Introduction

1 Timothy 1:3-11 “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, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 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, 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; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”  

The apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 1:3-11 highlight the purpose and function of the law in the Christian life. The law is not a means of salvation but rather a tool for exposing and convicting sinThe apostle Paul's words in 1 Timothy 1:3-11 highlight the purpose and function of the law in the Christian life. The law is not a means of salvation but rather a tool for exposing and convicting sin Share on X.

The Law and False Teaching

1 Timothy 1:4 “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” Some false teachers were using the Old Testament Law to promote legalism and other harmful doctrines. They were emphasizing the law as a means of salvation rather than as a tool for understanding sin and pointing to Christ.  

The Danger of Legalism: Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Legalism is the belief that salvation can be earned through obedience to the law. This is a false teaching that can lead people astray from the true gospel of grace.  

The Purpose of the Law

Exposure of Sin: Romans 3:20 “Therefore no one will be justified by the works of the law in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” The law reveals the extent of our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It exposes our shortcomings and shortcomings and convicts us of our sinfulness.

Restraint of Sin: 1 Corinthians 6:12 “Everything is lawful for me,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. Food for the stomach and the stomach for food—but God will destroy both. The body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised both the Lord and us from the dead.” The law can restrain sin by providing boundaries and guidelines for behavior. While the law cannot ultimately change our hearts, it can help us to recognize and avoid sinful actions.  

Pointing to Christ: Galatians 3:24 “So the law became our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But when faith came, we were no longer under the guardian. Therefore, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh, but to the Spirit, to live according to the Spirit.” The law ultimately points us to Christ, our Savior from sin. The law shows us our inability to keep God’s perfect standard and our need for a Savior.

The Law and the Righteous

The Law is Not for the Righteous: Romans 3:10 “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one.”” The law is not intended for those who are already righteous. Rather, it is for the lawless and disobedient who need to be exposed to their sinfulness.

Righteousness through Faith: Romans 1:17 “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Those who have truly repented and placed their faith in Jesus Christ are justified by faith and declared righteous before God. They are no longer under the condemnation of the law.  

The Importance of Grace

Salvation by Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. It is not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own works of the law.  

The Holy Spirit and Grace: Titus 3:5 “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life of righteousness and obedience to God. He enables us to overcome sin and follow Christ.  

Conclusion

The law is a valuable tool for understanding our need for a Savior. However, it cannot save us from our sins. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. By understanding the purpose of the law and embracing the grace of God, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Additional Thoughts

The Law as a Temporary Tutor: Galatians 3:24 “So the law became our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But when faith came, we were no longer under the guardian.” The law served as a temporary tutor to lead us to Christ.

The Contrast Between Law and Grace:  Romans 6:14 “For sin will not have dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” The law demands perfect obedience, while grace offers forgiveness and salvation.

The Importance of Humility: James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Recognizing our need for God’s grace requires humility. We must acknowledge our sinfulness and our inability to save ourselves.

The Role of Faith: Romans 1:17 “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation. We must trust in His sacrifice for our sins and His power to transform our lives.  

Further Exploration

Read the Book of Romans: Romans 3:10-31 provides a powerful explanation of the law and its role in salvation.

Study the Life of Jesus: Jesus is the perfect example of someone who lived a life of righteousness and obedience to God’s law.

Seek Guidance from a Mentor: A spiritual mentor can offer guidance and support as you learn to understand the law and its place in your faith.

Join a Bible Study Group: Connect with other believers who are seeking to understand the grace of God and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Pray Regularly: Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength.

By embracing these additional thoughts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the law and its place in our relationship with God.