Imitating God: The Power of Love and Gratitude

 

Summary

Summary:

In Ephesians 5, we are called to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us. This passage challenges us to replace sinfulness with thankfulness, emphasizing that gratitude can be a powerful tool against temptation. The text outlines specific sins, such as immorality, impurity, and greed, and urges us to avoid them by cultivating a heart of gratitude. Sin is never satisfying and will only lead to destruction, but thankfulness can redirect our focus and help us live a life pleasing to God.

The sermon highlights the importance of repentance, resistance, and running from sin. Repentance involves confessing our sins immediately, resisting the devil, and fleeing from temptation. By doing so, we can prevent sin from taking root in our hearts. The message also emphasizes the significance of living sacrificially, as Christ did, and how our actions can be a fragrant aroma to God.

Furthermore, the sermon warns against the dangers of immorality, greed, and impurity, urging believers to guard their hearts and minds. It encourages us to replace sinful thoughts and actions with praise and gratitude, using thankfulness as a "silver bullet" against temptation. By doing so, we can live a life that reflects God's holiness and brings joy to Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Imitate God by Walking in Love: As believers, we are called to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us. This involves living a life of sacrificial love, putting others' needs before our own, and reflecting God's character in our daily actions. By doing so, we become a fragrant aroma to God, pleasing Him with our lives. [02:29]

2. Combat Sin with Thankfulness: Sin is never satisfying and will only lead to destruction. Instead of giving in to temptation, we should cultivate a heart of gratitude, replacing sinful thoughts and actions with praise and thanksgiving. This shift in focus can help us overcome temptation and live a life pleasing to God. [05:36]

3. Repent, Resist, and Run: To overcome sin, we must repent by confessing our sins immediately, resist the devil, and flee from temptation. By doing so, we prevent sin from taking root in our hearts and live a life that reflects God's holiness. This proactive approach helps us maintain a close relationship with God. [08:07]

4. Guard Your Heart Against Immorality and Greed: Immorality and greed are destructive sins that can quench the joy of the Lord in our lives. We must guard our hearts and minds, avoiding any thoughts or actions that lead to these sins. By cultivating a heart of gratitude and contentment, we can overcome these temptations. [24:59]

5. Live a Life of Sacrificial Love: As imitators of God, we are called to live a life of sacrificial love, putting others' needs before our own. This involves being a light in the world, exposing darkness, and living a life that reflects God's holiness. By doing so, we bring joy to God and fulfill our calling as His children. [59:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:29] - Be Imitators of God
- [05:36] - Combat Sin with Thankfulness
- [08:07] - Repent, Resist, and Run
- [12:31] - Solutions for Saints
- [14:10] - Walking in Love
- [15:56] - Christ's Sacrificial Love
- [18:13] - Aroma of Sacrificial Living
- [20:05] - Giving as a Fragrant Aroma
- [24:59] - Dangers of Immorality
- [27:42] - Idolatry and Adultery
- [30:23] - Greed and Covetousness
- [34:22] - False Prosperity Theology
- [37:02] - Avoiding Impurity
- [42:26] - Guarding Against Coarse Jesting
- [46:20] - Replace Sin with Singing
- [49:12] - Thankfulness in Affliction
- [51:18] - Confidence in Christ
- [59:50] - Walking in Truth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:1-4
- 1 Peter 1:16
- 1 John 1:9

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific sins are mentioned in Ephesians 5:3-4 that believers are urged to avoid, and what are they encouraged to replace these with? [05:36]

2. According to the sermon, what are the three steps to overcoming sin, and how are they supported by scripture? [08:07]

3. How does the sermon describe the concept of living a life that is a "fragrant aroma" to God? [18:13]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the "silver bullet" for combating sin, and how is this concept supported by Ephesians 5:4? [09:48]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the call to be "imitators of God" in Ephesians 5:1 relate to the idea of walking in love, and what does this look like in practical terms? [02:29]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that thankfulness can be a powerful tool against temptation, and how might this change a believer's approach to sin? [05:36]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, resistance, and running from sin. How do these actions contribute to a believer's spiritual growth and relationship with God? [08:07]

4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of living sacrificially as Christ did, and what implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [15:56]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with a specific sin. How might cultivating a heart of gratitude have changed your response in that situation? [05:36]

2. The sermon suggests using thankfulness as a "silver bullet" against temptation. What are some practical ways you can incorporate gratitude into your daily routine to combat sin? [09:48]

3. Consider the three steps of repentance, resistance, and running from sin. Which of these do you find most challenging, and how can you work on strengthening this area in your life? [08:07]

4. The sermon encourages believers to live a life of sacrificial love. Identify one area in your life where you can put others' needs before your own this week. How will you do this? [15:56]

5. How can you guard your heart against immorality and greed in your daily interactions and decisions? What specific actions can you take to protect your heart and mind? [24:59]

6. Think of a situation where you might be tempted to engage in coarse jesting or foolish talk. How can you prepare yourself to respond with words that reflect God's holiness instead? [42:26]

7. The sermon highlights the importance of living a life that is a "fragrant aroma" to God. What changes can you make in your daily life to ensure your actions are pleasing to God? [18:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Walking in Love as a Reflection of God's Character
In Ephesians 5, believers are called to be imitators of God by walking in love, just as Christ loved us. This involves living a life of sacrificial love, where we prioritize the needs of others above our own. By doing so, we reflect God's character in our daily actions and become a fragrant aroma to Him. This call to love is not just about feelings but about intentional actions that demonstrate God's love to the world. As we walk in love, we fulfill our calling as God's children and bring joy to Him. [02:29]

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you show sacrificial love to today, and what specific action can you take to demonstrate this love?


Day 2: Gratitude as a Weapon Against Temptation
Sin is never satisfying and leads to destruction, but thankfulness can redirect our focus and help us live a life pleasing to God. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we replace sinful thoughts and actions with praise and thanksgiving. This shift in focus helps us overcome temptation and align our lives with God's will. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform our perspective and strengthen our resistance to sin. [05:36]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with temptation, and how can you intentionally practice gratitude in that area today?


Day 3: Repentance, Resistance, and Running from Sin
To overcome sin, we must repent by confessing our sins immediately, resist the devil, and flee from temptation. This proactive approach prevents sin from taking root in our hearts and helps us maintain a close relationship with God. By repenting, resisting, and running, we reflect God's holiness in our lives and protect our hearts from the destructive power of sin. This process requires vigilance and a commitment to living a life that honors God. [08:07]

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:7-8a, ESV)

Reflection: What is one sin you need to confess and turn away from today, and what steps can you take to resist and flee from it?


Day 4: Guarding Against Immorality and Greed
Immorality and greed are destructive sins that can quench the joy of the Lord in our lives. We must guard our hearts and minds, avoiding any thoughts or actions that lead to these sins. By cultivating a heart of gratitude and contentment, we can overcome these temptations and live a life that reflects God's holiness. This requires intentionality and a commitment to aligning our desires with God's will. [24:59]

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to guard your heart against immorality or greed?


Day 5: Living a Life of Sacrificial Love
As imitators of God, we are called to live a life of sacrificial love, putting others' needs before our own. This involves being a light in the world, exposing darkness, and living a life that reflects God's holiness. By doing so, we bring joy to God and fulfill our calling as His children. Sacrificial love is not just about grand gestures but about daily choices that reflect God's love to those around us. [59:50]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a light in your community today by putting someone else's needs before your own?

Quotes



Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us in offering and the sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Good Old Testament language there. And verse 3, but, strong conjunction here, moving from that to this, but immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, okay? It shouldn't even be part of what people think of when they think of you. It should not be observed by anyone in any way, shape, or form. These should not be named among you. You should not be anywhere close to these things. [00:03:14] (46 seconds)


And verse 4, and therefore must be no filthiness and silly talk or coarseness. You're suggesting which are not fitting, but rather giving a thanks. For this you know with certainty that no immoral or impure person or covetous man who is an idolaterer has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not be partakers with them. Let's pray. Father, thank you for today's text. I pray, Lord, that as we exegete it, I pray that it rightfully pierces our hearts and souls where we need to conform into your image in a better way. I pray that you would bless us in this way. In Jesus' name, amen. [00:04:58] (55 seconds)


Sin is never satisfying and it is never satisfied. It's never satisfied with ruining your life. Sin will destroy your life. It'll empty your heart and mind. It'll make you void of any desire of God in your relationships. It will ruin you. And it's never satisfied, nor is it satisfying. And so fight sin from the start and it won't get lodged in your heart. If you wage war against sin from the starting point, it will not get lodged in your heart. Whether it's covetousness, whether it's greed, whether it's adultery, whether it's pornography, whatever the sin may be, you put all of your energy... [00:05:45] (42 seconds)


into waging war against sin at the conception, at the starting point, when it's small, and you'll win that war before it takes root in the heart. If you want three steps to success against sin, write this down. Repent, resist, and run. Three R's that are alliterated, and these are all scriptural. Repent, resist, and run from your sin. Repent, 1 John 1, 9, if you confess your sin, He's faithful and just to forgive you of your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. If you repent right away, be quick to repent. I mean, like a basketball hitting the pavement. You bounce away from your sin and repent. [00:06:44] (43 seconds)


So, instead of participating in sin, we should give thanks instead of giving into temptation. Give thanks instead of giving into temptation. Now, if you want to reduce these three R's, repent, resist, and run, into a silver bullet, if you want an easy, immediate, and extremely effective solution to your sin, It's right here in the title of this message. Give thanks instead of giving into temptation. So at the very moment, just start thanking and praising God. Start singing a hymn. Start quoting scripture. Start praising God. Start being grateful for what you do have. Start praising God for the great things in your life. Combat your sinful nature with praising God. [00:09:14] (53 seconds)


This passage makes it very clear as to what walking in love is because it lists all of these sins. The main idea being an imitator of God, and the first expression is walking in love. In verse 2, now we're going to see what this looks like by looking at what the opposite of it is. And remember that an imitator is, one, who mimics what they see. And so it's very important for us as parents, it's very important for us as grandparents to be able to be mimicable, to be ones who are on display daily as a dynamic disciple in Christ so that our little ones can learn. Now, little ones, listen to me. I've got a lot of children here today. Every single one of you has other children around you who know less about God than you do. [00:11:20] (50 seconds)


And so you have a warm regard. You have a warm regard for the interest of others. You would rather sacrificially live in a way that puts others first. That's a humble Christian. And that here is explained in the text through this agape word of love. And it produces more than this. Read with me, starting from the top, and let's get an idea as to how it's leading. Verse 1, Ephesians 5, 1. Be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love. You know God is love? And so walk in God. Walk in Christ. So walk in love just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us in offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. This is superbly interesting how Paul now intertwines this Old Testament language of offering, sacrifice, fragrant, and aroma. [00:15:18] (62 seconds)


This is important for us to understand as we are becoming more and more like Christ. The product is something that is pleasing unto God and the description of that which is pleasing unto God when Christ was sacrificed and when you live sacrificial is an aroma. How you live produces an aroma. How you live produces... what people perceive and that perception is wonderful. That perception is delightful. When you are in somebody's presence and you are filled with the Spirit and you depart, people think of you in a way that is like a sweet -smelling aroma. Now they might not use Old Testament language like this, but this is the result of what you have done inside of their heart and mind because of the way you walk. Because of the way you live. [00:18:33] (55 seconds)


And so your heart desires that which God has not given you. And you are, in fact, by your desires, by your unrestricted desires, saying, God, you are not God enough. You see how bad that is? And so we should combat this with thankfulness. Thank God for what you do have. I'll give you one word that helps with greediness. Greediness. Perspective. All you need to do is watch videos from around the world and third world countries and how they live and travel and you'll be like, whoa. Thank you, Lord, for hot water. Thank you, Lord, for a roof over my head. Thank you, Lord, for provisions. Thank you, Lord, for my family. Thank you for my clothes. Thank you for the abundance. I mean, you could thank God all day, every day for just the physical things, not to mention the invisible, invaluable things such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. Goodness, gentleness, and self -control. Thank you, Lord. [00:30:34] (55 seconds)


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Transcript
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