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"But we know that the law is good..."

Text: 1 Timothy 1:8

THE ESSENCE OF THE LAW

Sometimes the apostle Paul was understood as one who preached against the law of Moses. This wrong perception is addressed in this text!

“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully.”

1 Timothy 1:8

1. Paul was never against the law

a) He did not dismiss the law of God.

b) He wrote distinctively about the law in his epistle to the Galatians.

c) The following truths may be highlighted:-

i) The law was added because of transgression (Galatians 3:19).

ii) The law did not contradict the promises of God (Galatians 3:21).

iii) The law may be compared to a tutor (Galatians 3:24).

2. “The law is good”

a) The law came from the Lord Himself.

b) Thus the law is truly good.

i) It reflects the Person of God.

ii) It reflects the moral goodness of the Lord.

iii) It offers profound wisdom.

3. “If one uses it lawfully”

a) The law of God was meant to be applied in life.

b) The law was meant to be used “lawfully”.

i) It must be interpreted correctly.

ii) The truth principles must be understood carefully.

iii) It is meant to be applied “lawfully”.

THE DANGER OF MISUSE AND ABUSE

The danger of misusing or abusing the law was all too obvious! The following are obvious dangers. Three things may be highlighted:-

1. Subtraction from the law.

2. Addition to the law.

3. Mishandling of the law through wrong and misguided application.