Verse 2
This verse explains how we are to imitate God, namely, by loving. The measure and model of our love should be Christ’s love for us. He loved us to the extent of dying for us. His self-sacrifice was pleasing and acceptable to God, as a sweet aroma. Jesus’ death was both an offering of worship to God, like the burnt and meal offerings in Judaism, and a sacrifice of expiation, like the sin and trespass offerings. We also express our love most when we lay down our lives for those we love, particularly God (1 John 3:16).
". . . there is not a single place in Paul’s writings, nor in the New Testament generally, where the death of Christ can be spoken of as only an example to be followed, without the further expression of its atoning significance." [Note: Foulkes, p. 139.]
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