How Can Anyone Imitate God?

Timothy Paul Jones

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,

    rise from the dead,

    and Christ will shine on you.”

–Ephesians 5:1-14

Big Idea: We imitate God not by pretending to be Him, but by living in ways that point to His love, truth, and glory—walking in love, gratitude, light, and community through the power of Christ.

1. Walk in Love (Ephesians 5:1–4)

• We imitate God as beloved children, not to earn His love.
• Christ’s sacrificial love defines true holiness and compassion.
• Love transforms our conduct and speech — what we laugh at today, we may live out tomorrow.

2. Be Grateful (Ephesians 5:4–5)

• Gratitude defeats greed by declaring, “God, You are enough.”
• Speaking gratitude out loud reorients our hearts toward contentment.
• Thankfulness reveals our true identity as citizens of Christ’s kingdom.

3. Walk in Light (Ephesians 5:6–11)

• Walking in light means seeing reality as God sees it.
• The fruit of light is found in all that is good, right, and true.The Spirit’s Sensitivity
• We shine God’s light by engaging the world, not escaping from it.

4. Be Known (Ephesians 5:11–14)

• Expose sin in love so that God’s light can heal and transform.
• Live transparently with others who can speak truth into your life.
• Live in the light of Christ’s resurrection — “Awake, O sleeper, and Christ will shine on you.”

5. Application: Live as Imitators of God

• You can’t imitate God’s ways without practicing God’s power daily through His Spirit and His people.
• You can’t imitate someone you don’t spend time with — draw near to God through prayer and His Word.
• Don’t just try to stop sinning; replace sin with something better that reflects Christ’s goodness.