The Goodness of the Law (1 Timothy 1:8)

“The law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” — 1 Timothy 1:8

 

Summary:

God’s law is inherently holy, just, and good, because it arises from God’s nature and expresses what is reasonable and helpful to human happiness. Yet the benefit we receive from it depends upon using it lawfully. The law cannot justify guilty people or produce the love required for true obedience; those blessings come only through Christ and his pardoning grace. Used rightly, however, the law exposes sin, destroys self-righteous confidence, directs sinners to the Saviour, and provides believers with a rule of life. The Christian does not seek freedom from God’s commands, but longs for fuller conformity to them, using the law to cultivate humility, prayer, holiness, and hope for heaven.

Outline:

• The law is inherently good
  • It reflects God’s nature and requires only what is reasonable, holy, and beneficial.
• The law cannot justify the guilty
  • A law that has been broken can only condemn; acceptance with God must come through Christ.
• The law cannot produce holiness
  • Commands and threats may restrain outward conduct, but only pardoning love creates willing obedience.
• The law leads sinners to Christ
  • It exposes the heart, awakens the conscience, and ends confidence in personal righteousness.
• The law guides the believer’s life
  • It humbles, encourages prayer, defines loving duty, and deepens the desire for perfect holiness.