Young People's Group

Be Imitators of God

by Mitchell Tan
September 02, 2020

THE MEANING OF “BE AN IMITATOR OF GOD”

One of the challenges that Paul had given to the Ephesians was to become an imitator of God.

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”
Ephesians 5:1

This seems like a tall order! What did Paul mean when he wanted us to be an imitator of God?

1. IT IS A STRONG ENTREATY

“Be imitators of God” is a strong encouragement from the apostle Paul. He really wanted the Ephesian brethren to be challenged to live their lives well by following the Lord God. The hearts of the Ephesians were to be stirred and inspired to be followers of Him.

2. IT IS BASED ON A FATHER AND SON RELATIONSHIP

The Ephesians were to imitate God based on a loving relationship with Him. The word “dear” in Greek means “beloved”. As children who loved their Father deeply, the Ephesians were to seek to follow His ways and paths. They were to be loving imitators of Him. The epitome of such an endeavour would be the Lord Jesus.

3. IT IS TO BE PRACTISED CORRECTLY

Being an imitator of God does not mean we are to become like God. That would indeed be impossible. We cannot follow God and become like Him totally. However, we can be imitators of men like Paul. It is possible to imitate Paul because it is between men with men. Timothy was able to follow after Paul’s example (2 Timothy 3:10). Furthermore, we can follow Jesus as a disciple learning and seeking to grow. He was a Man and sought to live that life for all men to see. We can learn to follow Him as the Thessalonians did (1 Thessalonians 1:6). However, we can never be perfect like Him. We can never be perfect like God.

THE CHALLENGE TO BECOME AN IMITATOR OF GOD

The word “imitator” in Greek has the idea of mimicking God. We are to mimic Him along certain lines. The apostle Paul had identified three areas.

1. TO WALK IN LOVE

“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us”
Ephesians 5:2

We are to walk in love with Christ as our example of love.

2. TO WALK IN THE LIGHT

“Walk as children of light”
Ephesians 5:8

We are to walk in the light as children of light.

3. TO WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise”
Ephesians 5:15

We are to walk carefully, living our life wisely, redeeming the time that He has given to us. With these in mind, let’s truly seek to become imitators of God. Let’s focus on following Him.

Back to Article Listing