DON’T TALK IT, WALK IT

EPHESIANS 5:1

"Be an imitator of God."

Paul puts it flatly, bluntly, openly: “Be imitators of God.” That is a great declaration. The word for imitators is the Greek word that means “to mimic.” Have you ever seen somebody mime? They don’t say anything, do they? They express it and when they express it, it is so exaggerated that nobody misses what they are trying to say. Paul is saying this,

Don’t talk about His love, walk in His love, live it, express it. Don’t tell everybody you have it, show them that you have it. Do as God does. Mime. In other words, live it out before the world.

Mimics are those who follow the pattern or the example of God. If you want to put it simply, you can say it this way: “Be godlike.” That is the goal of Christianity. It is to produce men and women, boys and girls, who are godlike in the midst of an ungodlike world. That is what it is all about.

Reflect Him in your humanity. Be a godlike man. Be a godlike woman. From this we get our English word godly. After all, this word godly, which makes many of us cringe and feel uncomfortable, is simply a shortened form of the word godlike. It originally came from the word godlikeness. Godlikeness is godliness; godliness is godlikeness.

HOLD ON. HOLD THE FORT. STOP THE TRAIN. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. How in the world am I going to imitate God? Isn’t that impossible? The answer is yes and no. How’s that for decisiveness? Here it is - it is impossible in your own selfish nature, but not impossible when the nature of God is in you.

To be an imitator of God is not something you do for Him. It is something God has to do through you. Let me show you this. There are TWO things that are very critical that we need to understand in this text. First of all, in order to imitate God and His love, we have to be His child. The verse is very clear. He says in verse 1 again, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."

ANSWER THIS, “WHAT DO CHILDREN DO?” They bear the characteristics and the nature of their parents. Did you know that as a child of God you have His nature in you? His very nature comes into your life. His spirit unites with your spirit and my spirit; therefore, we have the potential now out of that nature to love as He loves.

In other words, we partake of the divine nature. His Spirit living in us gives us that brand new nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. So when we are commanded to love on a supernatural level, we have the potential of doing it if we are His children and bear His nature.

The second thing not only must I be His child, but I must choose to obey His command. I want to share something with you, loving on this level is not a feeling. It is not something that is going to happen to you because you had your quiet time. It is not something that is going to happen to you because you sincerely want it to happen to you. It is something that is going to happen when you choose to love others around you. The very fact that this is an unconditional love ... means there are going to be people out there who aren’t going to deserve it and you are not going to want to love them. It is a command.

Are you living with somebody that is unlovable? If you possess the nature of God, you are commanded to love. You have to make your own personal choice to do it. 

HOW TO FIX YOUR THINKING

EPHESIANS 4:23

What is the most lasting, effective way to change how you think?  What is the most powerful tool to help direct the lives and future of your children?  How do you win over bad habits and thought patterns?  How do I become a positive person?  Keep reading because the answer is there.

Ephesians 4:17 lays the ground work by declaring that all Christians will not live the same lifestyle they did before they were Christians. That’s what Paul means when he says to not walk as the Gentiles, which represented who they were before coming to their new life in Christ.  The old life is described as one of self-centeredness, ignorance, shamelessness, and perversion.

New Study On Criminal Behavior

For years criminal behavior was believed to result from environmental factors such as where a person lived or how he was treated by his parents. But that perspective was challenged by two researchers, Samuel Yochelson and Stanton Samenow, in The Criminal Personality [N.Y.: Jason Aronsen, 1976, 1977, 1986).  Their research revealed that criminal behavior is the result of warped thinking processes. In fact, three sections of volume I (over 200 pages) are devoted to "thinking errors characteristic of the criminal." The researchers wrote, "Abandoning the search for causation and deciding not to work with feelings, we probed the criminal patterns of thought" (p. 52). They concluded, "It is remarkable that the criminal often derives as great an impact from his activities during nonarrestable phases as he does from crime.... The criminal's thinking patterns operate everywhere; they are not restricted to crime" (p. 53). The thinking process of the criminal mind is out of whack. Romans 1:28 calls it "a reprobate mind." The problem is in the criminal's mind, not his environment.

“Criminals come from a broad spectrum of homes, both disadvantaged and privileged. Within the same neighborhood, some are violators, and most are not. It is not the environment that turns a man into a criminal. Rather, it is a series of choices that he makes starting at a very early age" (pp. 104, 247).

They went on to conclude, "Perhaps most important is that [our studies have] demonstrated that a criminal is not a victim of circumstances. He makes choices early in life, regardless of his socioeconomic status, race, or parents' child-rearing practices.... Changing the environment does not change the man" (p. 249).

So we as humans have an issue with our minds.  But God has a remedy.  It is to give us a new mind.  The Bible describes it as a renewing of the mind and spirit.  Let’s get our minds, so to speak, around these principles. 

The Greek word translated "renewed" (ananeoo), in verse 23, is used only here in the New Testament; no where else in the Bible. It means "to create again" or "make new."  This is not the Greek word used in Romans 12, though it is given the same english word. The meaning here is that the mind is new, not so much qualitatively, but thinking in other ways. When you become a Christian, God gives you a new mind.  That’s where it starts.  But now you must fill it with new thoughts. My new baby boy was born with a fresh, new mind.  Now impressions are being made and will help to determine the course of his life.  

How do we become renewed in our mind and spirits? Paul says in Colossians 3:2-3 to set our minds on things that are above.  It only happens when our thinking is directed the right way.  That’s why Paul says in Philippians 4:8, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  It is an issue between our ears.  Do you see that?  And it will always be an issue with our minds.

You have a choice to think on what you want; to listen to whatever you choose.  Just know that it plays the major factor in your behavior; in the direction of your life.

Direct your mind upwards.  Think and listen to those things that promote a healthy life and influence.  Do not give an ear to negative and dirty people.  They will drag you down.

If someone asks you, “How do I live the Christian life?  How do I grow in Christ?  How can I become a productive believer?”, here is your answer.

Be “renewed” in your mind.  Practically, this means to be continually undergoing a restoration process.  Get under the truth tree.  You know, the one with the fruits of positive, encouraging, healthy, giving, selfless, biblical, fruits.  Don’t give your mind junk food.

EVERYONE HAS ONE - SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Ephesians 4:4-7

Many of you are familiar with the book by Alexander Dumas entitled “The Three Musketeers”. The heroes of that story had as their motto “All for one and one for all”. This meant that each member of that group of men would fight for the group or for any of the others. In other words, they were vowing to stand together in their common fight.

Don’t you think that if anyone had that motto it should be the church?  It seems to me that if there were a group of people who could be on the same page, get along with each other, and support one another, it would be the church.  It’s too bad that is often not the case.

What is the basis of unity?  How can a diverse group of people, with different personalities and backgrounds, experience togetherness?  This is Paul’s discussion in chapter 4.  He is laying out all of these unity words and phrases like - “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”  See the unity in that?  He also says there is “one body and one Spirit and one hope.” In the midst of our diversity there is a great unity.  Here is what Paul is saying:

Verses 4-6 We Share Common Ground - The night before Jesus was crucified, He prayed for His people. In John 17, one of the things He prayed for us that His people would be “one”, John 17:20-23. To ensure that we would have the foundation upon which build in unity, the Lord provided us with 7 great possessions that every Christian shares in Him.  We only mention a couple here.

Verse 7 We Share Common Grace - Now a new thought, in which Paul will speak of the spiritual gifts that are given to the church to profit the church.  Note here that every believer possesses at least one spiritual gift, 1 Cor. 12:4-27.  THAT’S RIGHT - EVERYONE HAS ONE.  That gift that you have been given was given to you to use for the glory of God and to be a blessing to the church! As each believer uses the gifts he or she is given, the unity of the church is strengthened and the church is helped!

Notice some of words used in verse 7.  He says “each one of you.”  There is no way to miss that.  Each person, each believer, has been given at least one spiritual gift.  This refers to each one separately.  It is funny how many christians eliminate themselves as recipients of spiritual gifts. Some how they have been left out, forgotten, or not worthy. Wrong! It is very clear you have at least one. 

The real discussion is not do you, but what it is. Do not confuse spiritual gifts with talents. Playing the piano is a talent, not a spiritual gift. How do I know? Because the bible gives us several lists of what these gifts are. Find them listed in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.

A spiritual gift is a divine enablement. Ok, let’s phrase that differently - a spiritual gift is your ministry in the church. It is what you have been fitted to do. You can do other things, but nothing fits like serving in the capacity of your gift. For example, I can be a part of the evangelism team of the church or I can be a part of an organizational committee. The process of serving in those areas is Ok, but not nearly as fun as serving in the area of my giftedness. Nothing will bring you the fulfillment and comfort as being where you belong.  For me, teaching and communicating is where it is. It comes with ease and is seldom a chore or a bore. Why? That’s where I am gifted. The same is true for you.

The bible uses to word “grace” when referring to spiritual gifts. Here grace is the ability to perform the task God has called us to. How cool is that? The Lord not only gives us a gift, but follows that with the ability to perform it...to carry it out.

You did not get short changed. Got gifted you with exactly what He wanted you to have. Then God gave both the grace and the faith to energize whatever gift He gave. Knowing this, do not seek after other gifts. Be satisfied with God’s plan. It’s time for you to discover your spiritual gift.

WHEN ANGELS ATTEND CHURCH

EPHESIANS 3:10

Do you believe in angels? The bible does! All through the bible you read about angels and their work. You see them in Eden. You see them at the tomb. And you will see them in the end. Ok, you do not actually see them, but they are there, see them or not. 

Angels are messengers. They were created by God and have specific ranks, categories, and purposes. Some were created to solely worship God around His throne. Others minister to God’s creation - you and me. There are guardian angels who have kept you safe from things you do not even know about. They surely watch over me when I’m driving. Maybe in heaven God will show us those times - that would be cool. Some angels transport us at death. You could list hundreds of activities these heavenly angels are up to.

There are two categories of angels, heavenly and fallen. Fallen angels are what we call demons. Some are active and doing all they can to upset the plan of God. You experience them in temptation. Some of these fallen angels, the worst ones, are chained in the pit and will released when God brings His judgment on the earth. Why they fell from heaven is another subject.

All angels are created beings. They are not human, but spirit beings. And I suppose they appear from this passage to be a little curious. There is something they see in God’s eternal plan that they cannot experience. Imagine their shock when Jesus stepped out of heaven and into a manger as a babe? Imagine their shock when Jesus set aside His prerogatives as the Son of God and limited Himself to flesh. Imagine their shock when they saw Him - God the Son - dying on a cross. This was all a part of God’s plan, right? They want to know all they can about this plan.

How do angels hear about God’s glorious plan? Ephesians 3:10 says by the church - they learn the wisdom of God every time the pastor stands and preaches the bible. They attend church to hear about God’s grace.

I love the old song that says,

“Angels never knew the joy that is mine, for the blood has never washed their sins away. Though they sing in heaven, there will come a time, when silently the will listen to me sing amazing grace.”

The angels are checking out the church. You cannot see them unless God were to open your eyes to the spiritual world. They see you. They were in church with you Sunday.