Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore followers of God - The beginning of this chapter is properly a continuation of the preceding, which should have ended with the second verse of this. The word μιμηται, which we translate followers, signifies such as personate others, assuming their gait, mode of speech, accent, carriage, etc.; and it is from this Greek word that we have the word mimic. Though this term is often used in a ludicrous sense, yet here it is to be understood in a very solemn and proper sense. Let your whole conduct be like that of your Lord; imitate him in all your actions, words, spirit, and inclinations; imitate him as children do their beloved parents, and remember that you stand in the relation of beloved children to him. It is natural for children to imitate their parents; it is their constant aim to learn of them, and to copy them in all things; whatever they see the parent do, whatever they hear him speak, that they endeavor to copy and imitate; yea, they go farther, they insensibly copy the very tempers of their parents. If ye therefore be children of God, show this love to your heavenly Father, and imitate all his moral perfections, and acquire the mind that was in Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore followers of God,.... Not in his works of infinite wisdom and almighty power, which is impossible; but in acts of righteousness and holiness, and particularly in acts of mercy, goodness, and beneficence; as in forgiving injuries and offences, and in freely distributing to the necessities of the saints; as the connection of the words with the preceding chapter, and the instance and example in the following verse show: and this should be done by the saints, as dear children; and because they are such by adopting grace; being predestinated unto the adoption of children, in the eternal purpose of God, and taken into that relation in the covenant of grace; and which is declared and made manifest in regeneration, and by faith in Christ Jesus: and they are dear, or beloved children, being loved with an everlasting and unchangeable love, and which is the spring and source of their adoption; and their being dear to him is seen by what he is unto them, their covenant God and Father; and by what he has done for them, in giving his Son to them, and for them; as well as in choosing, calling, and quickening them by his grace, and by the account he makes of them, as his jewels, his peculiar treasure, and the apple of his eye; and by the pity and compassion he has for them, and the care he takes of them; and therefore it becomes them to imitate him; for who should they imitate and follow after, but their Father, and especially when they are so dear unto him?
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;" for so the word signifies. Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them. They must conform themselves to his example, and have his image renewed upon them. This puts a great honour upon practical religion, that it is the imitating of God. We must be holy as God is holy, merciful as he is merciful, perfect as he is perfect. But there is no one attribute of God more recommended to our imitation than that of his goodness. Be you imitators of God, or resemble him, in every grace, and especially in his love, and in his pardoning goodness. God is love; and those that dwell in love dwell in God and God in them. Thus he has proclaimed his name, Gracious and merciful, and abundant in goodness. As dear children, as children (who are wont to be greatly beloved by their parents) usually resemble them in the lineaments and features of their faces, and in the dispositions and qualities of their minds; or as becomes the children of God, who are beloved and cherished by their heavenly Father. Children are obliged to imitate their parents in what is good, especially when dearly beloved by them. The character that we bear of God's children obliges us to resemble him, especially in his love and goodness, in his mercy and readiness to forgive. And those only are God's dear children who imitate him in these. It follows, And walk in love, Eph 5:2. This godlike grace should conduct and influence our whole conversation, which is meant by walking in it. It should be the principle from which we act; it should direct the ends at which we aim. We should be more careful to give proof of the sincerity of our love one to another. As Christ also hath loved us. Here the apostle directs us to the example of Christ, whom Christians are obliged to imitate, and in whom we have an instance of the most free and generous love that ever was, that great love wherewith he hath loved us. We are all joint sharers in that love, and partakers of the comfort of it, and therefore should love one another, Christ having loved us all and given such proof of his love to us; for he hath given himself for us. The apostle designedly enlarges on the subject; for what can yield us more delightful matter for contemplation than this? Christ gave himself to die for us; and the death of Christ was the great sacrifice of atonement: An offering and a sacrifice to God; or an offering, even a sacrifice - a propitiatory sacrifice, to expiate our guilt, which had been prefigured in the legal oblations and sacrifices; and this for a sweet-smelling savour. Some observe that the sin-offerings were never said to be of a sweet-smelling savour; but this is said of the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. As he offered himself with a design to be accepted of God, so God did accept, was pleased with, and appeased by, that sacrifice. Note, As the sacrifice of Christ was efficacious with God, so his example should be prevailing with us, and we should carefully copy after it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1 Imitate God . . . in everything you do: Primarily by expressing love (5:2; cp. Matt 5:44-45, 48). • because you are his dear children: Just as children follow their parents’ example, believers should follow God’s example (1 Cor 4:14-17).
Imitators of God
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, 2and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Elijah - Part 5
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K08:462CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 28:13MAT 5:23ACT 3:19EPH 5:1HEB 12:1JAS 5:161JN 1:9REV 2:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of rebuilding old altars in our lives, highlighting the need for repentance, restitution, and a return to God's ways. It discusses the significance of not dwelling on past sins that have been forgiven and the importance of focusing on holy and pure things. The message also touches on the concept of leaving behind distractions that hinder our intimacy with God and the need to recover lost spiritual fervor by returning to where we initially left it.
Digging Ditches in Dry Weather
By Paris Reidhead1.3K1:00:14Christian LifeMAT 6:33EPH 5:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and not just relying on others to spread the word of God. He urges the audience to go beyond their comfort zones and make a difference in the lives of those around them. The preacher uses the analogy of digging ditches to represent the preparation and effort required to receive God's blessings. He encourages the audience to deal with sin and remove any obstacles that may hinder their relationship with God. The sermon concludes with the promise that if the audience is willing to meet God's conditions and dig the ditches, they will experience the fulfillment of God's promises in their lives.
Saved From God's Wrath Through His Life
By Alan Martin1.3K00:00God's WrathROM 1:18ROM 5:9EPH 5:1EPH 5:3In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking for God's presence and guidance in understanding the Word. He then explains that belief in the old rugged cross is not enough to save anyone. The preacher emphasizes that God's wrath is revealed against those who do not acknowledge His authority and act in unrighteousness. He goes on to discuss the importance of imitating God and living a life of love, free from sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, and course joking. The preacher concludes by highlighting that God fulfilled His own declaration of the soul that sins shall die by sending Jesus as a substitutionary death for our sins, allowing for both justice and salvation.
Bear Ye Burdens
By Bakht Singh1.2K1:00:00BurdensEPH 5:1In this sermon, Brother Vaksing discusses the challenges faced by the people of Jerusalem as they rebuilt the broken walls and burned gates. He emphasizes that as believers, when we obey God and serve Him, the enemy will try to hinder us in various ways. One of the challenges the people faced was a lack of resources, leading them to sell their land, houses, and gardens. However, Brother Vaksing encourages the congregation to trust in God's provision rather than resorting to begging. He shares a personal testimony of how God provided for his family's needs when they prayed in faith. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not relying on others for our needs, but instead seeking God's provision and helping others in need.
Lest After I Have Preached to Others I Should Be a Castaway!
By Keith Daniel1.0K1:15:42CastawayPSA 1:2PSA 119:47MAT 6:33EPH 5:1JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's Word in our lives. He believes that nothing in this world, including the distractions and thrills offered by Hollywood or technology, can compare to the excitement and blessing found in meditating on the law of the Lord. The speaker warns against allowing legitimate but time-consuming activities to divert our attention from spending meaningful time with God's Word, as it can wear out our souls and hinder our spiritual growth. He encourages believers to make God's Word a priority in every aspect of their lives, setting an example for others and seeking God's guidance and strength through prayer.
Walk in Love
By Joshua Daniel50159:13EPH 5:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the spirit, living by faith, and avoiding the lusts of the flesh. It addresses the need for practical Christian living, focusing on themes of forgiveness, contentment, and avoiding immorality and covetousness. The speaker urges believers to align their actions with their faith, trust in God's provision, and prioritize spiritual growth over worldly desires.
5 - Philadelphians
By Ignatius of Antioch47809:48Audio Books1CO 1:101CO 10:171CO 11:11CO 11:181CO 11:25EPH 4:3EPH 5:1The sermon transcripts highlight the importance of unity and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The bishop is praised for his virtuous and calm temperament, which is seen as a reflection of his love for God and Jesus Christ. The transcripts emphasize the need to avoid division and false doctrines, and to follow the shepherd, who represents the unity of the church. The importance of the Eucharist is also emphasized as a symbol of unity and communion with Jesus Christ.
Imitating Christ in Marriage
By Stewart Ruch21932:40MarriageEPH 5:1EPH 5:22In this sermon, the speaker addresses the idea of avoiding marriage as Christians. They argue that the essence of Christianity is rooted in God's love for the world, which is best understood through the metaphor of marriage. The speaker acknowledges that marriage is incredibly hard, as evidenced by the high divorce rate, but emphasizes the importance of not shattering the biblical foundation of marriage. They also highlight the mystery and complexity of marriage, stating that it cannot be easily defined or understood through clear descriptors or lists.
In Love With Jesus
By G.W. North15623:21JesusISA 43:4JER 31:3MAT 22:37LUK 15:24ROM 12:1EPH 5:11JN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the prodigal son as a representation of repentance. He highlights the threefold nature of the parable, with each part representing a different person of the Trinity. The first two parts emphasize the sovereign grace of God, as the shepherd finds the lost sheep and the woman finds the lost coin without any effort from them. The last part focuses on the human element of repentance, as the prodigal son realizes his mistakes, repents, and returns to his father. The preacher emphasizes the simplicity of the message of repentance and the joy it brings to heaven.
Session 11: John 17
By Joseph Carroll3233:03True DiscipleshipChristian LifeSanctificationJHN 17:17EPH 5:1Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of sanctification in the life of believers, as illustrated in John 17, where Jesus prays for His followers to be set apart through truth. He stresses that true spirituality goes beyond mere knowledge of the Scriptures; it requires a deep, personal appropriation of the truth that transforms lives. Carroll warns against superficial Christianity and highlights the necessity of loving Christ more deeply to experience true holiness and joy. He calls for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, following Christ's example of self-consecration for the sake of others. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to ensure that the truth of God becomes an integral part of their lives, leading to genuine transformation and effective witness in the world.
Meekness: The Glory of Being Like God
By Mike Bickle2446:52Imitating GodMeeknessPRO 10:1MAT 5:5MAT 11:29JHN 16:13ROM 8:292CO 3:18EPH 5:1PHP 2:8JAS 4:6REV 5:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the beauty of meekness as a reflection of God's character, illustrating that true meekness is not merely a command but an invitation to experience God's heart. He explains that meekness is intertwined with holiness and love, and it is through understanding God's humility that we can embody this trait ourselves. Bickle highlights that our destiny is to be like God, and that meekness attracts God's favor, ultimately leading to our greatest freedom and pleasure. He encourages believers to imitate God's meekness, as it is essential for our transformation and future roles in God's kingdom.
Rescue the Perishing
By Glenn Meldrum2ISA 53:5AMO 6:6MAT 3:2MAT 28:19LUK 12:49LUK 19:102CO 5:20EPH 5:1PHP 3:10Glenn Meldrum preaches about the driving passion of Fanny Crosby, a blind hymn writer, to win the lost to Christ, emphasizing the urgency to rescue the perishing and care for the dying. The sermon delves into the heart of God as seen through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, highlighting His mission to seek and save the lost. It challenges Christians to embody the compassion of Christ, become modern-day John the Baptists, and cry out in the wilderness to warn the ungodly and call them to repentance. The sermon stresses the need for revival and reformation in the church, urging leaders to set the example by leading with a passion for the lost.
How Much Is the Cross Worth?
By Arthur Blessitt1LUK 2:13LUK 10:5JHN 14:27ROM 12:18GAL 2:20GAL 6:14EPH 2:17EPH 5:11PE 1:21Arthur Blessitt preaches about the immeasurable worth of the cross, emphasizing the sacrificial love of Jesus and the profound impact it has on believers. He delves into the significance of identifying with the cross and Jesus, calling for a crucified life that aligns with God's will. The sermon highlights the fragrant offering of Jesus on the cross, urging followers to imitate God's love and walk in sacrificial love. Arthur Blessitt also reflects on the hope and peace brought by the cross, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and the message of peace proclaimed at Christmas.
The Disciple's Tenderness
By John Henry Jowett1PSA 27:4HOS 2:19MAT 19:14ROM 12:91CO 13:13EPH 5:1COL 3:121PE 3:151JN 4:19John Henry Jowett preaches on the beautiful figure of being betrothed to God forever, emphasizing the ideal relationship between the soul and its Lord as a marriage covenant. He highlights the importance of Christian ministry aiming to bring souls into this covenant with God, focusing on winning children into a marriage-contract with the Lord. Jowett discusses the significance of revealing Jesus to children through His simplicity, sympathy, heroism, and the hope He offers, ultimately leading to a deep spiritual devotion. He stresses the need for consistency in the lives of those who are wooing others for God, as living out the Gospel message authentically is crucial in the process of winning hearts for the Lord.
Wisdom and Grace; Or, Within and Without
By H.J. Vine1PRO 4:7PRO 21:30JHN 1:17JHN 14:91CO 1:30EPH 5:1COL 1:9COL 4:5H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of cultivating the friendship between wisdom and grace as believers, as they are both attributes of God. Believers are encouraged to walk with wisdom and grace, benefiting not only themselves but also others they encounter. The sermon emphasizes the need to understand and appreciate the privileges of fellowship with God within, before learning how to walk without in wisdom and grace. It highlights the divine wisdom and unselfish grace that believers are called to exhibit towards those outside, reflecting God's heart for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
God Requires Only Himself
By Jessie Penn-Lewis1Imitating GodEmpowerment by the Holy SpiritEPH 5:1Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes that God desires us to imitate Him as beloved children, living a life of love through the Holy Spirit's empowerment. She explains that true obedience and praise come not from obligation but from being filled with God's Spirit, which transforms our hearts and actions. The sermon highlights the importance of removing obstacles to God's spirit by going to the Cross and seeking a new life that produces good fruit. Penn-Lewis encourages believers to lead others into this new life, allowing God's unique expression to manifest in each individual rather than conforming to a single pattern.
God Loves the Whole World
By Bakht Singh0PSA 97:10PSA 119:104PSA 119:113PSA 119:163PRO 8:13JHN 3:16ROM 12:91CO 13:6EPH 5:11JN 2:15Bakht Singh delves into the apparent contradictions in the Bible regarding loving the world, highlighting the need to understand the different meanings of the word 'world' in different contexts. While John 3:16 emphasizes God's love for mankind, 1 John 2:15 warns against loving the sinful attractions and pleasures of the world. Singh explains that loving the world hinders one's ability to love what God loves, leading to failures in spiritual growth and evangelism. He stresses the importance of hating sin while loving sinners, as God does, in order to truly embody God's love and compassion.
Imitators of God
By John Nelson Darby0Imitating GodChristian IdentityEPH 5:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes that Christian conduct is a reflection of our relationship with God, which is established through grace and not by our works. He explains that believers are called to imitate God as dear children, showcasing His character in the world, and that this imitation flows from being in a new relationship with Him. Darby highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ, being quickened together with Him, and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to live out our faith. He warns against the misconception that duties precede relationship, asserting that true Christian duties arise from our status as children of God. Ultimately, our goal is to represent Christ in our actions, embodying His love and light in a world that often stands in opposition to Him.
Man’s Natural Blindness in Things of Religion
By Jonathan Edwards0EPH 5:1The preacher, W. Bauder, delves into the concept of imitation, emphasizing the importance of mimicking godly examples, especially that of our Savior. He highlights how imitating God and faithful individuals can lead to inheriting promises and growing in faith. The sermon explores how early civilizations imitated animals and how Christians should imitate Christ and other believers. The message encourages believers to let their actions speak louder than words, imitating the faith and endurance of those who have gone before us.
Love to the Brethren
By H.J. Vine0EPH 5:1H.J. Vine emphasizes the importance of love for the brethren as a sign of regeneration, highlighting that those who lack love are still spiritually dead. He points out that God is love, and to know God is to love one another as Christ loved us. Vine encourages believers to imitate God and walk in love, as it is a transformative expression of true knowledge of God in Christ.
Prophecy - December, 1954
By Charles S. Price0PSA 16:11PSA 32:8PRO 3:5ISA 30:21ROM 8:29EPH 5:1PHP 2:5PHP 2:13JAS 1:22Charles S. Price preaches about the journey towards understanding and liberty, emphasizing the pursuit of God's ways and the importance of hearing His voice for guidance. Believers are encouraged to walk in the pleasant paths of the Lord, leading to communion with God and a spirit void of offense. The sermon highlights the need for surrender, obedience, and a yielded life to experience the power of God's Resurrection and be conformed to His image.
Be Perfect as Our Father in Heaven Is Perfect
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAT 5:481CO 11:11CO 13:11EPH 4:15EPH 5:11TI 4:12HEB 5:12HEB 12:51PE 4:11JN 2:15Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the journey to spiritual adulthood, emphasizing the call to be perfect and merciful like our heavenly Father, to imitate God, and to follow Christ as Paul did. He highlights the importance of leaders modeling faith, love, and purity, and the need for believers to grow up spiritually by craving the Word of God. The sermon stresses the necessity of submitting to God's discipline and child training to reach maturity in Christ, warning against resisting the Holy Spirit and hindering the growing up process.
(The Full Gospel) 2. the Balance of Truth
By Zac Poonen0Prophetic MinistryBalance in the GospelISA 30:20JER 20:8GAL 1:8EPH 1:3EPH 2:1EPH 3:16EPH 4:1EPH 5:1EPH 6:11Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of balance in understanding the full gospel, warning against the extremes of over-emphasizing either the gifts or the fruit of the Spirit. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers back to the straight path of truth, as seen in Isaiah 30:20-21. Poonen draws parallels between the ministries of Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah and Hosea, illustrating that true prophetic ministry addresses the current needs of the church without seeking popularity. He stresses the importance of grounding our faith in the foundational truths of Ephesians 1-3 before moving to the practical applications in Ephesians 4-6, ensuring that believers understand their acceptance in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a prophetic voice in the church that challenges believers to build upon the foundation of God's grace and truth.
Our Daily Homily - Ephesians
By F.B. Meyer0RedemptionIdentity in ChristPrayerROM 8:23EPH 1:13EPH 2:10EPH 4:22EPH 5:1EPH 6:18F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound truth that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the immense cost of their redemption through Christ's blood. He explains that while our bodies are owned by God, they await full redemption, and we are called to live as His workmanship, created for good works. Meyer encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, to put away their former ways, and to be renewed in their minds, reflecting God's character in their lives. He also stresses the importance of prayer in all circumstances, urging believers to pray in the Spirit and to remain vigilant and persistent in their spiritual journey.
Back to Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional Index
By C.H. Spurgeon0Living FaithImitating ChristMAT 5:16EPH 5:11PE 2:21C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Christians should embody a striking likeness of Jesus Christ, serving as living biographies of Him through their words and actions. He encourages believers to boldly profess their faith, imitate Christ's loving spirit, and demonstrate holiness in their daily lives. Spurgeon highlights the importance of being zealous for God, self-denying, fervent in prayer, and patient, while also urging Christians to forgive their enemies as Christ did. The ultimate goal is for others to recognize that they have been with Jesus by observing their Christ-like behavior. This call to action serves as a reminder of the transformative power of living out one's faith authentically.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore followers of God - The beginning of this chapter is properly a continuation of the preceding, which should have ended with the second verse of this. The word μιμηται, which we translate followers, signifies such as personate others, assuming their gait, mode of speech, accent, carriage, etc.; and it is from this Greek word that we have the word mimic. Though this term is often used in a ludicrous sense, yet here it is to be understood in a very solemn and proper sense. Let your whole conduct be like that of your Lord; imitate him in all your actions, words, spirit, and inclinations; imitate him as children do their beloved parents, and remember that you stand in the relation of beloved children to him. It is natural for children to imitate their parents; it is their constant aim to learn of them, and to copy them in all things; whatever they see the parent do, whatever they hear him speak, that they endeavor to copy and imitate; yea, they go farther, they insensibly copy the very tempers of their parents. If ye therefore be children of God, show this love to your heavenly Father, and imitate all his moral perfections, and acquire the mind that was in Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be ye therefore followers of God,.... Not in his works of infinite wisdom and almighty power, which is impossible; but in acts of righteousness and holiness, and particularly in acts of mercy, goodness, and beneficence; as in forgiving injuries and offences, and in freely distributing to the necessities of the saints; as the connection of the words with the preceding chapter, and the instance and example in the following verse show: and this should be done by the saints, as dear children; and because they are such by adopting grace; being predestinated unto the adoption of children, in the eternal purpose of God, and taken into that relation in the covenant of grace; and which is declared and made manifest in regeneration, and by faith in Christ Jesus: and they are dear, or beloved children, being loved with an everlasting and unchangeable love, and which is the spring and source of their adoption; and their being dear to him is seen by what he is unto them, their covenant God and Father; and by what he has done for them, in giving his Son to them, and for them; as well as in choosing, calling, and quickening them by his grace, and by the account he makes of them, as his jewels, his peculiar treasure, and the apple of his eye; and by the pity and compassion he has for them, and the care he takes of them; and therefore it becomes them to imitate him; for who should they imitate and follow after, but their Father, and especially when they are so dear unto him?
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;" for so the word signifies. Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them. They must conform themselves to his example, and have his image renewed upon them. This puts a great honour upon practical religion, that it is the imitating of God. We must be holy as God is holy, merciful as he is merciful, perfect as he is perfect. But there is no one attribute of God more recommended to our imitation than that of his goodness. Be you imitators of God, or resemble him, in every grace, and especially in his love, and in his pardoning goodness. God is love; and those that dwell in love dwell in God and God in them. Thus he has proclaimed his name, Gracious and merciful, and abundant in goodness. As dear children, as children (who are wont to be greatly beloved by their parents) usually resemble them in the lineaments and features of their faces, and in the dispositions and qualities of their minds; or as becomes the children of God, who are beloved and cherished by their heavenly Father. Children are obliged to imitate their parents in what is good, especially when dearly beloved by them. The character that we bear of God's children obliges us to resemble him, especially in his love and goodness, in his mercy and readiness to forgive. And those only are God's dear children who imitate him in these. It follows, And walk in love, Eph 5:2. This godlike grace should conduct and influence our whole conversation, which is meant by walking in it. It should be the principle from which we act; it should direct the ends at which we aim. We should be more careful to give proof of the sincerity of our love one to another. As Christ also hath loved us. Here the apostle directs us to the example of Christ, whom Christians are obliged to imitate, and in whom we have an instance of the most free and generous love that ever was, that great love wherewith he hath loved us. We are all joint sharers in that love, and partakers of the comfort of it, and therefore should love one another, Christ having loved us all and given such proof of his love to us; for he hath given himself for us. The apostle designedly enlarges on the subject; for what can yield us more delightful matter for contemplation than this? Christ gave himself to die for us; and the death of Christ was the great sacrifice of atonement: An offering and a sacrifice to God; or an offering, even a sacrifice - a propitiatory sacrifice, to expiate our guilt, which had been prefigured in the legal oblations and sacrifices; and this for a sweet-smelling savour. Some observe that the sin-offerings were never said to be of a sweet-smelling savour; but this is said of the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. As he offered himself with a design to be accepted of God, so God did accept, was pleased with, and appeased by, that sacrifice. Note, As the sacrifice of Christ was efficacious with God, so his example should be prevailing with us, and we should carefully copy after it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1 Imitate God . . . in everything you do: Primarily by expressing love (5:2; cp. Matt 5:44-45, 48). • because you are his dear children: Just as children follow their parents’ example, believers should follow God’s example (1 Cor 4:14-17).