1 Timothy 1:8-11- The Law and its purpose

The Law is given with good intention and when properly applied, it yields positive result. So verse 8 suggests that there could be a right as well as a wrong way of using the Law. Paul’s assertion is that the Law was intended for the unrighteous and not for the righteous. To apply it on the righteous would be the wrong way of using the Law.

So based on the 10 commandments, he listed 14 things to illustrate the types of people who do need that law. The first three pairs: lawless and rebellious; ungodly and sinners; and unholy and profane, had broken the first half of the Decalogue. The next four pairs: the killers of mothers and fathers; murderers and immoral men; homosexuals and kidnappers; and liars and perjurers had broken the second half of the Decalogue.

The important question here is: how would a person be considered righteous? When that person has acknowledged Christ and believed in the justification He has provided through His works at Calvary, that person becomes righteous. To Paul, for such a person, the role of the Law would be past. He no longer relies on the Law for power to live the godly life. The power to live a godly life lies in the teachings found in the Gospel of Christ, the truth of which Paul was made a custodian. As a safeguard, all genuine teachings must be sound and based on the Gospel of the blessed God. It must also bear apostolic authority.

The Law acts as a signpost pointing out to us all the danger areas. But it has no power to help us navigate through those danger points. Besides, it’s the gospel, and not the law, that reveals the glory of God in its fullest. So as we appreciate the Law, we need to embrace the Gospel. For it is the power of God for salvation. And it is in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed.