1 Tim
1:8–11 (ESV) Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for
the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and
profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,
10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars,
perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in
accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have
been entrusted.
NOTE: It is a very
important truth that the law is good. The NT, in general, makes that point
strongly while at the same time making it very clear that we are not under the
law. Paul argues that one of the primary functions of the law is to reveal sin.
The law is meant for (directed at) those who practice sin, to say, from God,
that sin is wrong; it is unacceptable; it is not pleasing to God. But that is
not the purpose for the believer. We are not under the requirements of the OT
Law. We are under the law of grace, but the law of grace focuses more on our
heart that on our outward actions. One can act outwardly in a perfect lawful
manner, but still be breaking the law of grace by our inward motives and
attitudes. And a believer can disobey aspects of the OT law and be perfectly
acceptable to God (the obvious examples being OT laws about clothing,
ceremonial actions, food, and celebrations of certain days). But for some
strange reason, NT believers fall into a trap of thinking they are more
acceptable to God if they obey more laws. This is works when we think we can
obtain God's approval. We are his children and we are accepted by him
unconditionally. We can obtain future rewards by the actions of our lives,
although I doubt following the OT law will gain future rewards (but I can't
prove the last statement). The law is good, but understand this, the law is not
laid down for the just (the justified, the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ).
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