The Law is Good 1 Timothy 1:8

As Paul the apostle continued to give instruction to his young protege' Timothy, he told him to be aware of false teachers who desired “to be teachers of the law” however, they neither understood what they said nor “whereof they affirm” which means “support strongly or assert confidently”. In chapter one and verse eight of his letter, Paul confirms that “the law is good” where we read:

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

The verse begins, “But we know that the law is good,...” Once again in our study of the Bible we encounter the disassociation conjunction “But” which Paul employed and means “what is going to be said takes precedence and importance over what has just been stated”, and we remember Paul just stated in our last verse how these false teachers known as “Judaizers” desired to be “teachers of the law” but didn't understand what they were saying or affirming. So, Paul insures that Timothy knows, “But we know” referring to himself and Timothy “perceive, notice, discern and discover” “that the law” which in reference to “the Mosaic law and the volume of its contents” “is good” which means “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, genuine, approved and admirable”. Paul reassured Timothy that “the law” of God is “good” in and of itself and there was nothing inherently wrong with it, and yet, there was a condition Paul knew was important in its application.

The verse continues, “if a man use it lawfully;” Paul uses the word, “if” which means “in the case where” and implies a choice or condition “a man” or “certain or certain one” “use” which is the Greek word “chraomai” and literally means to “to receive a loan, borrow, to take for one's use” “it lawfully” or “agreeable to the law and properly”. Paul implies there can be an improper use of the law, and these false teachers were using the law in an unseemly manner. The condition of “if” didn't affect the law itself, but rather the application and use of the law.

As we think through Paul's words, let us allow ourselves to think about the “law of God” and the significance of it. It may be helpful for us to imagine ourselves without the “law of God” and the ciaos which would occur in society if we were without “law” being in place. The “law of God” is indeed good, however, the application and abuse of it are often not. As we sit at the Lord Jesus' feet and learn of His ways through this letter from Paul to Timothy, let us allow the Lord to show us once again the importance of His law, and when the condition of “if a man use it lawfully” comes before us, may we apply His law in our lives before others that they may see our “good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven”.

Next time Paul tells for whom the law was made, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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