1 Timothy 1:8–11
8But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
Focused Thinking:
Notice the word “if” in verse 8.
But we know that the Law is good, IF one uses it lawfully,
What does this tell us about the Law?
The Law can be used for good or for bad.
The Law can be misused.
The Law can be misapplied.
The Law can be taken out of context.
For whom was the Law made?
The Law was made for the unrighteous person, not the righteous person.
If the righteous person is a person of love, they don’t need the Law.
The Law of love will always cause the righteous person to obey the Law.
The Law was made for the unrighteous person.
- The lawless and rebellious.
- The ungodly and sinners.
- The unholy and profane.
- Those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murders.
- The immoral men and homosexuals.
- The kidnappers and liars and perjurers.
- Whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.
8But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,…11according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
The problem is not the Law.
The problem is the misuse of the Law.
The problem is the abuse of the Law.
Personal Application:
- The Law protects us from us.
- The Law protects us from others.
- The Law show us our sin.
- The Law shows us our need for a Savior.
Interactive Prayer:
Father, help us never to misuse or abuse the Law. Help us to never use the Law to condemn someone but rather to offer compassion. Father, help us teach Your Word in such a way that it convicts people and leads people to godly sorrow instead of worldly sorrow. I pray that we live and teach in such a way that people are constantly repenting of their sin and placing their faith in Christ and growing their faith in Christ. Father, continue to bless us and help us be a place that offers compassion without compromise. I pray that we would be the “friend of sinners” in Memphis. Father, give us the leaders and resources we need to meet the need.
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