1 Tim 1:8-11

1 Timothy 1:6–11 “6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

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.”

What is the Law?

specific- 10 commandments and 613 OT Laws

broadly- all of God’s word

Tanakh- torah, neviim, ketuvim

Is the Law Good?

Psalm 19:7–11 “7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

It is of God- demonstrates His character and nature, particularly His holiness.

Sets boundaries for human behavior

Serves as a tutor that leads us to Christ

Galatians 3:24 “24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.” (paidagogos)

Unlawful Use of the Law

two ditches to fall into:

Antinomianism-hyper grace, no need for the Law

Hyper-nomianism- nothing but the Law

Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees

Matt. 23

v3- they preach but do not practice

v4- they lay heavy burdens on others

v5- they act religious in order to be seen by men

Seven Woes:

v13- you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces

v15- you win converts to your “law keeping” religion

v 16- you value the gift more than the giver

v 23- you strain at administrative details and lose sight of the big picture (Justice, Mercy, Faithfulness)

v 25- you clean the outside, but the inside is filthy

v 27- you are like beautiful tombs filled with dead bones

v 29- you romanticize the past, but back then you would have been the villains

Lawful Use of the Law

Romans 3:19–20 “19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”

Romans 3:19–20 ESV

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

"The Law is the needle, and you cannot draw the silken thread of the gospel through a man’s heart unless you first send the needle of the Law to make way for it."  -CH Spurgeon

Mercy Triumphs

Romans 3:21–26 “21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”