Wednesday, August 29, 2012

260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 173 - Ephesians 5: Imitators or Imitation?

What do Sweet & Low, Little Debbie Swiss Cakes & Mellow Yellow all have in common? They’re fakes! Imitation! They’re not sugar, they’re not Ho Ho’s and they’re certainly not Mountain Dew! Paul begins with “Be imitators of God………..and live a life of love…” The word for imitators is mimos – it’s where we get our English word “mimic” and in this context it means to follow, to be like. Imitation makes external changes & tries to look like the real deal, Imitators, on the other hand, have internal changes that occur because of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives! Paul says at least four things about this. First, people who aren’t changed internally by God will not make it to heaven (5-7). Second, light = good, darkness = bad! (8-14) Because believers have been called out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9), we should live like it. Period. Third, imitating God keeps us from wasting our lives (15-17). We are to “make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” In other words, our time will soon be up on this planet, don’t let wine control you but the Holy Spirit! Finally, Paul gives evidences of a Spirit-controlled & changed life (18-21). Fellowship, worship, thankfulness and submission are all signs of being Spirit-controlled! Then Paul concludes with what mutual submission looks like: wives to husbands, husbands to Lord, children to parents (ch 6), slaves to masters (ch 6). SO WHAT?! *When, where and in what area is it most difficult for you (& I) to be an imitator of God? Identify it and then ask God’s Holy Spirit to change us in these areas! *Since the time when you, by faith, believed & received Jesus, what areas of your life have you seen change? Take a moment and thank God for those changes! Then be bold and ask Him to show you other areas where He desires change! *How ya’ doing with submission? Parent? Teachers? Speed Limit signs? Submission says a lot about our character.

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