September 28, 2024 – Ephesians 5:1–20  

“Therefore, be imitators of G-d as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to G-d. But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and G-d. Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things G-dʼs wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them, for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. But all things being exposed by the light are made evident.” Ephesians 5:1–13  

“Be imitators….of Jesus”. Imitators (the Greek word is “mimetes”) is translated as “an imitator, follower, actor, or impostor.” Mimetes means “do as I do.” Plato said a mimetes was one who represents characters. Aristotle said it was one who is like another. A mime is one who acts a part with mimic gestures and action. 

And when Paul says we are “to be imitator”, the verb “to be” is in the present imperative…meaning it is a command calling for continual, ongoing action — and imitation. Now think about this for a second—how successful might we be if we try to keep this command, being imitators of Jesus, but solely rely in our OWN strength? My feeling is we will fail without Christ.  

The only way to imitate the life of Jesus is by relying on the same power Jesus relied upon—the power of the Holy Spirit. Note that just after Jesus’ ministry was inaugurated through His baptism and the giving of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit filled Jesus and led Him into the wilderness and then “…all Hell broke lose”. The only way we can obey this command, to be imitators of Christ, is through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

As I noted earlier, Paul puts our imitation of Jesus into the present imperative — meaning it is a command — but more than that — it is to be a continual way of life. Paul says for us to continually “mimic” G-d’s attitudes and actions — giving us direction in our life, knowing that we are not perfect. Like all of the commands, we will usually fall short of maintaining them, but they continue to be a sure guide for our daily living.  

Pastor Dave 

September 27, 2024 – Ephesians 4:17–32  

“Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. Do not give the devil an opportunity. The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of G-d, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as G-d in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4:25–32  

Be Angry? Be angry, Paul says — but then he gives a caveat—but do not sin! For some people of faith who have a highly sentimental feeling and view toward their religiosity, they may believe that any type of anger is a sin. Paul surprises us here by recognizing that anger has its place. He also says that it has its limits. Even those with a superficial knowledge of the Bible recognize that there are many references about people (even G-d) who are moved toward anger. The prophets (Amos for example) can hardly contain their outrage at the way the people of Israel have violated G-d’s covenant. G-d argues with Moses that G-d should smite the Israelites after the “Golden Calf” incident. Jesus was upset when he overturned the tables of the moneychangers — and when he encountered almost any form of self-righteous arrogance in religious leaders. And Paul himself was furious with the church in Galatians as it fell back into seeing the law as a way to please G-d (Galatians 3:1-3). Indeed, G-d may be slow to anger but this does not mean G-d is never angry. G-d gets upset — but even we know that, when love is betrayed, then there can be outrage. 

And yet we are supposed to be careful with our anger, as Paul warns the Ephesians not to “let the sun go down on your anger”. He recognizes that anger can quickly become obsessive, intrusive, infectious, and insidious. Instead of being upset over a thoughtless word or deed, we have a tendency to make it “personal” in a hurry. We nurse a grudge and cook up schemes for revenge. Once we have slipped into this realm we have opened the door for the devil. The well-being of the community then becomes secondary, and our main purpose is simply to get even. Thus, Paul reminds us of the need to let forgiveness have the last word “…be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as G-d in Christ also forgave you.”  

I guess what needs to be said is this: there is a place for all emotions in the church and the life of the believer. It is inevitable. But if we do not keep them in check, especially those that fall on the negative side of our emotions, then we allow Satan to work his ways with us.  

Pastor Dave