We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers – and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Today reread chapter 1 and Galatians 3:23-29. In your notebook, write down everything that you learn about Jesus Christ. Pay attention to 1 Timothy 1:12-17. This is the first doctrinal passage in this letter where the gospel is presented.
What do we learn about Timothy? What are his responsibilities? What is Timothy charged to do? Read 1 Timothy 4:6. How does this compare to what we learn in Chapter 1 about Timothy’s responsibility?
Now, what does 1 Timothy 1:12-17 talking about? The law and who the law is for. It is for the lawless. False teachers are emphasizing the law. Paul explains that the law restrains the unrighteous, not the righteous. The false teachers misunderstood the Law’s purpose. Law is unnecessary for those who practice what is right. Did Jesus do away with the Law? Is there a law in God’s kingdom? God doesn’t change. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17). The Law is not over us or behind us. WE do not live like rebels, trampling on God’s moral law as though it does not apply to Christians.
Lawlessness is the essence of sin (1 John 3:4). At the final judgment, Jesus will say to all workers of lawlessness, “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:23). Hebrews says that Christians don’t need the law because the law is in us. According to Jer., 31:31-34; Heb. 8:10;10;16, God writes His laws in our hearts and minds.
The gospel is the source and standard (measure) of all healthy, religious teachings. The Ephesians needed a standard to help them know the difference between good and bad teaching. Sound doctrine conforms to the gospel. Sound doctrine is a medical term meaning “healthy teaching.” The unhealthy teaching of false teachers spreads like a disease. We need to have a healthy doctrine. The Gospel is our standard to measure teachings. The gospel is not only for the lost but also for those in faith.
Those who God redeems are called to a high standard of ethical and moral living. Through the Holy Spirit of grace, God gives us all the help we need to fulfill His law and please Him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your gospel. For helping us know what is right and wrong. Please help us to live to the standard that you have called us to.
In Jesus Name
Amen
