In your reading of the Bible (especially in the New Testament epistles) you often come across the word “therefore”.  Many times we just read it and move on without realizing the significance of that one word.  This one word is rich in helping us to understand what we’re reading and it is a very simple and important Bible study principle. 

The following is a poem I wrote to help us see the significance of this one word. 

“An Ode to Therefore” 

There is Therefore, why is it there?

I’m wondering why, please help make it clear.

So simple a word, but I haven’t a clue,

Why it is here, would you please help me through?

It’s here in this place, due to the truth that precedes it,

Plainly laid out for all who would read it.

But in our reading, we often forget,

So therefore is there to remind us a bit.

To learn from the Bible, a most wonderful task,

Though often we feel like it’s wearing a mask.

It doesn’t make sense, is often our cry,

And we just close the Book, wondering why.

It’s often because we just fail to see,

A most simple word that can help us be free.

Of frustration and worry and not understanding

The words we have read, that have baffled us dandy.

That word is Therefore as we see right here,

Therefore is therefore to help make it clear.

So when you see therefore you must understand;

That therefore is therefore a principle at hand.

To help us to see the truth previously stated,

And that to the words ahead, it’s related.

To look back to the words that we have just read,

And to give us a mooring to move on ahead.

So when you see therefore, now know why it’s there

Look back to the truth that got it to here.

Then you will know and shout out with glee,

I know what it’s therefore, now I can see!

 Let me close this week’s word with an example.  In Romans 8:1 we read – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Before we move on to the rest of Romans 8 we must stop and ask ourselves, “Why is there now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus?”  The answer is in the “therefore”.  At this point we must stop and look back to Chapters 1-7 of Romans and make sure that we clearly understand the truth that the Apostle Paul has laid out to us – the wonderful truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.  If we fail to grasp a hold of the previous truth stated we will never understand (and experience) the truth ahead. 

So, in your reading of God’s Word, take the time to stop when you get to “therefore” and go back over the truth stated and meditate on it and let it sink into your mind and your heart.  May your reading and studying of God’s precious Word be opened up to you and your life changed as you unite His Word with faith.

By God's Grace ~ Through God's Word ~ For God's Glory!

Chuck Long

©God’sGWG
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