitate God’s attributes. Which attribute did you focus on, and how did it impact your actions and relationships? [01:24:08]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience as an expression of love for God. What is one area of your life where you struggle with obedience, and what steps can you take to align with God’s Word? [01:31:26]

4. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you be a light to those around you, especially in environments that may not reflect God’s values? [01:50:01]

5. The pastor mentioned the need for vigilance against false teachings. How do you discern truth from falsehood in your spiritual journey, and what resources or practices help you stay grounded in Scripture? [01:45:33]

6. Reflect on your spiritual growth over the past year. In what ways have you become more like Christ, and what areas still need transformation? How can your small group support you in this journey? [01:41:46]

7. Identify one person in your life who may be living in darkness. How can you intentionally share God’s love and light with them this week? [01:50:01]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Transformation Through Adoption
Our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ is a profound transformation that redefines our identity and grants us the privileges and responsibilities of being His children. This adoption is not merely a change in status but a call to live lives that reflect His character and love. As children of God, we are invited into a relationship that transforms us from the inside out, allowing us to experience the fullness of His love and grace. This transformation is both a privilege and a responsibility, as we are called to embody the attributes of our Heavenly Father in our daily lives. [01:09:13]

Ephesians 1:5-6 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

Reflection: How does understanding your identity as an adopted child of God change the way you view your daily responsibilities and interactions with others?

Day 2: The Journey of Imitation
As children of God, we are called to imitate His communicable attributes such as love, mercy, and holiness. This imitation is not about achieving perfection but about progressively growing into the likeness of Christ. It is a journey that requires us to allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out, shaping our thoughts, actions, and attitudes to reflect His character. By observing and learning from God's example, we can embody His love and grace in our interactions with others, becoming a living testimony of His transformative power. [01:21:57]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you intentionally imitate God's attributes in your relationships and daily activities this week?

Day 3: Holiness Through Obedience
Living a holy life means being set apart from the world and embracing a life of obedience to God's Word. Our love for God is demonstrated through our obedience, which is a sweet-smelling aroma to Him. This obedience involves rejecting behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's nature, such as impurity, greed, and foolish talk. Instead, we are to embrace a life of holiness, understanding that God's love language is obedience. By aligning our lives with His Word, we not only demonstrate our love for Him but also become a light in the darkness, drawing others to His glory. [01:32:52]

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV): "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: What specific behaviors or attitudes do you need to reject in order to live a life of holiness and obedience to God?

Day 4: Discernment in a World of Deception
We must be vigilant in our spiritual walk, discerning false teachings and empty words that can lead us astray. By aligning our lives with the truth of Scripture, we ensure that we are walking in the light and reflecting God's glory. This vigilance requires us to be discerning, ensuring that our beliefs and actions are rooted in the truth of God's Word. As we navigate a world filled with deception, we are called to be discerning, guarding our hearts and minds against anything that contradicts the truth of Scripture. [01:45:33]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a habit of discernment in your daily life to guard against false teachings and empty words?

Day 5: Shining as Children of Light
As children of light, we are called to be a beacon of hope and truth in a dark world. Our lives should draw others to God's glory, and our distinctiveness should be both attractive and offensive to those living in darkness. By living in accordance with God's Word, we become a light in the darkness, reflecting His glory and drawing others to His truth. This calling requires us to be intentional in our actions and attitudes, ensuring that our lives are a testimony of God's transformative power and love. [01:50:01]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to be a light in your community, drawing others to God's glory?

Quotes

"See, there is this great benefit of being connected to the Father. I don't know if anybody watched the NBA draft in the spring, but whether people agree with it or not, Bronnie got drafted, right? And he got drafted, and some people say he got drafted on his daddy's name, right? He got drafted because of the connections that his daddy had, because of the relationships that his daddy had, because of the fortune and the name and the status of his daddy, right?" [01:16:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"He's saying, yo, I'll give you all the access, all of the benefits, but yo, you bear my name. So since you bear my name, represent me well, look like me. Right? I was talking to Hadassah on Friday in marriage ministry, right? She got this new cool haircut. Shout out to the haircut. It looks really great. Let's go." [01:17:29] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"We can't look like him physically, but we can look like him in our character and biblical ethic, right? Right? Back in Genesis 1 and 2, we recognize that we are created in his image. We are created in his likeness. But then we get to do the same thing in Genesis 3, and something happened, and that's sin. And what happened is sin marred the image and likeness that we bear." [01:18:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"See, the reality is there is a podcast. There is a book. There is a false. There is a prophet. There is a fake teacher that will approve every single vice you have. It don't matter what it is. If it's prosperity, there's a prophet for that. If it's greed, there's a false prophet for that. If it is sexuality or promiscuity, I guarantee you there is a teacher in a pulpit right now saying they can live whatever kind of way you want." [01:48:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Because I want to be clear that we should be separate. Separate. And set apart. But that doesn't mean we should not engage with the world at all. Right. If we didn't engage with the world at all, that would be contradictory to the Great Commission to go and make disciples. But what we should not do is allow the world to influence us." [01:49:13] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Throughout scripture, we see this juxtaposition between light and darkness, right? We see this juxtaposition between light and darkness, right? We see this juxtaposition between light and darkness, right? You got darkness and it represents evil and sin, lostness and death. It even represents sometime a lack of understanding." [01:50:48] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"When preaching the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said this, Matthew 5. He said, you are the light of the world. A city on a hill can't be hidden, nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to God your Father." [01:51:08] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And I walked into the room and as I was walking into the room, people was cussing. I work with kids in a residential treatment facility and so they were talking about the kids as if they were not image bearers um they were talking about one another and it was just high levels of contention and I walked in and when I walked in there was something different that happened in the room right I I was able to redirect the conversation from where it was to a place of being trauma informed to a place that was youth or client -centric to a place that redeemed the image of the kids that we were talking about see what I did was I intentionally walked into that room as light and what it did is it offended the people that was talking reckless and it drew people to start listening to what I was saying and that's what light does it draws people to listen to you it draws people you to follow you it draws people to want to be like you because you are drawing people to the glory of God that is being revealed in you we got to be light we got to recognize that children of light will inherit the new Jerusalem and this is what our hope got to be rooted in y 'all that as adopted kids that is the beloved of Christ that we get to inherit the kingdom scripture lets us know that the first heaven and earth they gonna pass away and that the holy city of Jerusalem what it's gonna do is it's gonna come down out of heaven and we will get to dwell with God forever it'll be a place it'll be a place fitted for royalty and there there will be no more pain there'll be no more death there'll be no more mourning it'll be a place with nothing unclean nothing unrighteous nothing impure will ever enter in you passage of scripture, it blew my mind in Revelation 21. I clearly had never sat with it before. It says, and the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the lamb." [01:52:59] (142 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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