How can we discern when the law is being used "lawfully" or not? Starting with the Key Verse “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” — 1 Timothy 1:8 Understanding “the Law” • The moral commands revealed in Scripture—summarized in the Ten Commandments, expanded through Moses, affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 5:17-18). • A mirror exposing sin (Romans 3:19-20). • A tutor pointing us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). • A standard fulfilled by love through the Spirit (Romans 13:8-10). The Law Applied Lawfully: Three Marks 1. Exposes sin to drive people to grace • 1 Timothy 1:9-11 lists specific sins the law confronts. • Romans 3:20 reminds us no one is justified by law-keeping; instead, the law “brings awareness of sin.” 2. Upholds God’s righteous character without softening it • Psalm 19:7: “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” • Matthew 5:18: not “a single jot” passes until all is accomplished. 3. Leads to Christ and to Spirit-empowered love • Galatians 3:24 brings us to justification by faith. • Romans 13:10: “Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” When the Law Is Misused • To earn salvation by works (Galatians 2:16). • To bind consciences with human traditions (Mark 7:8-9). • To condemn without offering the gospel of grace (2 Corinthians 3:6: “the letter kills”). • To excuse sin by selective quotation or by lowering the standard (Isaiah 5:20). • To weaponize Scripture for personal power or prejudice (1 Timothy 1:6-7). Practical Discernment Steps 1. Check the motive • Is the law presented to magnify Christ or to magnify self? 2. Check the audience • Is the law confronting the unrepentant and comforting the repentant, or the reverse? 3. Check the message flow • Law → conviction → gospel → faith → Spirit-led obedience. • If any link is missing, the law is being twisted. 4. Check the fruit • Genuine use produces repentance, freedom, and love (Romans 8:1-4). • Misuse produces pride, despair, or rebellion (Acts 15:10). Living It Out • Hold the full standard of God’s law without apology. • Let that standard drive every heart—including your own—to the cross, not to self-righteousness. • Walk in the Spirit so the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in you (Romans 8:4). |
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