Back in the days before GPS, we depended on little signs to help us out, like that white H on a blue background. When you see that, you know it's directing you to a hospital. Scripture has its own signpost words and for the next few weeks, we'll take a look at a few of them and how they can help you in your Bible study.
Therefore – Marks a conclusion or a reason.
For example, in Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus says "All authority had been given to Me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…"
Jesus has the authority to send us out to make disciples. Our recognition of that authority determines how responsive we are. In my house, if the four-year-old tells the older kids to pick up the toys, she gets a different response than if Dad tells them. (Usually.) Their action is based on their submission to the authority of the one giving the commands.
Paul tends to lay out long, logically constructed arguments in his letters, building to summary or conclusion and he uses "therefore" to indicate that. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, he says "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Granted, it's not fair to throw out the conclusion sentence and not give you the build-up, but that would mean copying a lot of Scripture. You can read 1 Corinthians yourself and decide just how far back Paul goes to make his point. I'm going to go with the nearest, most obvious- the immediately preceding verses. He explains that death cannot touch us, because Jesus Christ gives us the ultimate victory. His point is, if death is the worst anybody can do to you, don't let that keep you from the work of the Lord. You already have death beaten.
As you study this week watch for 'therefore' and take note of the conclusion or reason to which it's drawing your attention. I'd love to hear what you discover.
Edna T says
Your blog is great and I read your interview over at The Giveaway Lady