Verse of the Day (September 17, 2019)

Verse of the Day (September 17, 2019) – “be followers (imitators) of God”: This is a present middle (deponent) imperative. The English word “mimic” comes from this Greek root. In Eph 4:32; Eph 5:2 an imitator of God is defined as one who (1) forgives and (2) walks in love and selflessness like Jesus. These actions establish and maintain unity (cf. Eph 4:2-3). Believers must strive for the corporate good of the body, not individual rights, privileges, or freedoms (cf. Eph 4:3). “as dear (beloved) children”: Believers were called by the same theologically significant title as Jesus (cf. Eph 1:6). Believers are loved because He is loved. They are to reflect the family characteristics of the Father. Jesus and the Spirit restore the image of God in human beings marred in the fall of Genesis 3. (You Can Understand the Bible by Bob Utley) #BMSeminary