Now we know that the Law is good,

if one uses it lawfully. 

1 Timothy 1:8

We are halfway through our study of the 10 Commandments at church each Sunday.

The 10 commands are a summary of God’s Law,

but these commands are not the gospel. 

The gospel is the announcement that there is salvation in the person and work of Jesus. He earned a perfect record according to the Law and died in our place for our lawbreaking. All who believe in him will be saved. 

So why study the Law if we have the Gospel?

What use is the Law for the Christian? 

First, the law must be used lawfully as the passage above says. An unlawful way to use the law is to believe that through keeping it you can earn salvation.

...Or to use it just to earn God’s favor and love.

...Or to use it to make yourself feel better than other people.

This false use of the law is trying to use the law as a ladder to climb into heaven.

But there are 3 uses of the Law

that are lawful uses for the Christian.

1.) The Law points us to seek grace from Jesus

When we meditate on the Law we can see how holy God is and how unholy we are. The law shows us the distance between the perfection of God and the imperfection of believers. This leads us to seek Jesus for grace and forgiveness.

Here the Law is like a huge arrow pointing to Jesus and the cross.

2.) The Law curbs evil

Here the law is like a stop sign.

Obey the sign and you will not run into traffic. The Law draws the boundaries of safety and danger. In this use of the law we can see the difference between good and evil. Like the stop sign when you obey it, it keeps you and others safe.

3.) The Law instructs us how to live

Think of this use of the Law as a path to walk on - not to get salvation, but because you already have salvation. Here the law instructs us, teaches us, and enlightens us. The law shows us what it means to love God and your neighbor. 

Oh how I love your law!

     It is my meditation all the day.

   Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,

    for it is ever with me.

   I have more understanding than all my teachers,

     for your testimonies are my meditation.

   I understand more than the aged,

    for I keep your precepts.

   I hold back my feet from every evil way,

    in order to keep your word.

   I do not turn aside from your rules,

     for you have taught me.

   How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth

Through your precepts I get understanding;

     therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:97-104

Grace and peace,

Pastor Harvey