1 Timothy 1:8–9 (ESV) — 8 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,
NOTE: Paul now goes
on to explain what he means by the statement that the law is good. The law is
not for the just. It is not for Christians, who are justified. Certainly, we
are to live holy lives, but that is summed up in the law of Christ. The primary
purpose of the OT law is to reveal sin. That is why Paul goes to great detail
to list all the types of individuals for whom the law is good. The law is a
good thing because it calls sin by its real name, sin. It is not a problem or
an error or the result of being a victim. Sin is when we choose to disobey God.
The law tells us what it means to disobey God. This is proper teaching. The law
is useful for believers as well. It helps us to understand what it means to
love God and to love our neighbor. Out witness is very much dependent on a
proper understanding of behavior that does not show love to others. Jesus said
that we would be known by our love for each other. So, it also provides insight
to the believer. But it is not about pleasing God or gaining his love. We are
completely loved because of what Christ did, not what we do.
PRAYER: Father, I
pray that you would use your word and the law to reveal to man the sinfulness
of his heart. Open our eyes to our sin. I pray that we would repent and turn to
you for true healing.
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