1 Timothy Bible Study 1.6-11

Do Good

Last time we looked at being aware of false teachers, who do not focus on the truth and strength of God’s Word. Also, focusing on love. Today we will be looking at 1 Timothy 1.6-11 and understanding how the Law was to be used.

Please turn with me to 1 Timothy 1.6-11 and follow along. I am reading out of the ESV version. “Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 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, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.”

In verse six, Paul notes about “certain persons.” Who are these certain persons? They are the same people who are teaching false doctrine and wasting their time on fruitless discussions. They have swerved away from focusing on love, from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. These persons, Paul continues in verse seven, desire to be “teachers without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.”

This is a very powerful verse. Why? Because Paul is teaching us some signs of what to look for in false teachings. False teachers do not focus on love. If you listen to a sermon or a pastor speaking on their experiences or opinions, flee quickly. These false teaching make confident assertions, as Paul says, as if they are just as true as God’s Word. And, they sound good saying them too. They will be charismatic and present themselves well, so as to be seen and worshipped for their many words. They do not understand what they are saying.

I recently listen to Bill Weise talk about his “23 Minutes in Hell.” He uses Scripture to support his experience and he does this so people will focus on him. He has wandered away in vain discussions. There are many others such who also seek their own glory, they could be preaching in your church each Sunday.

Paul continues in verse 8 about the law. God’s Law is good. God’s law was never meant to be evil or discouraging. But what was the law for, Paul tells us, “for the lawless and disobedient.” The Law is not for the Righteous, it was never meant for the righteous. Romans 3.10 says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.”

The Law is good. It is for everyone who engages in the whole list of things Paul notes here. “the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers.” Then, I want you to pay close attention to what Paul says after perjurers. “Whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God.”

Anything contrary to God’s Word, His gospel message, His truth is lawless. So, false teachers and prophets are lawless. Those who teach contrary doctrine, misuse God’s Word for their own gain. They are sinful men and women leading people astray.

Listen to the words of Paul, for he has been entrusted with God’s truth, directly from Christ. The goal of Paul’s instruction is love from a pure heart. A pure heart is only from Christ.

Questions for discussion:

Are there leaders in your life who focus on fruitless discussion or whom have swerved away from God’s truth for a truth of their own?

Do you know that God’s Law is good? If you have faith in Christ, you are no longer under the Law, but under grace. Do you live in that grace to which God has given to you, by His own free will?

Is there an area of your life where God’s Law is convicting you?

May your faith blossom in love for all those around you.

Have a great day!

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Ti 1:6–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.