1 Timothy 1:8-11

⁸ “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, ⁹ realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and worldly, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the sexually immoral, homosexuals, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, ¹¹ according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.”

Verse 8: Paul acknowledges that the law is good if it is used lawfully. However, it is important to understand that as believers in the New Covenant, we are no longer under the law. The law served its purpose in revealing our need for a Savior and pointing us to Christ. But now, our righteousness and acceptance before God come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the law.

Verse 9: Paul clarifies that the law is not intended for those who are already justified by faith in Christ. The law is meant for the lawless, disobedient, ungodly, sinners, and those who engage in unholy and profane behavior. It serves as a mirror to reveal the depth of their sinfulness and their need for a Savior. As believers, we have been made righteous in Christ, and the law no longer condemns us.

Verse 10: Paul continues to list various behaviors that the law addresses, such as sexual immorality, including homosexuality, enslavement, lying, perjury, and anything else that goes against sound doctrine. It is important to note that Paul is not suggesting that believers should now strive to keep the law or condemn others based on their behavior. Instead, he is highlighting the behaviors that the law was designed to address, emphasizing the need for the gospel and the transformative power of Christ’s grace.

Verse 11: Paul concludes this passage by emphasizing that the law finds its fulfillment and purpose in the gospel of the glory of God. The gospel is the good news of God’s grace and the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is through the gospel that we are justified, forgiven, and transformed. As believers, we have been entrusted with this message of grace and are called to live in light of the glorious truth of the gospel.