October 15 2026

Thursday, October 15

“The Proper Use of God's Law”

1 Timothy 1:8–11

Welcome to Pastor's Chat! Today, we're continuing our study through Paul's first letter to Timothy. And I hope you're enjoying this journey through these wonderful pastoral epistles as much as I am. Yesterday, we saw how Paul reminded Timothy that the purpose of sound biblical teaching is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. But Paul also warned about those who wanted to be teachers of the law, even though they didn't really understand what they were teaching.

Now, beginning in verse 8, Paul explains the proper purpose of God's law. Listen to 1 Timothy 1:8: "But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully." Now, that's an important statement! Paul isn't saying that God's law is bad. Quite the opposite. He declares that the law is good! The problem wasn't with the law. The problem was with those who were misusing it. You see, God's law was never intended to be a means by which sinful people could earn their salvation. In fact, Paul tells us in Romans 3:20 that through the law comes the knowledge of sin. The law reveals our sin, but it cannot remove our sin.

I've often thought about it this way. When you look into a mirror and discover that your face is dirty, the mirror has done exactly what it was designed to do. But you can't wash your face with the mirror! The mirror reveals the problem, but it cannot solve it. And that's what God's law does. It reveals our sinfulness and shows us how desperately we need a Savior. James used this illustration in James 1:22-25.

Now listen to what Paul says in verse 9: "knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane..." Paul then continues with a list of sinful behaviors, including murder, sexual immorality, dishonesty, and anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine. And notice that expression at the end of verse 10: "contrary to sound doctrine." That's really the issue Paul has been addressing throughout this first chapter. Sound doctrine is not merely a collection of religious ideas. It is God's truth, which exposes sin and teaches us how we ought to live.

Now, when Paul says the law is not made for a righteous person, he isn't suggesting that Christians no longer need moral instruction. Rather, he's emphasizing the law's role in confronting wrongdoing and revealing the seriousness of sin. And that's something our world desperately needs to understand. We live in a society where people often want to redefine right and wrong according to their own opinions. But God's standards don't change simply because society changes. What God calls sin is still sin. And what God declares to be righteous is still righteous.

But here's the wonderful news. God didn't give us His law simply to condemn us. He gave us His Word to reveal our need for His grace! And that brings us to verse 11, where Paul speaks of: "the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust." I love that expression: the glorious gospel! The word gospel means good news. And what wonderful news it is! Although we've all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners. He lived the sinless life we could never live. He died upon the cross for our sins. And He rose again so that we might have everlasting life.

You see, the law shows us our need, but the gospel reveals God's provision. The law exposes our guilt, but Jesus Christ offers forgiveness. The law reminds us that we are sinners, but the gospel announces that sinners can be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And that's the message Paul wanted Timothy to faithfully proclaim. It's the same message we need to proclaim today. So here's my challenge for you. Never take God's Word lightly. Allow it to examine your heart and reveal anything in your life that needs to change.

But don't stop with recognizing your sin. Turn your eyes toward the Savior who loved you enough to die in your place. Because the greatest message in all the world is that Jesus Christ came to save sinners! And tomorrow, we're going to see how personally the Apostle Paul understood that wonderful truth.

Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your holy Word. Thank You that Your law reveals Your righteousness and helps us recognize our need for a Savior. Lord, forgive us for the times we've failed to live according to Your truth. And thank You that where sin abounded, Your grace abounded much more. Father, help us never to compromise the truth of Your Word, but also never to forget the wonderful grace You have extended to us through Jesus Christ. May we faithfully share that glorious gospel with those who need to hear it. And may our lives always reflect both Your truth and Your love. For it's in the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!