QT 4/12/2024 1 Tim 1:8-11, Watching what you teach

1 Timothy 1:8–11 (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, 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: For the believer, the law has been nailed to the cross. Paul writes to the Ephesians and says,

 

Ephesians 2:14–15 (ESV) — 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, …

 

The writer of Hebrews says,

 

Hebrews 8:13 (ESV) — 13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

 

The first covenant is based upon the law, not on grace. So many asked, what then is the purpose of the law? Well, it has not disappeared but at Paul says to Timothy, it's value is not to the believer, but to the unbeliever. The law is there to make very clear what is sin, and to show that no man can be righteous in God's eyes through the law.

 

These concepts are the things that certain teachers were misconstruing at Ephesus. They were trying to make a link between the OT, ancestry, and pleasing God, with a new doctrine (probably much more human-based or religious). Paul was very clear that he wanted Timothy to remain in Ephesus and make sure that teaching does not take hold.

 

PONDER:

1. How often do I review my assumptions about certain doctrines?
2. Do I teach according to the word or according to what I want to be true?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see where I have gone astray. Teach me from your word. Open my eyes to your truth.