IMITATORS OF GOD

IMITATORS OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:12; 1 Peter 1:14-16

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

Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:16, 43-48; John 14:9; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 John 2:6

Description: This sermon challenges believers to imitate God's character through Christlike love, holiness, mercy, forgiveness and obedience in their daily lives.

INTRODUCTION

Imitation is a powerful principle of learning. Children often imitate the speech, habits and behaviour of their parents because they spend time observing them. In the same way, Christians are called to imitate their heavenly Father by reflecting His character in their thoughts, words, attitudes and actions. Our calling is not merely to believe in God but also to allow His nature to become increasingly evident in the way we live.

In Ephesians 5:1, Paul writes, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” The word therefore connects this command to the preceding instructions in Ephesians 4:31-32, where believers are told to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speaking and malice, and to practise kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness. Paul then points to Christ's sacrificial love in Ephesians 5:2. Thus, imitating God involves practical transformation, not merely religious profession.

Although God is infinitely greater than His creation, He has revealed His character through His Word and, supremely, through Jesus Christ. As we study Christ, obey Scripture and depend on the Holy Spirit, we can grow in holiness, love, mercy, truthfulness and humility. The world needs to see believers whose lives reflect the character of the God they profess to serve.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR CALLING AS AN IMITATOR OF GOD

God has called His children to reflect His character. This calling begins with a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ and continues through a life of spiritual growth. We do not imitate God to earn salvation; we seek to reflect Him because His grace has brought us into His family.

Our Christian testimony becomes more convincing when our conduct agrees with our confession. People should see evidence of Christ in how we respond to pressure, handle disagreements and treat those who cannot repay us.

a. You Are Called to Follow God as His Child (Ephesians 5:1)

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

Paul describes believers as dear children who should follow their heavenly Father. Just as children learn by observing their parents, Christians learn to live godly lives by studying God's character and obeying His instructions.

Develop your relationship with God through prayer, worship and Scripture. Do not merely seek His blessings; seek to know Him and become more like Him.

b. You Are Called to Reflect God's 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's holiness means that He is completely pure and righteous. He calls His people to turn away from sin and live in a manner that honours Him.

Holiness must influence your private life, public conduct, relationships and decisions. Reject the belief that a person can live carelessly and still claim to represent a holy God faithfully.

c. You Are Called to Become Like Christ (Romans 8:29)

God's purpose for believers includes conformity to the image of His Son. Spiritual growth is therefore more than gaining knowledge or receiving blessings; it involves becoming more like Jesus.

Examine your character regularly. Ask whether your patience, humility, speech and treatment of others increasingly resemble Christ's example.

d. You Are Called to Demonstrate God's Character (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)

Your life can direct people's attention towards God. When they observe your honesty, kindness, diligence and compassion, they should see evidence of the transforming work of Christ.

Be a faithful representative of God at home, in church, at work and in your community. Let your conduct support the message you preach.

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

Enoch walked with God and pleased Him. His life demonstrates the importance of maintaining a consistent relationship with the Lord rather than living for Him only during special occasions.

Like Enoch, cultivate daily fellowship with God. Let your relationship with Him shape your choices and guide your conduct.

2. IMITATE GOD IN LOVE

Love is central to God's character and is essential to Christian living. Immediately after commanding believers to imitate God, Paul instructs them to walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us (Ephesians 5:2).

This love is not limited to warm feelings towards people who agree with us. It involves sacrifice, patience, kindness, truth and a willingness to seek another person's genuine good.

a. Love Others Because God First Loved You (1 John 4:19)

“We love him, because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19 (KJV)

Our ability to love is rooted in God's love for us. He reached out to humanity through Jesus Christ while we were still sinners.

Let God's love change how you treat people. Show kindness not merely because others deserve it, but because you desire to reflect the grace you have received.

b. Love Beyond Your Circle (Matthew 5:44)

Jesus commanded His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This teaching challenges us to move beyond loving only our family, friends and supporters.

Pray for those who oppose you and refuse to nurture hatred. Loving someone does not require you to accept abuse or abandon appropriate boundaries; it requires you to reject personal vengeance and seek what is right.

c. Demonstrate Love Through Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2)

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” — Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)

Christ's love was demonstrated through His self-giving sacrifice. He did not merely speak about love; He acted to accomplish our redemption.

Practise sacrificial love by giving your time, sharing what you have and helping people in need. Serve without always expecting recognition or immediate repayment.

d. Let Love Govern Your Words (Ephesians 4:29)

Godly love should influence the way we speak. Words can encourage, restore and strengthen people, but careless speech can also humiliate and discourage them.

Before speaking, consider whether your words are truthful, necessary and helpful. Learn to correct people without insulting them and disagree without destroying relationships.

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

The Samaritan stopped to help a wounded man whom others had passed by. He treated the man's wounds, arranged for his care and paid the expenses.

His actions demonstrated practical compassion. Follow his example by recognising opportunities to help people, even when doing so requires time, effort or resources.

3. IMITATE GOD IN FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

Ephesians 4:32 reveals that God's forgiveness towards us through Christ is the pattern for our forgiveness of others. Therefore, an imitator of God must not deliberately nurture bitterness, malice or a desire for revenge.

Forgiveness does not mean that wrongdoing is acceptable or that trust must be restored immediately. It means surrendering personal vengeance to God and refusing to allow resentment to control our hearts.

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 has shown us mercy through Jesus Christ. He calls us to extend forgiveness rather than continually seeking ways to punish those who have offended us.

When you are hurt, bring your pain to God and ask for the grace to forgive. You may need time to heal, but you can begin by choosing not to nurture revenge.

b. Show Mercy to Those Who Have Failed (Luke 6:36)

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

Mercy responds to human weakness with compassion while remaining committed to truth and righteousness. It recognises that people need correction, but also that genuine repentance can open the way to restoration.

Do not use another person's failure as an opportunity to humiliate them. Where appropriate, offer wise counsel, practical support and encouragement towards change.

c. Refuse Personal 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 commands believers to surrender personal vengeance to Him. We may pursue lawful justice and take steps to protect ourselves or others, but we must not allow hatred to become our guiding principle.

Choose a response that honours God. Seek appropriate help when necessary, establish healthy boundaries and leave ultimate judgement in His hands.

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 do our part in pursuing peace, while recognising that reconciliation depends on the choices of others as well. We cannot force another person to repent or rebuild trust.

Apologise when you are wrong, speak truthfully and seek reconciliation where it is safe and appropriate. Do not confuse forgiveness with remaining in an abusive or dangerous situation.

Biblical Example: Joseph Forgave His Brothers (Genesis 45:4-8; 50:19-21)

Joseph's brothers had betrayed him and sold him into slavery. Years later, when Joseph possessed the authority to punish them, he chose to provide for the family during a time of famine and recognised God's providence in his life.

Joseph did not deny the wrong they had done. His response shows that God can help us move beyond revenge and use our position to preserve life and demonstrate mercy.

4. IMITATE GOD IN HOLINESS AND INTEGRITY

God's character is holy and true. Therefore, those who follow Him must reject sinful behaviour and cultivate integrity in every area of life. Our faith must influence our private decisions just as much as our public conduct.

Holiness is not a claim of human perfection. It is a life of separation from sin, sincere repentance when we fail and continued dependence on God's grace and the Holy Spirit.

a. Reject Sinful Practices (Galatians 5:19-21)

Paul identifies the works of the flesh, including hatred, strife, jealousy and uncontrolled anger. These practices oppose the character God desires to form in His children.

Examine your habits honestly. Confess your sins, seek God's help and take practical steps to avoid situations that repeatedly lead you into wrongdoing.

b. Guard Your Heart and Thoughts (Proverbs 4:23)

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

Our thoughts and desires influence our behaviour. When we continually entertain envy, lust, hatred or dishonesty, these attitudes can eventually appear in our actions.

Guard your heart by filling your mind with Scripture and choosing wholesome influences. Ask the Holy Spirit to expose harmful attitudes and help you develop godly desires.

c. Walk in Truthfulness (Proverbs 12:22)

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

God delights in truthfulness. His followers must not build their success upon deception, false promises, manipulation or dishonest gain.

Practise integrity in business, ministry, family relationships and private dealings. Let people find your words dependable and your conduct consistent.

d. Remain Faithful in Secret (Luke 16:10)

Jesus taught that faithfulness in little things is connected with faithfulness in greater responsibilities. God is concerned about what we do when no one is watching.

Do what is right even when you will receive no praise. Honour your commitments, reject secret wrongdoing and remember that your life is always before God.

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

Joseph resisted the temptation presented by Potiphar's wife because he understood that yielding would be a sin against God. He chose obedience even though the decision exposed him to false accusation and imprisonment.

His example teaches us that integrity may come at a cost, but obedience to God remains more important than temporary comfort or personal advantage.

5. IMITATE GOD THROUGH HUMILITY, SERVICE AND OBEDIENCE

Imitating God is not confined to avoiding sin. It also requires actively doing what is good. God calls His children to serve others, walk humbly and obey His Word, even when obedience requires sacrifice.

The more we yield to the Holy Spirit, the more our character should reflect Christ. Our goal is not merely to look religious but to live in a way that honours God and blesses people.

a. Walk in Humility (Philippians 2:5-7)

Paul points believers to the humility of Christ, who took the form of a servant. Jesus demonstrated that greatness in God's kingdom is not based on pride or the constant demand for recognition.

Be willing to serve, learn and admit mistakes. Do not consider any act of genuine service beneath you simply because it receives little public attention.

b. Serve Others with Compassion (Galatians 5:13)

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” — Galatians 5:13 (KJV)

Christian freedom is not permission to live selfishly. God calls us to use our gifts, opportunities and resources to serve others in love.

Look for practical ways to assist your family, church and community. Serve faithfully without making every act of kindness a demand for recognition.

c. Obey God Even When It Is Difficult (John 14:15)

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 (KJV)

Jesus connected love for Him with obedience. Following God requires us to obey His Word even when it challenges our preferences or exposes our weaknesses.

Do not obey only when it is convenient. Ask God for courage to do what is right in difficult situations and trust Him with the consequences of faithful obedience.

d. Depend on the Holy Spirit for Transformation (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control. These qualities reveal the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.

You cannot develop Christlike character by willpower alone. Pray, study God's Word and yield your decisions to the Holy Spirit so that His fruit becomes increasingly visible in your conduct.

Biblical Example: Dorcas Was Full of Good Works (Acts 9:36-39)

Dorcas was known for her good works and acts of kindness, particularly her service to widows. Her life had a practical impact on the people around her, and her death brought deep sorrow to those she had helped.

Her example reminds us that a life devoted to God should produce tangible blessings for others. Use your abilities and resources to serve people and demonstrate God's love.

CONCLUSION

God calls every believer to be an imitator of His character. Through Jesus Christ, we see the perfect example of love, humility, holiness, mercy and obedience. As God's children, we must put away bitterness, reject sinful practices, forgive those who offend us, speak graciously and serve others faithfully. This transformation is not accomplished by human strength alone; it grows as we remain in God's Word and depend on the Holy Spirit.

Make a fresh commitment today to become more like Christ. Examine your attitudes, relationships and private habits. Where you have sinned, repent; where you have caused hurt, make amends; where someone needs help, show compassion. Let your life reflect the nature of your heavenly Father so that others may see your good works and glorify Him. May the grace of God continually shape you into the image of Jesus Christ, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, make me a true imitator of You in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to walk in holiness and love in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every trace of bitterness from my heart in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace to forgive as Christ forgave me in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver me from pride and selfishness in Jesus name.

6. Holy Spirit, produce Your fruit in my life in Jesus name.

7. Lord, strengthen me to obey Your Word in Jesus name.

8. Father, make me faithful in secret and in public in Jesus name.

9. Lord, use me to bless and encourage others in Jesus name.

10. Father, transform me daily into Christ's image in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

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

2. You shall grow in holiness, love and humility.

3. You shall overcome bitterness and walk in forgiveness.

4. You shall live with integrity in public and in secret.

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

6. You shall bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

7. Your life shall become a testimony of God's grace.

8. You shall serve others with compassion and humility.

9. You shall become more like Jesus every day.

10. Your life shall bring glory to your heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus.