The Law and the Gospel

Text: 1 Timothy 1:8–11 (NKJV) Series: The Household of God Big Idea: God’s law exposes sin so the gospel can save sinners.

INTRODUCTION — Why the Law Still Matters

Few subjects are more misunderstood in the church than the relationship between the law and the gospel.

Some treat the law as outdated and irrelevant. Others misuse it as a ladder to earn God’s favor.

Paul shows us neither extreme is biblical.

The law is not the enemy of grace — but it was never meant to replace grace. When rightly understood, the law becomes a servant of the gospel, pointing sinners to Christ.

READING OF THE TEXT — 1 Timothy 1:8–11

1 Timothy 1:8–11 NKJV

8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is 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.

Look again at v.8 - 1Tim1:8

1 Timothy 1:8 NKJV

8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,

I. THE LAW IS GOOD WHEN USED GOD’S WAY

(v. 8)

Paul begins with a vital clarification:

“The law is good…”

The problem is not the law. The problem is how the law is used.

Romans 7:12 NKJV

12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

The law reveals God’s holiness, righteousness, and moral will.

The false teachers in Ephesus were using the law:

To impress others

To argue endlessly

To promote self-righteousness

But the law was never given as a means of salvation.

Transitional Thought: So if the law is not for saving the righteous, who is it for?

1 Timothy 1:9–10 NKJV

9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,

II. THE LAW EXPOSES SIN, NOT SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

“Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person…” v.9

Paul is not saying the righteous ignore the law — but that the law is not a tool to make someone righteous.

Paul lists categories of sinners — not to shame, but to reveal.

This list mirrors the Ten Commandments, showing how God’s moral law still diagnoses human sin.

Romans 3:20 NKJV

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

A mirror shows dirt — it does not clean it.

The law:

Reveals guilt

Awakens conscience

Shuts every mouth before God

Galatians 3:24 NKJV

24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Transitional Thought: Once sin is exposed, only the gospel can heal what the law reveals.

1 Timothy 1:11 NKJV

11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.

III. THE GOSPEL PROVIDES WHAT THE LAW NEVER COULD

Paul ends with hope:

“According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God…”

The law condemns — the gospel redeems. The law demands — the gospel delivers.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites lived under the weight of the law, an unyielding standard that pointed out every shortcoming. Yet prophets foretold of a new covenant—one where hearts would be transformed by grace. When Christ came, He fulfilled that law and offered redemption to all who believe. This is not to say the law was unnecessary; rather, it highlights our need for the gospel, illuminating how grace delivers us from condemnation.

“Which was committed to my trust.”

Paul reminds Timothy — and the church — that the gospel is entrusted, not invented.

We guard it. We proclaim it. We never alter it.

CONCLUSION — Let the Law Do Its Work So Grace Can Do Its Wonder

When the law is preached without the gospel — people despair. When the gospel is preached without the law — people deceive themselves.

But when the law exposes sin and the gospel offers salvation — Christ is magnified and sinners are saved.

FINAL CALL

Have you allowed God’s law to show you your sin — and God’s gospel to show you your Savior?

The law points. The gospel saves. Jesus fulfills them both.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, thank You for Your holy law that reveals our need, and Your glorious gospel that meets that need in Christ. Keep us faithful to preach both rightly, so sinners may be saved and saints may walk in holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.