"Therefore"

Ephesians 4 marks the division of Paul's letter to the Ephesians from his emphasis on doctrine (chapters 1 - 3) to his instruction on the practical aspects of the Christian life (chapter 4 - 6). Paul marks this division with the word "therefore," a clear indication that there is a vital connection between what it is we believe and how it is we behave as followers of Jesus. Before moving forward in our study, we must make absolutely certain we understand that the behavior Paul is identifying in the second half of his letter is impossible without the initiative of God in our regeneration.