The book of Ephesians begins with a doctrine that is profound and deep and ends with practical information that is immediately relevant.  Chapter 4 begins the transition from doctrinal teaching to practical teaching, but there is no distinct separation between the two.  The Apostle Paul wrote a unified letter, not two separate pieces.  The practical lessons found in Chapters 4 through 6 flow directly from the doctrinal lessons taught in Chapters 1 through 3.

Live a life worthy of the calling you received.  This calling was described in great detail in the first half of the letter, and now we get the details of how this life is to be lived.  We are to put into practical effect the doctrines that he teaches.  Humility must necessarily flow from a calling that rests solely on grace.  Patience and love follow the unity we gain through Christ.  We are given gifts, such as evangelism and teaching, and these gifts are to prepare us for service, not just for personal enrichment.  We are to use these gifts to build up the body of Christ to unity in faith and knowledge of Him.

Christians should not live as non-Christians live.  We are to think and be different.  We should have a new attitude that comes with realizing that we are created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Don’t give yourself to meaningless and senseless activity.  What do you talk about between bible study and the worship service on Sunday mornings?  What do you do with your free time at home?  Do something with eternal value.

We take more with us to heaven that most people think.  Not material things, but spiritual things.  Be careful how you live, making the most of every opportunity.

This is part 6 of 6 in a series Dr. Bush taught on Ephesians in January of 1980 at the First Baptist Church of Ballinger, Texas.  It was part of a larger series that he called Theologoumenon, in which he went to churches and taught anyone who would come.  The first part was an introduction to the book.  The second part looked in detail at Chapter 1:3-14. Part 3 was a study on Ephesians 1:15-23.  Part 4 was a lesson from Ephesians 2.  The previous episode, Part 5, was a study from Ephesians 3.  There is a gap about half-way through where the original tape recording switched from side 1 to side 2 and a little bit of microphone bumping at one point, but I hope this episode, and this series, is still as meaningful to you as it was to me.

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