Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

I. When Paul calls us to be imitators of God, he is calling us to love __________, just as Christ loved us sacrificailly by giving himself up as an offering for our sins.

II. The reason it is not easy to imitate God because we still battle against our ________ ________.

III. Thanks be to God, for we who ________ against the darkness have Jesus who has ________ the darkness for us!

Scripture Readings
Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Ephesians 5:1-20, Matthew 28:16-20

Take It With You!

During this series please consider reading through the book of Ephesians daily with your family or on your own. After each sermon, questions will be provided to guide your reading and prayer time. God's blessings in your study!

1. Read through Ephesians 4:17-5:20. Paul talks about those who are in the darkness and those who are in the light, that is, those who have been saved by God's grace in Jesus. Make a list of the activities that come from darkness and compare that with a list of activities that come from the light.

2. Ephesians 5:10 says that we should find out what pleases the Lord. What are ways in which we do this? Where do we turn for such a pursuit?

3. Ephesians 5:3-7 comes down very hard on self-serving sins such as sexual immorality and greed. Know that these sins are among the very sins Jesus died on the cross to forgive. But don't take that to mean they will stop tempting you. If you struggle in these areas, contact your pastor or another trusted brother and sister in Christ and establish some accountability.