Imitators of God!

Ephesians 4:25- 5:2

In the Armenian sermons we studied an interesting story of David’s love towards Jonathan. It was an excellent illustration from the Bible how people can acquire the attributes of God in their life.

Paul urges his Ephesian brothers and sisters to “be imitators of God.” (Ephesians 5:1)

How? How can we, creatures of the creator God, be imitators of God?

How can we develop in us HASAD (compassion , love and care)as we studied in the Armenian sermons.

Paul says in the 5^th chapter:

¹Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Of course the only way we can be imitator of God through Jesus Christ and learning his life style and practicing in our daily life.

Paul in the 4^th chapter illustrates some of the problems and solutions that church family can be face in their daily life.

1- Verse 25   ^“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

Verse 29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

“Put off falsehood and speak truthfully”

It is a big news in the world these days the name Floyd Landis. A sport man, a great bicycle racer, who one the French race, these days lost his title because they found in his blood that he took illegal drugs. He denies; tests shows he had hi ……………another figure. His mom an active Christian in Mennonite church says God will show who is right. There is damage done. Who is speaking the truth? All sport fans are disappointed from this event.

Mrs. Siranoushian was preparing an early supper for her 12-year-old son so he could get to football practice on time. Everything was ready when she discovered she was almost out of ketchup. She was thumping away at the end of the nearly empty bottle when the phone rang. You know how you do that -- when the ketchup is scarce and it's hard to get out, you turn the bottle upside down and you thump on the bottom of it. Well she was doing this when the phone rang.
"Would you get that?", she called to her son.

Her son got the phone and said: "She can't come to the phone right now. She's hitting the bottle."¹

I hope the other side was someone who knew Mrs. Sirnaoushian.

Usually we assume we know what is going on and we make stories about each other. We are talking about honesty and integrity.

Paul says: “put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.”

Why it is difficult to talk something positive about someone?

It is strange that when someone is in trouble we all sympathies with that person. But if that person gets a praise, something happens in our heart of jeoulesy, envy. Why him or her? Why not me Lord?

We read in Romans12:15: ^“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Somehow we can mourn with everyone, but we have difficulty with rejoicing.

Why his business is better than mine?

How come this family can afford going to vacation?

How come her recipe is better than mine?

Home come she or he is more popular than me?

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Be imitators of God. What would Jesus do? Do we build each other? Remember David, how he kept his promise, even after years. His words for Jonathan’s son was encouraging and builds up.

2- In verse 26 talks about Anger. In verse 28 talks about stealing.

Both are negative. Both are bad for the conducts of the society. Anger we did talk about it before. I am not going to spend more time. Just a reminder that Paul is not against anger, but against anger that is will lead to sin and separation of man from God- man from man. Stealing is not good. Some of the church members were not working and doing service in the church. therefore they did not an income. They felt taking what is not yours is justifiable. Paul is saying find “something useful” that you can use your hands.

3- In verse 31: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Bitterness, rage and anger. Welcome to the church.

I visit to people and encourage them to attend church service. Some say that they do not coming to church because they see rage, anger, bitterness, hypocrisy …etc. Great, this is the church that Christ did build on this earth. It is a hospital with patience. We do not have a perfect church in the world. Yet, all churches need to focus on rehabilitation. Bitterness is bad emotion, which can destroy your service and witness for the Lord.

I know so many burn out church volunteers and full timers who became bitter in their life. I wonder if some of those people should understand that their service is not for praise, it is for the Lord. Usually those bitter people are disappointed form years of service and no appreciation.

In the end let me tell you that there is one verse that worries me a lot.

Verse 30 “ Do not grieve the Holly Spirit.”

We church goers are responsible for putting down the work of Holy Spirit.

Of course God does not need our permission in sending his spirit. Yet, the spirit of God works where there are group of people who believe they need God in their life. Group of people who want to imitate God and no other “idols”. Group of people who

speak truthfully to their neighbor,

speak what is helpful for building others up,

are careful in Anger and stealing,

are Kind and compassionate, full of HASAD.

Please examine your life. Do not say that these things are not applicable for me. Satan enjoys putting such ideas in your head. Please, specially for all of those who are dedicated Christians who are going to church for ages, these words are for you to examine yourself before God.

Go out and believe that it is possible to be imitators of God by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Illustration from eSermons. Name is changed.