THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
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, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, 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, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. —I Timothy 1:8-11
Those of us who have been justified understand, or we should understand, that we were justified through Jesus alone and not by the works of the law. That is, Jesus paid our sin debt that we might be declared righteous (II Corinthians 5:21: I John 2:2). But the law is like a magnifying glass “that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful” (Romans 7:13). The law truly exposes sin for what it is.
We are to use the law to convince “the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, 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” that they are under the wrath of God and headed for judgment. We are to do this in accordance with the gospel. People need to understand they are not good and that they have seriously offended our holy and righteous God. Then they need to understand that Jesus paid their sin debt and if they are willing to turn from their ways and follow His ways they will be forgiven, enter a relationship with Him and never be condemned. Yes, the law is given to convict us of sin and the gospel is given as the remedy of that sin!
Who is it in your life that needs to confronted with the law that they might be convicted and see their need for the gospel of grace?
- the lawless
- the disobedient
- the ungodly
- sinners
- unholy
- profane
- those who dishonor parents
- murderers
- the sexual immoral
- homosexual
- enslavers
- liars
- perjurers
- those with unsound doctrine
Know any of those people in your life? Let us lovingly share the law with them to expose their sin while remembering where we came from! Then as hearts soften may we share the good news of the gospel with them. Oh, may this be so today with someone we come into contact with. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzkgCuFRqIU
Dear Father may I share the law and gospel today with someone who needs You. May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son.