Imitate God

Introduction

A. There are different ways to define what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. I suppose that those of us who call ourselves disciples would have different answers than those who do not call themselves disciples. We as Jesus’ disciples might point to our baptism as the sign of our becoming a disciple and use our baptism to define us. Those who are not disciples might suggest that disciples of Jesus are defined by how often a person attends a church assembly. Something that amazes me is that almost every writing in our New Testament has something to say about what it means to be a disciple. Most of the time, what is said has something to do with how we are conducting out lives in this world.

B. Paul writes in 4:17-24 that the disciple is to no longer live as a pagan whose sinfulness has brought about ignorance, insensitivity, and futile thinking. They are rather to allow God to create within them a new attitude. This attitude would be a reflection of God. As he will write in 5:1, they were to be imitators of God in the way they talked and acted. The question is specifically what is this going to look like in the life of the disciple. Paul’s point is that the claim to be a disciple of Jesus affects how one lives in this world. No longer insensitive and darkened by futile thinking, the disciple of Jesus conducts his life as a child of the light. This is real living described.

Prohibitions, Commands, and Motivations

A. In this text, Paul develops a pattern for making his point. He gives a prohibition (don’t do something) followed by a command and then a reason or motivation for obeying the command.

B. First, Paul prohibits lying; commands honesty; the motivation is that we all belong to the same body. The disciple of Jesus is characterized by truthfulness. Lying is a common characteristic of our world. At the very least lying produces distrust and at the worst it completely destroys relationship. In John 8:44, Jesus is very clear that lying comes from Satan. He is the originator of lying and he, himself, cannot speak the truth. Lying means that we attach ourselves with the work of Satan rather than reflecting the truthfulness of God. Jesus declared that he was “the truth” in John 14. We are to put off lying and speak truthfully.

1. Most of the time we think of lying in terms of telling something false but there are other types as well. Exaggeration is a form of lying. Cheating on taxes or a test is a form of lying. So is the betrayal of a confidence or refusing to speak up for truth when you know the truth.

2. But telling the truth doesn't mean verbally vomiting on someone. A disciple of Jesus doesn't want to harm with words any more than to mislead someone with words. We are not to be so honest that we offend or hurt people's feelings.

3. Paul says to lie is to hurt the body. The body cannot maintain its unity and reflect the wisdom of God if there is dishonesty. As Paul has already mentioned we are to speak the truth in love.

C. Second, prohibits sin in anger and commands quickly dealing with the issue. Why? So that Satan doesn’t get a place in our heart. Paul is speaking about anger which results from being wronged. When such an event takes place we are not to let it fester. We are to take care of it quickly so that the anger does not produce sin. The day of your anger should be the day of your reconciliation.

D. Third, Paul prohibits stealing and commands work. Why? So that one may not only take care of their own needs but share with those who are in need. I think most of us know that stealing is wrong. But the Bible is clear that there are other forms of stealing besides taking something that doesn’t belong to you.

1. Not paying your debts is stealing. You have taken someone else's money or product and not paid for it.

2. Not paying a fair wage is stealing. You take from a person's effort and reduce his or her wages so that their effort is stolen.

3. Taking a CD and making copies for your friends is stealing. You have taken an artist's livelihood and not paid for it.

4. Cheating on taxes is stealing. I'm all for taking advantage of every tax break allowed by law, but changing number or refusing to report income is stealing.

5. Paul is clear that our making money is so that it can be shared. It isn't for accumulating, but for giving to those who are in need.

E. Fourth, Paul prohibits unwholesome talk and commands speaking helpful words. Why? Two reasons are given. So that others are built up and so that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Unwholesome talk is rotten speech. Profanity, gossip, dirty jokes --- this is rotten speech. Instead speak that which builds up. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear words encourage and lift up rather than tear down? To grieve the Holy Spirit is to make him sad. The Spirit is a seal of our salvation and to speak rotten speech is to sadden the one who lives within us.

F. Fifth, Paul says we are to get rid of attitudes which reflect the old self and commands us to develop attitudes which reflect God. Why? Because God has dealt with us kindly so we are to deal with each other kindly.

1. Bitterness is smoldering resentment that results in a brooding, grudging, unforgiving spirit.

2. Rage is a wild rage arising from selfishness.

3. Anger is a settled, internal resentment.

4. Brawling is a violent public outburst

5. Slander is speaking against another as to ruin their reputation

6. Instead, God's people are kind and compassionate and quick to forgive because this is the way God has treated us.

Application

A. Throughout this lesson, I have made specific references to actions which we may struggle with. Once again, Paul is highlighting that those who follow Jesus will reflect the image of God. God creates this new self and we are to live and speak in such a way that we reflect him. It is said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. As we have already seen, God’s intent has been that our lives demonstrate his wisdom. God is honored when our actions and words reflect him.

B. From chapter 1, Paul prayed that we would come to know God more intimately. In chapter 2, God’s intent has always been that we would do good things. Chapter 3, God’s intent is that through us his wisdom might be revealed to the power of evil. Paul prayed in the same chapter that we would reflect the character of Jesus which is love. For a group that was struggling with understanding purpose, Paul leaves no doubt --- 1:12 --- we are here to bring praise to God. It isn’t about me; it’s about God.

C. Are you speaking truthfully? Are you dealing with your anger quickly? Are you working honestly? Do your words build up others? Are your attitudes a reflection of God’s grace even as he has treated you graciously? Be imitators of God. Invitation.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.