The Usefulness of the Law
Blue Prints for the Local Church • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction |
Focus Passage | 1 Timothy 1:8-11
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Outline |
The Right Use of the Law (v.8)
The Law is useful when used in proper context and with proper motive
Remember, this was one issue with the false teachers…
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
This is an issue with many standing behind the pulpit today. It is causing a cancer within the church, just as it was in Ephesus then.
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
The false teachers then and false teachers today are committing blaspheme and leading others astray.
What is the right use of the Law
The right use of the Law is when it is used as a hedge of protection against sin
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
The right use of the Law is when it is used as a mirror to reveal sin and lead one to Christ
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
The right use of the Law is when it is used as a guide to live and love rightfully
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Rather than using the Law in this way, the false teachers were perverting It and It lost Its convicting power.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
How does the Christian truly understand/know the Law? It is because He, the Holy Spirit of God, has ingrafted His Law in our heart.
3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
For the believer, it truly is Christ living in us.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
If the Law is good, then who is it good for?
Who is the Law for (v.9)
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
The Law is not for the redeemed
Once again, it is He, the Holy Spirit of God, working within the saved/redeemed, that reveals sin, and calls us to repentance.
The Law is for the lost
The Law reveals sin and its consequence
The Law reveals one’s lostness and need for Christ
Paul addresses two specific areas of sin that encompass all areas of life
The area of moral sin
This area includes disregarding God’s Law - ‘…lawless and disobedient…’
This area includes disregarding God’s will - ‘…ungodly and for sinners…’
This area includes disregarding God’s name - ‘…for unholy and profane…’
The area of relational sin
This area includes relationships with parents and love for others - ‘…murders of fathers…mothers…for manslayers…’ (violation of God’s 4th and 5th Commandments…Honor your father and mother…Do not murder)
This area includes bearing false witness to others - ‘…liars, perjured persons…’ (violation of the 8th Commandment…You shall not bare false witness against your neighbor)
This area includes sexual sins - ‘…whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind…’ (violation of 9th Commandment)
Within our text we not only see what causes destruction within the church and one’s life, but we also see what brings health, vitality, and healing.
The Health of the Church (vv. 10b-11)
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
The health of the church is based off the doctrine taught and the gospel presented…
The church is to teach and endure strong, Biblical doctrine
Members of the church, as true believers and followers of Christ, should know the difference…
16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Paul emphasizes the need for strong, Biblical doctrine…
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
The church is present a strong, Biblical gospel
Biblical gospel brings glory to God - ‘…According to the glorious gospel of…God…’
Biblical gospel reveals God is the only true source of blessing - ‘…of the blessed God…’
Biblical gospel will match the Word of God - ‘…which was committed to my trust…’
Conclusion |
