How can we ensure we use the law "lawfully" in our daily lives? Setting the Foundation: 1 Timothy 1:8 “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” (1 Timothy 1:8) Why the Law Still Matters • Declares God’s character—holy, just, good (Romans 7:12) • Diagnoses sin and drives us to Christ (Galatians 3:24) • Directs redeemed people into righteous living (Psalm 119:105) The Right Use vs. the Wrong Use Right use (lawful): • As a mirror—revealing what needs cleansing (James 1:23-25) • As a guide—showing the path that pleases the Lord (Psalm 19:7-11) • As a tutor—pointing sinners to the Savior (Romans 3:19-20) Wrong use (unlawful): • Trying to earn salvation or God’s favor (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Measuring spiritual worth by rule-keeping alone (Luke 18:11-12) • Using it to condemn others while excusing ourselves (Matthew 7:3-5) Practical Steps to Use the Law Lawfully 1. Start with the gospel every day. – Remember Christ “fulfilled the law” (Matthew 5:17). Obedience flows from gratitude, not obligation. 2. Read Scripture devotionally, not just legally. – Meditate on what the passage reveals about God’s heart before listing commands (Psalm 1:2). 3. Invite the Spirit’s enablement. – “The righteous requirements of the law” are fulfilled “in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4). 4. Apply commands relationally. – Ask: How does this verse help me love God and neighbor today? (Matthew 22:37-40) 5. Use the law evangelistically. – Let its mirror show friends their need for Christ, then share the remedy (Acts 13:38-39). 6. Confess quickly. – When the law exposes sin, agree with God and receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). 7. Celebrate grace. – “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Rejoicing in grace keeps obedience joyful. Guardrails for Avoiding Legalism • Keep salvation by grace foremost (Titus 3:5). • Compare self to Christ, not to others (2 Corinthians 10:12). • Let Scripture, not tradition, set the standard (Mark 7:8-9). • Rest in Christ’s finished work on the cross (Hebrews 10:12-14). Living Out the Law Through Love “Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10) • Ask, “What does love require here?” before acting. • Serve rather than control; build up rather than burden (Galatians 5:13-14). • Pursue justice, mercy, and faithfulness—the “weightier matters” Jesus commends (Matthew 23:23). A Daily Checklist □ Read a passage that contains a clear command. □ Thank Jesus for obeying perfectly where you fall short. □ Pray for the Spirit’s power to obey today. □ Identify one concrete act of love to apply. □ End the day with confession and thanksgiving. Key Passages for Further Reflection Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:9-11, 97-105; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 5:17-20; Romans 7:7-25; Galatians 5:13-18; James 2:8-13 |
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