BE YE FOLLOWERS OF GOD

BE YE FOLLOWERS OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:1-2; Matthew 5:43-48

Key Verse: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;” — Ephesians 5:1 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Leviticus 11:44; Matthew 5:16; John 13:15; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 1:14-16

Description: This sermon teaches believers to imitate God's character, walk in love, practise holiness and reflect the nature of their heavenly Father in their daily lives.

INTRODUCTION

Every child naturally learns by observing and imitating those around them. Children often adopt the language, habits, attitudes and behaviour of their parents. In the same way, those who have become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ are called to reflect the character of their heavenly Father. Christianity is not merely about attending church, knowing Scripture or professing faith; it is about allowing the life of God to shape our character and conduct.

In Ephesians 5:1, the apostle Paul gives a direct command: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” The word therefore connects this instruction to the previous chapter, where Paul calls believers to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speaking and malice, and to practise kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness. Because God has forgiven us through Christ, we must now live as people who reflect His character. Our new life in Christ should be visible in how we speak, forgive, love and relate to others.

To follow God means to imitate His revealed character and obey His Word. We cannot become equal to God in His divine nature, but we can grow in holiness, love, mercy, truthfulness and righteousness through the work of the Holy Spirit. Our greatest example is Jesus Christ, who perfectly revealed the Father to humanity. As we study His life, submit to Scripture and depend on the Spirit, we can increasingly reflect God's nature wherever we find ourselves.

1. UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW GOD

Following God is more than admiring His power or desiring His blessings. It means allowing His character and instructions to influence our decisions, attitudes and relationships. A person may know many Bible verses and still fail to reflect God's nature if the Word does not shape their conduct.

Paul describes believers as God's dear children. This means that our imitation of God grows out of our relationship with Him. We do not obey merely to earn His love; we obey because we have received His grace and desire to honour Him.

a. Follow God as His Dear Child (Ephesians 5:1)

Paul calls believers to follow God as dear children. A child who loves and respects a parent naturally desires to please that parent. In the same way, God's children should desire to live in a manner that honours Him.

Do not approach Christianity as a mere collection of rules. Develop a close relationship with God through prayer, worship, Scripture and obedience. Let your love for the Father motivate your daily conduct.

b. Follow God's Example of Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;” — 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)

God is holy, and He calls His people to live holy lives. Holiness means being set apart for God and turning away from what He declares sinful. It affects our thoughts, speech, relationships, motives and actions.

Do not limit holiness to outward appearance or church activities. Pursue purity in private as well as in public. Let your choices show that you belong to God.

c. Follow Christ as Your Example (John 13:15)

Jesus told His disciples that He had given them an example to follow. His life demonstrated humility, compassion, obedience, truth and sacrificial service.

Study the life of Jesus in the Gospels. Ask how He responded to the needy, treated His disciples, confronted wrongdoing and obeyed the Father. Then put those lessons into practice in your own circumstances.

d. Follow God's Word Rather Than Human Opinion (Psalm 119:105)

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Our understanding of God's character must be guided by Scripture. Human opinions, cultural habits and popular trends may contradict His revealed will.

Measure your decisions by the Word of God. When the Bible corrects your attitude or challenges your behaviour, submit to its instruction instead of choosing what is merely convenient.

Biblical Example: Enoch Walked with God (Genesis 5:22-24)

Enoch walked with God, and Scripture records that his life pleased the Lord. His example shows that following God involves an ongoing relationship rather than occasional religious activity.

Like Enoch, seek to walk with God consistently. Let your relationship with Him influence your daily decisions, even when nobody else is watching.

2. FOLLOW GOD IN LOVE

Love is one of the clearest expressions of God's character. The command to follow God is immediately connected in Ephesians 5:2 with walking in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Therefore, those who imitate God must demonstrate genuine love in their relationships.

Biblical love is more than an emotion. It is expressed through kindness, patience, truth, generosity, forgiveness and sacrificial service. It seeks the good of others without abandoning righteousness.

a. Love Others as God Has Loved You (1 John 4:11)

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11 (KJV)

God's love towards us provides the pattern for our love towards others. He showed mercy when we needed forgiveness and reached out to us through Jesus Christ.

Do not reserve kindness only for people who can benefit you. Treat people with dignity, offer help where possible and show compassion to those who are struggling.

b. Love Even Those Who Oppose You (Matthew 5:44)

Jesus instructed His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This is a demanding expression of Christian love because it requires us to resist hatred and personal revenge.

Loving an enemy does not mean accepting abuse or allowing wrongdoing to continue. It means refusing to become controlled by hatred, praying for God's will and responding in a way that honours Him while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

c. Demonstrate Love Through Action (1 John 3:18)

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 (KJV)

Love must be demonstrated through practical actions. Words of sympathy are valuable, but genuine love also provides assistance, listens patiently, shares resources and stands with people in difficult seasons.

Look for practical ways to express love this week. Encourage someone who is discouraged, support someone in need or help resolve a problem without expecting recognition.

d. Let Love Govern Your Relationships (Colossians 3:14)

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14 (KJV)

Paul presents love as the bond that brings Christian virtues together. Without love, even knowledge, service and religious activity can become empty displays of self-importance.

Before responding during a disagreement, ask whether your words and actions reflect Christ's love. Speak truthfully, avoid unnecessary harshness and pursue peace wherever possible.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

The Samaritan helped a wounded man whom others had passed by. He treated the man's wounds, provided transport and paid for his care. His compassion crossed social boundaries and became practical assistance.

Follow this example by refusing to let prejudice or inconvenience prevent you from helping someone in need. Let your love be visible through what you do.

3. FOLLOW GOD IN HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

God calls His children to reflect His holy character. Following Him means rejecting sinful practices and choosing what is right, even when obedience is difficult or unpopular. Grace does not give us permission to live carelessly; it teaches us to turn away from ungodliness and live righteously.

Holiness is not achieved through human effort alone. The Holy Spirit works within believers, empowering them to resist sin and develop Christlike character as they yield to His guidance.

a. Reject the Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)

Paul identifies sinful practices such as hatred, jealousy, strife and uncontrolled anger. These behaviours contradict the character God desires to form in His people.

Examine your life honestly. Identify recurring sinful habits, confess them to God and take practical steps to overcome them through prayer, Scripture, accountability and obedience.

b. Guard Your Thoughts and Motives (Philippians 4:8)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” — Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Our actions are often influenced by what we continually entertain in our minds. Thoughts filled with envy, lust, hatred or deceit can gradually affect our behaviour.

Be deliberate about what you watch, read and dwell upon. Fill your mind with God's truth and choose influences that encourage purity and righteousness.

c. Speak Truthfully and Act with Integrity (Proverbs 12:22)

“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” — Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)

God values truthfulness and integrity. A believer who follows God should not build success upon deception, false promises or dishonest gain.

Be truthful in your business dealings, family relationships, ministry responsibilities and private conversations. Let people learn that your word can be trusted.

d. Live Righteously When No One Is Watching (Proverbs 10:9)

“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.” — Proverbs 10:9 (KJV)

True righteousness is not merely a public performance. It is a life of integrity before God, including the choices we make in secret.

Do what is right even when nobody is likely to discover your actions. Remember that your heavenly Father sees your private life and desires truth in your inward parts.

Biblical Example: Joseph Refused Immorality (Genesis 39:7-12)

Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife when he was away from the protection and supervision of his family. He refused her advances because he recognised that the act would be a sin against God.

Joseph's example teaches us that following God sometimes requires immediate and decisive action. Do not remain in situations that continually expose you to temptation. Choose obedience, even when it comes at a personal cost.

4. FOLLOW GOD IN FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

Ephesians 4:32 commands believers to forgive one another as God has forgiven them through Christ. This instruction leads directly into Ephesians 5:1, where Paul calls us to imitate God. Therefore, a forgiving heart is one of the important marks of a person who desires to follow the Father.

Forgiveness does not mean denying injustice, excusing abuse or automatically restoring trust. It means surrendering personal vengeance to God and refusing to nurture hatred. Mercy allows us to treat people with compassion while still upholding truth and appropriate accountability.

a. Forgive as God Has Forgiven You (Ephesians 4:32)

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

God's forgiveness through Christ is the pattern for Christian forgiveness. We have received mercy, and we are therefore called to extend forgiveness to others.

When someone offends you, take the pain to God and ask Him for the grace to release resentment. Forgiveness may require time and repeated prayer, but you can begin by choosing obedience rather than revenge.

b. Show Mercy Rather Than Revenge (Romans 12:19)

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” — Romans 12:19 (KJV)

God forbids personal vengeance and reminds us that final judgement belongs to Him. This does not prohibit lawful action or the pursuit of justice; it calls us to avoid responding to evil with personal hatred and retaliation.

When you are wronged, seek wise counsel and take appropriate steps. Refuse to make revenge the purpose of your life.

c. Be Kind to Those Who Need Mercy (Luke 6:36)

“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” — Luke 6:36 (KJV)

Mercy recognises human weakness and responds with compassion without pretending that wrongdoing is acceptable. It is willing to help people who are struggling and to support genuine repentance.

Do not use another person's failure as an opportunity for humiliation. Correct where necessary, protect those who are vulnerable and help people move towards what is right.

d. Pursue Peace Where Possible (Romans 12:18)

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” — Romans 12:18 (KJV)

God calls us to pursue peace, but this verse recognises that peace is not always possible because other people also make choices. We must do our part without pretending we can control everyone else's response.

Take responsibility for your mistakes, apologise when necessary and seek reconciliation where it is safe and appropriate. Where harmful behaviour continues, maintain wise boundaries while refusing to nurture hatred.

Biblical Example: The Father Welcomes the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20-24)

When the prodigal son returned home, his father ran to meet him, embraced him and celebrated his return. The father did not treat the son's repentance as an opportunity for humiliation. He responded with compassion and restored him to the family.

This parable illustrates God's welcoming mercy towards the repentant. As God's children, we should be willing to show compassion and rejoice when people genuinely turn from wrongdoing.

5. FOLLOW GOD THROUGH DAILY OBEDIENCE AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Following God is a daily commitment. It is demonstrated in the choices we make at home, at work, in church and in our relationships. Spiritual maturity does not happen automatically; it grows as we continually receive God's Word, depend on the Holy Spirit and practise obedience.

Our aim is not to appear religious before people but to become more faithful to God in every area of life. The closer we walk with Him, the more our conduct should reflect His character.

a. Renew Your Mind Through God's Word (Romans 12:2)

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...” — Romans 12:2 (KJV)

The world continually offers patterns of thinking that may contradict God's truth. The renewal of our minds enables us to recognise and reject these patterns.

Read Scripture consistently, meditate on it and apply it to practical decisions. Let God's Word reshape how you understand success, relationships, money, service and personal responsibility.

b. Depend on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist sinful desires and grow in godliness. We cannot consistently imitate God's character through determination alone.

Pray daily for His help. When you face temptation, anger or discouragement, ask the Spirit to strengthen you and guide you towards a response that honours Christ.

c. Practise What You Learn (James 1:22)

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22 (KJV)

Spiritual growth requires action. Listening to sermons and attending Bible studies are valuable, but their purpose includes transforming our behaviour.

Choose one truth from God's Word and apply it deliberately. If you have learned about forgiveness, forgive. If you have learned about honesty, practise it. If you have learned about love, demonstrate it through practical service.

d. Let Your Life Influence Others for Good (Matthew 5:16)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

God calls believers to live in such a way that others can see the evidence of His work. Our conduct should point people towards the goodness of our heavenly Father.

Be dependable, compassionate, truthful and diligent. Let your life demonstrate the difference Christ makes, so that people are encouraged to glorify God.

Biblical Example: Daniel's Consistent Devotion (Daniel 6:4-10)

Daniel served faithfully in a demanding environment where others sought grounds to accuse him. His opponents found no corruption in his official conduct, although they targeted his devotion to God. Daniel continued praying as he had done before.

Daniel's life demonstrates the importance of consistent obedience. Follow God not only when it is convenient, but also when faithfulness brings pressure or opposition.

CONCLUSION

The command to be followers of God is a call to reflect the character of our heavenly Father. As His children, we must grow in love, holiness, forgiveness, mercy and truthfulness. We cannot imitate God perfectly through our own strength, but through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the teaching of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, we can increasingly become people whose lives reflect His nature. Our faith must be visible in the way we speak, treat others, handle temptation and respond to difficult situations.

Make a fresh commitment today to follow God in every area of your life. Let go of bitterness, reject sinful habits, practise forgiveness and choose integrity even when nobody is watching. Do not be satisfied with merely knowing about God; desire to become more like Christ each day. May your home, church, workplace and community see the evidence of your heavenly Father's character through you, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to reflect Your character in Jesus name.

2. Lord, make me holy in thought, word and deed in Jesus name.

3. Father, fill my heart with genuine love in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from every sinful habit in Jesus name.

5. Father, teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me in Jesus name.

6. Holy Spirit, guide my daily decisions in Jesus name.

7. Lord, renew my mind through Your Word in Jesus name.

8. Father, give me grace to obey You always in Jesus name.

9. Lord, let my life lead others towards You in Jesus name.

10. Father, make me more like Jesus every day in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall reflect the character of your heavenly Father.

2. You shall grow in holiness and righteousness.

3. You shall walk in love and forgiveness.

4. You shall overcome sinful habits through God's grace.

5. You shall receive strength to obey God's Word.

6. Your mind shall be renewed by the truth of Scripture.

7. You shall demonstrate Christlike character in your relationships.

8. Your life shall shine as a testimony of God's goodness.

9. You shall stand firm in faith when trials come.

10. You shall become more like Jesus every day, in the mighty name of Jesus.