InstaStudy

The Call to Live: Understanding "Therefore" in Scripture

This study explores the profound implications of the word "therefore" in the Bible, revealing how foundational truths about God and His redemptive work lead to a transformed life of faith and obedience.

1. The Foundation of Truth: Who God Is

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6
  • God is a singular being, unique and incomparable.
  • There is no God formed before Him, nor shall there be after Him.
  • He is the First and the Last, and beside Him there is no God.

1.2 Jesus is the Fullness of God Manifest

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • The Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.

1.3 The One God Revealed in Different Ways

Verses: John 14:9; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-7
  • He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father.
  • Jesus is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father.
  • God humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant.

2. The Work of Redemption: What God Has Done

2.1 Christ's Sacrifice for Sin

Verses: Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:22
  • God demonstrated His love toward us in Christ's death.
  • He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.
  • Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.

2.2 His Resurrection and Victory

Verses: Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 2:15
  • He was raised for our justification, proving His victory.
  • Christ died for our sins and rose again the third day.
  • He disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them.

2.3 The New Covenant Established

Verses: Hebrews 8:6; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20
  • Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises.
  • God promises to put His laws in our minds and write them on our hearts.
  • His blood seals the new covenant, providing forgiveness of sins.

3. The Call to Respond: Our "Therefore" in Salvation

3.1 Repentance and Conversion

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance is a turning away from sin and toward God.
  • Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.
  • Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

3.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

3.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-46; John 7:38-39
  • You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, for the promise is to all.
  • The Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word, speaking with tongues.
  • Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water, speaking of the Spirit.

4. Living the Transformed Life: Our "Therefore" in Conduct

4.1 Walking in Newness of Life

Verses: Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:1-2
  • Just as Christ was raised, we also should walk in newness of life.
  • Put off the old man and put on the new man, created in righteousness.
  • Seek those things which are above, where Christ is seated.

4.2 Presenting Our Bodies as a Living Sacrifice

Verses: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:15-16
  • Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.
  • Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; glorify God in your body.
  • Be holy in all your conduct, just as He who called you is holy.

4.3 Loving God and Neighbor

Verses: Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-8
  • Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself.
  • A new commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.
  • Love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.