What does "law is good" mean for our understanding of God's commandments? Holding the Verse in View “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” — 1 Timothy 1:8 Why Paul Declares the Law “Good” • The law originates from a good God; therefore it reflects His character. • Romans 7:12 affirms: “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.” • Psalm 19:7 celebrates: “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” • Because God’s moral nature does not change, His commandments remain reliable standards for every generation. Using the Law “Lawfully” • As a mirror — showing sin clearly (Romans 3:20). • As a tutor — “Therefore the law was our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). • As a guardrail — restraining evil in society (1 Timothy 1:9-10). • Not as a ladder for self-righteousness; attempting to earn salvation by rule-keeping twists a good gift into bondage (Galatians 5:4). The Law and the Gospel Together • Matthew 5:17: Jesus did not abolish the Law but “fulfilled” it, meeting every requirement perfectly on our behalf. • At the cross He bore the penalty the Law demanded, so that believers might receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Through the Spirit, the righteous requirements of the Law are “fulfilled in us” as He empowers obedience from the heart (Romans 8:4). Living Out God’s Commandments Today • Love sums up the moral heart of every command (Romans 13:8-10). • Obedience flows from gratitude, not fear; “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). • The moral principles behind the Law guide choices in work, family, sexuality, and speech; they safeguard joy rather than stifle it. • When failures occur, the same Law drives us back to the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s help. A Continual Delight • Psalm 119:97 exclaims, “How I love Your Law! I meditate on it all day long.” • Meditation on God’s commands anchors the soul, sharpens discernment, and shapes a life that points others to His goodness. |
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