First Baptist Church
Fairbanks, Alaska
805 Sixth Avenue
(907) 456-4923
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Fairbanks, Alaska 805 Sixth Avenue (907) 456-4923 |
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Who Do YOU Imitate? “Imitator or Imitated”Ephesians 5:1-2 Mark Howdeshell (February 17, 2008) Eph 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Introduction Before I begin this mornings message, I want to give you a “Pop Quiz.” On the back of your bulletin answer the following questions. If you don’t have a pen, just remember the answers that you give.
I guess you can imagine what the message is on this morning. We are told to be imitators of God and to live a life of love just like Jesus. Let’s explore exactly what this means. Heart of the Matter It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. As parents, we realize how big of a responsibility this truly is. As our own children start to imitate us, many of us have been awakened to things that we aren’t very proud of. We have a Savior and God that commands us to imitate Him. He is the ultimate example for us to follow in our love, in our anger, in our disagreements, in our actions, in our entire life. The Meat of the Message As I look at this topic of imitation, I see 3 distinct areas that I want to concentrate on. The things that I’m going to discuss aren’t all inclusive, but the examples cited will transgress into a myriad of times and topics. As we look at this, I want you to focus on one question….”Am I an imitator or am I imitated…or both?”
i. How to walk and play ii. How to speak and treat others iii. How to act with manners and courtesy iv. How to share
i. How to cope with distress ii. Study habits and emphasis iii. Personal hygiene iv. Relational skills
i. Advanced relational skills ii. Courtship and dating iii. Treatment of others different than you iv. Proper way to play the game
i. First taste of life outside of the home---(Freedom)—imitate what/ who you’re comfortable/ familiar with ii. Dealing with responsibility and adversity iii. Repercussions for actions/ decisions
i. Life as you know it has changed…you imitate those you’re around most or people you respect the most ii. Find you’re more like your parents than you ever thought possible
i. Mainly imitated now ii. More conscious of the example you set for your grandchildren
Luke 18:15-17 15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
i. We are to come to Christ as a little child 1. Who do we imitate a. Teachers b. Deacons c. Pastor d. Friends 2. We imitate the SAME basic life skills as above!!! 3. IMITATOR or IMITATED---BOTH!!!
i. Same basic skills as above are all taught us in the Bible and in the life of Christ
ii. Move into a closer relationship with Jesus and you start to imitate Him. Following are 15 ways we’re told to imitate Christ or not imitate the world from Ephesians 4 1. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 2. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 3. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 4. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 5. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires 6. 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 7. 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 8. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor 9. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry 10. 27 and do not give the devil a foothold 11. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 12. 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. 13. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 14. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 15. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
The Bottom Line We are constantly watching and being watched. We are imitating others as others are imitating us. If we imitate the life, love, and respect for others that Jesus demonstrated and teaches through His Word, we cannot go wrong. Set a good example for others to follow no matter what stage of life you’re in. Remember Jesus is watching you, too. INVITATION Whose life are you imitating? If it has been someone other than the life of Jesus, then examine yourself and the example you’re setting for others. This morning, purpose yourself to live the example we’re told to set. |
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