“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).

The frequently used adverb “therefore” usually signals a transition in Scripture from doctrinal truth to practical consequence. In our text above, the incentive for faithful service is the great truth of Christ’s resurrection, as discussed in verses 1–30 of the chapter, and the corollary truths of our own future resurrection, as in verses 35–57.

Note also the familiar exhortation of Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” The basis for this “therefore” is the marvelous plan of God for both Israel and the Gentiles in the age to come, as expounded in Romans 11.

Another example is Philippians 4:1: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord.” This “therefore” stems from the great truth of Christ’s second coming, when our present frail bodies will be transformed into a glorified body like His.

The first three chapters of the Book of Ephesians contain many wonderful doctrinal truths, and the last three chapters emphasize the consequent principles of practical Christian living. The transition from doctrine to practice urges us to live in a manner befitting our high calling in Christ. “I therefore, . . . beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1).

Finally, following his great affirmation of the plenary inspiration of the Bible, Paul says: “I charge thee therefore. . . . Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:1,2).

It is good always to study the Biblical context of every “therefore,” to see what God has placed it there for! HMM