1 Timothy 1:8

Letters to the Faithful - 1 Timothy 1:8

Berean Standard Bible

Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.

King James Bible

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

Greek Text:

Οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι καλὸς ὁ νόμος ἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται

Transliteration:

Oidamen de hoti kalos ho nomos ean tis autō nomimōs chrētai

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Now we know that the law is good

The affirmation that "the law is good" reflects a consistent biblical theme that God's law is inherently righteous and beneficial. In the Old Testament, the law was given to Israel as a guide for holy living and a means to maintain a covenant relationship with God (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). The psalmist declares the goodness of the law in Psalm 19:7, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul." The law serves as a moral compass, revealing God's standards and character. In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the law's goodness by fulfilling it (Matthew 5:17). The law is not only a set of rules but a reflection of God's holiness and justice.

if one uses it legitimately

The phrase "if one uses it legitimately" implies that there is a proper and improper use of the law. The legitimate use of the law is to reveal sin and lead individuals to Christ (Galatians 3:24). It is not meant to be a means of salvation, as salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The law's purpose is to convict of sin and demonstrate the need for a Savior. Paul warns against legalism, where the law is misused as a tool for self-righteousness or as a burden (Galatians 5:1-4). The legitimate use respects the law's role in guiding ethical behavior and pointing to the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

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1 Timothy 1:8, which states, “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,” is a pivotal verse in Paul’s first letter to Timothy, serving as a corrective to false teachers in Ephesus while affirming the proper role of the law in the life of believers. This verse appears within a broader discussion (1 Timothy 1:3–11) where Paul addresses the misuse of the law by certain individuals who were promoting speculative teachings and genealogies, leading to division and confusion in the church. To fully understand the significance of this verse, we must explore its theological assertions, its contextual role in combating false teaching, and its implications for understanding the law’s purpose in the Christian life, particularly in light of Paul’s broader theology of grace.

The opening phrase, “Now we know,” signals a point of agreement or common knowledge among Paul and his audience, including Timothy and the Ephesian church. It suggests that the goodness of the law is not in dispute; rather, the issue lies in its application. The term “law” (nomos) likely refers to the Mosaic law, the Torah, which was central to Jewish identity and a point of contention in early Christian communities, especially those with mixed Jewish and Gentile populations. Paul’s assertion that “the law is good” (kalos) affirms its divine origin and intrinsic value. As God’s revelation, the law reflects His holy character and moral will, a theme consistent with Paul’s teaching elsewhere (Romans 7:12). However, this affirmation is immediately qualified by the condition “if one uses it lawfully,” indicating that the law’s goodness is realized only when it is applied according to its intended purpose.

The phrase “uses it lawfully” (nomimōs chrētai) is crucial and somewhat paradoxical, as it literally means “to use the law in accordance with the law.” This implies a right or legitimate use, in contrast to the misuse by false teachers. In the preceding verses (1 Timothy 1:6–7), Paul criticizes those who have “swerved” from sound doctrine, desiring to be “teachers of the law” without understanding its true purpose. These individuals, possibly influenced by Jewish traditions or proto-Gnostic ideas, were using the law to promote speculative myths, endless genealogies, or legalistic requirements, which Paul deems “vain discussion” (1 Timothy 1:6). Their misuse likely involved imposing the law’s ceremonial or ritual aspects on Gentile believers or using it to bolster their own authority, rather than focusing on its moral and convicting role.

To understand what it means to use the law “lawfully,” we must consider Paul’s explanation in the following verses (1 Timothy 1:9–11). He states that the law is not laid down for the righteous but for the lawless and disobedient, listing a catalog of sinners whose behaviors the law condemns. This suggests that the law’s primary function is to expose sin, restrain evil, and point people to their need for God’s grace. It serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing human inability to meet God’s standard and driving sinners to Christ, who fulfills the law (Galatians 3:24; Romans 10:4). Using the law “lawfully,” then, means applying it in a way that aligns with the gospel, recognizing its role in convicting sin without imposing it as a means of justification, which would contradict the doctrine of salvation by faith.

Contextually, this verse addresses a specific pastoral challenge in Ephesus, a cosmopolitan city with a diverse church facing theological errors. The false teachers’ obsession with the law likely created confusion and division, undermining the simplicity of the gospel. Paul’s instruction to Timothy is to restore sound doctrine, and 1 Timothy 1:8 serves as a foundational principle: the law is good, but only when used correctly. This would have resonated with Timothy’s task of correcting errant teaching while affirming the value of God’s law to a community familiar with both Jewish and Greco-Roman legal traditions.

Theologically, 1 Timothy 1:8 reflects Paul’s nuanced view of the law, which he articulates across his letters. While he adamantly opposes legalism—the idea that law-keeping earns salvation (Galatians 2:16)—he upholds the law’s enduring moral relevance (Romans 13:8–10). The verse underscores the harmony between law and gospel: the law reveals sin, and the gospel provides redemption through Christ. This balance counters both antinomianism (rejecting the law’s authority) and legalism (overemphasizing law for salvation). The phrase “in accordance with the glorious gospel” (1 Timothy 1:11) ties the law’s proper use to the gospel’s purpose, emphasizing that both serve God’s redemptive plan.

In the broader context of 1 Timothy, this verse sets the stage for Paul’s emphasis on sound doctrine, godly living, and the church’s mission. It challenges the Ephesian believers to reject speculative teachings and embrace the law’s true purpose as a guide for moral conduct under the umbrella of grace. The catalog of sins in verses 9–10, which mirrors Greco-Roman vice lists, also suggests that the law’s moral principles are universally applicable, relevant to both Jewish and Gentile believers in navigating ethical challenges in a pagan society.

In a contemporary sense, 1 Timothy 1:8 invites reflection on the role of God’s moral law in the Christian life. It warns against misusing Scripture to support personal agendas, promote division, or impose unnecessary burdens, much like the false teachers did. Instead, it calls believers to use the law as a mirror to examine their hearts, a curb to restrain sin, and a guide to live in alignment with God’s will, all while resting in the grace of Christ. The verse also challenges modern churches to teach the law in a way that points to the gospel, avoiding both legalistic rigidity and moral laxity. For individuals, it underscores the need for humility, recognizing that the law exposes our shortcomings and drives us to rely on Christ’s righteousness.

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To all who are beloved in God, called to be saints, and kept for the day of Christ Jesus,

Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you, dearly beloved, with a heart full of thanksgiving and deep affection, that you may be strengthened in truth and steadfast in love. The word of the Lord endures forever, and it is written, “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” Let us meditate upon this truth with reverence, that we may rightly discern its meaning and walk accordingly.

For the law of the Lord is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. It is a light to the path and a lamp to the feet of those who seek the Lord. Yet, as the Apostle makes clear, the law must be used lawfully—that is, according to its true purpose as ordained by God. The law was never given that man might achieve righteousness through its works, for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Rather, the law was given that sin might be exposed, that the exceeding sinfulness of sin might be revealed, and that every mouth might be stopped before the righteous Judge of all the earth.

Therefore, beloved, let none among you fall into the error of seeking to be justified by the law. For if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing. The law serves to convict and to teach; it shows the holiness of God and the utter need of grace. It is a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Having come to Christ, we are no longer under the law as a means of righteousness, but we are under grace. Yet the law remains good and profitable when used in accordance with its proper role.

I exhort you, then, to honor the law of God—not as a burden to be borne, nor as a ladder to climb into heaven, but as a mirror to reflect His holiness and a guide for righteous living. For though we are justified by faith apart from works of the law, we are called to live in accordance with the moral will of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The righteous requirements of the law are fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Let none turn the grace of God into license, nor cast aside the commandments of the Lord as though they were of no value. The one who loves God will keep His commandments, not in order to earn favor, but in response to grace already received. Let us, therefore, delight in the law of the Lord and meditate upon it day and night. For all Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Beware also, beloved, of those who would misuse the law—those who twist it to serve human pride or to lay heavy burdens upon the conscience. There are some who, desiring to be teachers of the law, do not understand what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Reject such distortions, and hold fast to sound doctrine, which accords with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God.

I remind you, dear brethren and sisters, that the law, when used rightly, drives us to the cross. It humbles the proud, silences the boasting of the flesh, and exalts the grace of God in Christ Jesus. It teaches us that apart from Him we can do nothing and that in Him we have everything. Let the law, therefore, have its proper work in your hearts—to convict of sin, to magnify the grace of the gospel, and to instruct in the way of holiness.

And as you walk in this grace, remember that the law is fulfilled in love. For love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. If we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves, we will walk in the very heart of God's will. This love is the fruit of the Spirit and the mark of those who belong to Christ.

Beloved, continue steadfast in these things. Rejoice always in the gospel of grace. Be diligent to study the Scriptures, rightly dividing the word of truth. Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Let your lives be marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy,

To the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

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O Eternal and Righteous God,

You who are holy, just, and good, the Giver of every perfect gift,

We come before You this day with humble hearts and uplifted hands,

Giving thanks for the truth of Your Word and the light of Your commandments.

For it is written: Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.

And so, O Lord, we seek Your wisdom and grace, that we may rightly understand and rightly apply Your holy law.

O God of truth, You have spoken from heaven, and Your Word endures forever.

Your statutes are right, rejoicing the heart; Your commandments are pure, enlightening the eyes.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

Yet, Lord, we confess that in our frailty we are prone to misuse what is good,

To trust in the law for righteousness instead of looking to Christ,

Or to disregard the law and treat Your commandments with contempt.

Forgive us, O Lord, for every way in which we have misused, misunderstood, or neglected Your law.

Teach us, O God, to use the law lawfully—

Not as a means to justify ourselves before You, for we know that by works of the law no one will be justified,

But as a mirror to reveal our sin, as a tutor to lead us to Christ,

And as a lamp to guide us in paths of righteousness.

Let Your law drive us ever to the cross,

That we may behold the mercy poured out through Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant.

We praise You, O Lord, that in Christ the righteous requirements of the law have been fulfilled.

He bore our curse, that we might be set free; He lived in perfect obedience, that His righteousness might be ours.

Now, justified by faith, we are no longer under the condemnation of the law,

But by Your Spirit we are made new, that we might walk in joyful obedience.

Grant us grace, therefore, to delight in Your law after the inward man.

Let us love what You command, and desire to please You in all things.

We pray, O Father, for discernment, that we may distinguish between lawful and unlawful uses of the law.

Protect us from legalism, which burdens the soul and obscures the gospel of grace.

Protect us also from lawlessness, which dishonors Your name and brings reproach upon Your church.

Grant that our hearts may be balanced in the truth, rejoicing in the freedom of grace

While walking in the holiness to which we have been called.

O Lord, let Your law be written upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

May we meditate upon Your precepts day and night, finding them sweeter than honey to our taste.

May we be diligent to teach them to the next generation,

That our children may know the fear of the Lord and walk in Your ways.

Raise up in our midst faithful teachers of the Word, who handle the law rightly

And proclaim the gospel with clarity, that many may be drawn to repentance and life.

We pray for Your church, O God, in every land and every tongue.

Preserve her in sound doctrine and pure devotion.

Let not the enemy sow confusion regarding Your law or Your gospel.

Unite Your people in the truth of Christ, that we may live as a holy nation, a people set apart for Your glory.

And now, Lord, grant that in all we do we may glorify You.

Let the law be to us a rule of gratitude, a guide for love, a standard of holiness.

Let the gospel ever be our hope, our joy, our song.

Teach us to live as those who are under grace, not under law, yet not without law toward You,

But under the law of Christ—the law of love, fulfilled in Him.

O God of peace, sanctify us wholly.

May our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He who calls us is faithful; He will surely do it.

Therefore to You, O Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Be all glory, honor, dominion, and praise, both now and forevermore. Amen.