Moment of Meditation: The Law is Good (1 Timothy 1:8-9)

Original Broadcast: January 2011

Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)

Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just
but for the lawless and disobedient,
(1 Timothy 1:8-9)

The Law is Good

Paul reminds us that the Law, as are all of God's gifts, is good. But the Law wasn't given for the righteous. The Law was given for the unrighteous. And Paul lists many of the sinful categories of people for whom the Law was given:

for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.

The Law was given for sinners. The Gospel is given for the saints. And who are the saints? The same people we just mentioned, but they are repentant sinners who seek to avoid these great shames and vices. The Law is given to correct sinners. The Gospel is given to forgive those who repent. Amen.