Living Sacrificially: Imitating Christ in Daily Life

 

Summary

In Ephesians chapter 5, we are called to be "A Living Sacrifice," a profound concept that challenges us to live in a manner that reflects the sacrificial love of Christ. This passage begins by urging us to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. This sacrificial love is not just a theological concept but a practical way of living that involves forgiveness, kindness, and a commitment to living out the gospel in our daily lives.

The idea of walking is central to this chapter, with three distinct sections focusing on walking in love, light, and wisdom. Walking, in this context, refers to our conduct and how we live out our faith. It is a call to live sacrificially, to enlighten others with the truth of Christ, and to make wise choices that reflect our identity as children of God. This is not a new concept in Ephesians, as Paul has previously discussed walking in good works and living in a manner worthy of our calling.

The metaphor of walking is rich and multifaceted, encompassing our conduct, our evangelism, and our intentionality in living out the gospel. It is about being careful in our choices and avoiding the pitfalls of sin. This sacrificial living is not about earning God's love but responding to the love He has already shown us. It is about being transformed by His grace and living in a way that honors His name.

Imitating God involves stages of growth, from unconscious copying to intentional discipleship. It is about becoming more like Christ, not just in our actions but in our being. This process is mirrored in the way children learn from their parents, observing and imitating their worship and conduct. As we grow in our faith, we are called to be disciple-makers, reproducing the character of Christ in others.

The call to be a living sacrifice is a call to live sacrificially for the benefit of others, to engage in the messiness of ministry, and to bear the cost of following Christ. It is a call to live in a way that others can see Christ in us, to be a light in the world, and to carry on the family name of being a Christian. This is not about comfortable Christianity but about embracing the cost of discipleship and living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Imitating God as Beloved Children: We are called to be imitators of God, reflecting His love and character in our lives. This involves walking in love, as Christ did, and living sacrificially for the benefit of others. Our conduct should be a reflection of our identity as children of God, living in a way that honors His name. [23:12]

2. The Stages of Imitation: Just as children learn by observing and imitating their parents, we grow in our faith by imitating Christ. This involves stages of growth, from unconscious copying to intentional discipleship, where we become disciple-makers, reproducing the character of Christ in others. [17:46]

3. Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom: The metaphor of walking in Ephesians 5 encompasses our conduct, evangelism, and intentionality in living out the gospel. It is about being careful in our choices, avoiding sin, and living in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. [07:42]

4. The Cost of Discipleship: Being a living sacrifice involves bearing the cost of following Christ, engaging in the messiness of ministry, and living sacrificially for the benefit of others. This is not about comfortable Christianity but about embracing the cost of discipleship and living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. [24:38]

5. The Role of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is at the heart of the cross and a key aspect of imitating Christ. We are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us, living with a gracious character that reflects the love and mercy of Christ. This frees us from anger and grudges, allowing us to live truly free in Christ. [30:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:44] - Introduction to Ephesians 5
- [05:47] - The Concept of Walking
- [07:42] - Walking in Love
- [10:46] - Putting Off the Old Self
- [12:34] - Growing in Christ
- [14:06] - Imitating God
- [16:26] - Stages of Imitation
- [17:46] - Parenting and Imitation
- [19:57] - Abraham and Isaac's Worship
- [23:12] - Beloved Children
- [24:38] - Sacrificial Living
- [26:49] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [28:45] - Honor and Shame
- [30:10] - The Role of Forgiveness
- [32:11] - Walking in Agape Love
- [35:09] - The Aroma of Sacrifice
- [38:21] - Indicative and Imperative
- [40:51] - Love and Obedience
- [43:40] - Parenting with Grace
- [45:12] - God's Pattern of Love
- [46:40] - Take-Home Truths

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: A Living Sacrifice

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 5:1-21
- Genesis 22:1-15
- 1 John 4:7-21

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#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three themes of "walking" mentioned in Ephesians 5, and how do they relate to our conduct as Christians? [05:47]
2. How does the sermon describe the process of imitating God, and what stages are involved in this process? [16:26]
3. What role does forgiveness play in the life of a believer according to the sermon, and how is it connected to the cross? [30:10]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of being a "living sacrifice" through the story of Abraham and Isaac? [19:57]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of "walking" in Ephesians 5 help believers understand their daily conduct and choices? [07:42]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that imitating God involves both actions and being? How does this dual focus impact a believer's spiritual growth? [14:06]
3. What does the sermon imply about the cost of discipleship, and how does this challenge the idea of "comfortable Christianity"? [24:38]
4. How does the sermon connect the idea of carrying on the "family name" of being a Christian with the concept of imitating God? [28:45]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily conduct. In what ways can you be more intentional about "walking in love, light, and wisdom" as described in Ephesians 5? [07:42]
2. Consider the stages of imitation mentioned in the sermon. Which stage do you find yourself in, and what steps can you take to progress to the next stage? [16:26]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive, and how can you take steps towards that forgiveness this week? [30:10]
4. How can you embrace the "messiness of ministry" and be a living sacrifice in your community? What practical steps can you take to serve others sacrificially? [24:38]
5. Think about the concept of carrying on the "family name" of being a Christian. How can you honor this identity in your interactions with others this week? [28:45]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of being a disciple-maker. Who in your life can you intentionally invest in to help them grow in their faith? [17:46]
7. Reflect on the idea of sacrificial love. How can you demonstrate this kind of love in a specific relationship or situation in your life this week? [32:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting God's Love in Our Lives
We are called to be imitators of God, reflecting His love and character in our lives. This involves walking in love, as Christ did, and living sacrificially for the benefit of others. Our conduct should be a reflection of our identity as children of God, living in a way that honors His name. This means embodying forgiveness, kindness, and a commitment to living out the gospel in our daily lives. As we strive to imitate God, we are reminded that this is not about earning His love but responding to the love He has already shown us. [23:12]

Ephesians 4:32-5:1 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the love of Christ through your actions today? How can you intentionally reflect God's love to them?


Day 2: Growing in Christlike Discipleship
Just as children learn by observing and imitating their parents, we grow in our faith by imitating Christ. This involves stages of growth, from unconscious copying to intentional discipleship, where we become disciple-makers, reproducing the character of Christ in others. As we mature in our faith, we are called to guide others in their spiritual journey, helping them to grow in their relationship with Christ. This process is a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and becoming more like Jesus in every aspect of our lives. [17:46]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: Who is someone you can mentor or disciple in their faith journey? How can you take a step towards guiding them this week?


Day 3: Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom
The metaphor of walking in Ephesians 5 encompasses our conduct, evangelism, and intentionality in living out the gospel. It is about being careful in our choices, avoiding sin, and living in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. Walking in love, light, and wisdom means making decisions that honor God and illuminate His truth to those around us. It involves being intentional in our actions and words, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Christ and serve as a testament to His transformative power in our lives. [07:42]

1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 (ESV): "For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that reflects your identity as a child of light? How can you ensure your actions align with God's wisdom?


Day 4: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship
Being a living sacrifice involves bearing the cost of following Christ, engaging in the messiness of ministry, and living sacrificially for the benefit of others. This is not about comfortable Christianity but about embracing the cost of discipleship and living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. It requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, to serve others selflessly, and to endure challenges for the sake of Christ. This sacrificial living is a response to the grace we have received, and it calls us to live in a way that others can see Christ in us. [24:38]

Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can embrace the cost of discipleship more fully? How can you step out in faith to serve others this week?


Day 5: The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is at the heart of the cross and a key aspect of imitating Christ. We are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us, living with a gracious character that reflects the love and mercy of Christ. This frees us from anger and grudges, allowing us to live truly free in Christ. Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual process of letting go of past hurts and choosing to extend grace to those who have wronged us. It is a powerful testimony of the transformative work of Christ in our lives and a reflection of His boundless love. [30:10]

Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV): "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? How can you begin the process of extending grace and letting go of past hurts?

Quotes


You see the strong undertones and clear imagery pointing towards the cross in this verse. And obviously in the cross, the main subject would be the forgiveness of sins. And so this verse in verse 32, Instead, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ Jesus has graciously forgiven you. [00:02:49] (23 seconds)


And so based upon what Christ has done for us, we have no platform, no right, no anything to hold a grudge against anyone. No matter how harshly you've been treated or how wrong you have been done, it truly is a miracle what God has done inside of you and forgiven you of the atrocities, of the sins that we've committed. [00:04:09] (21 seconds)


And so if you look with me in verse 1, therefore be imitators of God and as beloved children and walk in love. Okay, so you see that walking in love is the first theme. And then if you go down to verse 8, verse 8 says, for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. children of light. [00:04:18] (23 seconds)


And so we too, like Christ, are to live in such a way that others know that we are living sacrificially for their welfare, for their benefit. They know that you are a Christian and are being Christ-like. And so what does this life of love actually look like? Well, Christ who also loved us and gave Himself for us, this by way of interpretation, which nobody really likes to hear, especially in an American Christian culture, this means to give yourself sacrificially so that sinners may be saved. [00:24:57] (41 seconds)


There is an uncomfortable element to getting in the messiness of ministry. There is a price to pay when you get around filthy sinners who are angry, who are arrogant, who are aggressive. There's a cost. You'll walk away with scars like Christ. You'll walk away have being pierced. At Christ, you'll walk away being scourged like Christ. There's a cost involved in being a living sacrifice. [00:25:34] (37 seconds)


And so, this idea of imitating God, being a child of God, is directly correlated with the fact that you are carrying on the name. So, when you imitate your father, are you honoring? The history and the continuation of the wondrous name of Christ? Or, are you not imitating Christ and then, therefore, dishonoring the name and bringing shame? [00:28:43] (41 seconds)


And so now, we continue to love and imitate Christ sacrificially, not because we're trying to earn blessings from God, but because He has saved us. And so, God's rich reservoir of limitless love, His limitless love, His limitless love, His limitless love, His limitless love, is unmerited, unchanging, and abounding. And so the facts are, again, when we sin, our love for God changes, but His love for us doesn't. [00:42:36] (29 seconds)


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Transcript
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