No matter who says otherwise. 1 Timothy 1.8-11
The Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy 1 (3)
Pray 116.5-7.
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
The LORD preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
Read and meditate on 1 Timothy 1.8-11.
Reflect.
1. What does Paul say about the Law of God? How should we use the Law?
2. For whom is the Law intended?
Meditate.
Paul transitions now to a few comments about the Law of God. By this he means not merely the Ten Commandments, but all the laws, precepts, statutes, judgments, and rules given by God to Moses. All this, he says, is good (v. 8), a point of view which is not shared by many in the evangelical world of our day.
He adds this here, because he has just spoken a word of admonition concerning those who desired to be teachers of the Law. By warning them, he did not want Timothy – or us – to think that teaching the Law was a bad idea. The Law is good, but one must use it “lawfully”.
What does that mean? The Law is used lawfully when it is used according to the will of the Law-giver. God’s intention in giving the Law is the same as Paul articulated for all Christian teaching, that it should promote the practice of love for God and neighbors (v. 5; cf. Matt. 22.34-40). We use the Law lawfully when we study, teach, and obey it to practice the love it defines and promotes.
The Law was not made for the righteous person (v. 9). But that’s not me, and I suspect it’s probably not you. We’re in that other category (vv. 9, 10) of sinful people who live “contrary to sound doctrine” and need to have our sins exposed and the path of righteousness clearly indicated every day of our lives (Rom. 7.7; 1 Jn. 2.1-6). The Law is for us, and it is used lawfully as we meditate on it daily (Ps. 1) and interpret it in line with the Gospel (v. 11). Then our use of the Law will be neither to impress nor bind, but to promote love.
Who could object to that? Well, apparently many, at least in our day; because the teaching of God’s Law is presently languishing in most of His churches. Some pastors and theologians even deny that the Law has any abiding validity for Christians. Paul insisted that Timothy should teach the Law as God intends and the Gospel demands. All pastors and shepherds should follow this clear instruction.
Note that final phrase in these verses: “the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” Paul sets himself as the final authority for interpreting the Gospel. Paul’s Gospel is Jesus’ Gospel; and unless our Gospel is theirs, our gospel is another gospel, and needs to be repaired – which may include bringing the lawful use of the Law back into our lives.
Reflect.
1. Why do you think the Law has begun to languish in churches in our day? Is this a good thing? According to Jesus (Matt. 24.12), what happens when the Law is neglected?
2. How would you explain what it means to use the Law “lawfully” and “according to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God”?
3. What would be some examples of the unlawful use of the Law? In Jesus’ day, who was guilty of this?
To use the law appropriately is to keep its purpose, that is, to lead one to Christ the Lord. Those who refrain from the sins that Paul mentions are living in conformity with the law. Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD), Interpretation of the First Letter to Timothy
Lord, You have given us Your Law to guide us into the life of love. I want to love You and my neighbors more consistently, so help me to…
Pray Psalm 116.1-10
As you pray, remember when you came to saving faith, and thank God for all the people who were involved, and for the gift of salvation. Now we are alive in Him; commit this day to living full for His glory.
Sing Psalm 116.1-9.
Psalm 116.1-9 (Mit Freuden Zart: All Praise to God Who Reigns Above)
I love the Lord because He hears my cries and pleas for mercy.
Because He bends to me His ears, my prayers shall ever thus be.
The snares of death encompassed me; hell’s grip could not unloosened be;
distress and anguish pressed me.
I called to God, “O Lord, I pray, my soul redeem with favor!”
The Lord is gracious in His way, and righteous is our Savior.
His mercy to the simple flies; He lifted me up to the skies –
I rest in Him forever!
Full well the Lord has dealt with me; my soul from death He delivered.
My weeping eyes, my stumbling feet, He has redeemed forever.
Forever I before His face shall walk with those who know His grace,
and dwell with them forever.
T. M. Moore
Whatever our calling in life, we are sent to bring the joy of Christ to the people around us. Our book, Joy to Your World!, can show you how to fill your Personal Mission Field with more of the Presence, promise, and power of Christ and His Kingdom. Order your copy, as a supplement to our study of 1 Timothy, by clicking here.
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).
