GOD'S MIMICS

Scripture appeals to Christians on a number of bases, and describes their life in Christ using varied figures or terms. One which Paul uses in Ephesians (and other places) is that of the mimic, or imitator, of God.

This lesson deals with this concept, as suggested in Ephesians 4:32-5:33.

Body

I. THE CHARGE: BE FOLLOWERS OF GOD (5:1).

   A. "Followers" is literally "mimics," or "imitators."

   B. Here is a familiar image -- God is the Father, we are the children.

   C. It is a tender image -- we are dear children of God (5:1) and are to walk in love (5:2).

   D. The term "walk" suggests a little child and his father.

        1. The word "walk" is used regularly in the New Testament to mean the manner of life. It is used metaphorically here.

        2. Figuratively, the picture here is that of a little child, walking carefully behind his beloved father (perhaps after a snow), attempting to place his feet in his daddy's prints.

        3. We are to live the Christian life in this way: imitating our Heavenly Father, trying to step in His prints.

II. THE POINT OF REFERENCE: "EVEN AS," OR "AS."

   Two words are translated "as" in this passage. One of them is the Greek word (hos) which means "as in the case." The other (kathos) means "just as." This latter word suggests imitation, and its use here concerns us now. We are to do certain things, "even as" God or Christ do them. They provide the pattern for our behavior.

   A. Forgiveness (4:31, 32).

        1. We are to forgive one another, even as (in the same way, just as) God forgave us.

            a. He forgave us in Christ (KJV, "for Christ's sake"); i.e. in the person and sacrifice of Christ.

            b. He forgave us freely.

            c. He forgave us sacrificially.

            d. He forgave us forever.

        2. This forgiveness is inconsistent with certain other traits.

            a. Bitterness, the root in the heart.

            b. Wrath, the root taken seed; an active feeling.

            c. Anger, wrath that is expressed.

            d. Clamor, anger allowed to run free.

            e. Evil speaking, any ugly talk about another.

            f. Malice, bearing a grudge, holding in evil will.

        3. This forgiveness accompanies other traits.

            a. Kindness.

            b. Tenderheartedness.

        4. Because our Father is forgiving, so are we to be.

   B. Love (5:2)

        1. We are to "walk" in love, just as Christ loved us.

            a. Christ's love was active -- he gave.

            b. Christ's love was benevolent and sacrificial -- he gave Himself, for us.

            c. Christ walked in love; it characterized His entire life.

        2. We are to love each other, desire the other's good, and act for his good -- because Christ was this way first.

   C. Husbands are to love wives (5:25).

        1. Husbands are to love their wives in the same way that Christ loved the church.

        2. They nurture and cherish the wife as Christ does the church (5:29).

            a. Nurture, feed, nourish, provide for.

            b. Cherish, (literally) keep warm, (figuratively) tenderly love, comfort.

        3. This means he should leave father and mother for his wife (5:31).

        4. The husband is to be this way to his wife -- not only because it is the will of God, but because Christ is this way to the church, and Christians are to imitate Christ.

Conclusion

The Christian's way of life is "pre-prepared" (2:10). His actions and all his characteristics are to be in imitation of God and Christ. His conduct is not guided merely by arbitrary rules, it is not just an ethical system, it is not just "the best policy." Rather, because God is as He is, we are to be that way too. This is the call of the gospel: to be imitators of God -- as beloved children.

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