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Again, in Ephesians 5 the "walk" which is worthy is further expanded. This walk must be "in love" (5:2); "as
light" (5:8), and "as wise" (5:15), and moreover, each one of these sub-divisions of the walk are followed by the
most comprehensive statements concerning the daily life and conduct. These three divisions are further expanded in
Ephesians 5:22 to 6:9, and the reader is not permitted to generalise, but is forced to face particular aspects of
practical truth. Wives and husbands, children and parents, servants and masters, each have their place, and we
wonder to what extent those who say dispensational truth is not practical would stand the test of this practical
section if it were applied to their home and ways.
Turn to the epistle to the Philippians; where else in all the New Testament shall we find an epistle like it for
practical teaching? The wondrous revelation of Philippians 2 concerning the Lord Who, from being equal with God
stooped to the death of the cross, was not primarily given to teach anything about the Person of the Lord, but was
given as an example, that we might know what true unselfishness meant:
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Phil. 2:4).
Where shall we find such trust and tranquillity, such practical faith as that of Philippians 4:6,7 :
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus".
Look at the example set by the apostle:
"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be independent (as the word may be translated). I know both how to
be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be
hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil.
4:11-13).
Or turn to the last epistle that Paul wrote before his martyrdom (2 Timothy) and listen to his emphasis upon not
being ashamed:
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the
afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Tim. 1:8).
"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have
believed" (2 Tim. 1:12).
"He oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain" (2 Tim. 1:16).
Can anything be more practical than the following words to Timothy:
"God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7).
How clear cut are his words in 2 Timothy 2:4 :
"No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life (his livelihood); that he may please Him
Who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (2 Tim. 2:4).
Doctrine and practice are balanced beautifully in 2 Timothy 2:19 :
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His
(doctrine). And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (practice).
The apostle moreover could point to his own consistent conduct while preaching the truth to others:
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life" (2 Tim. 3:10).