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THE WRITER WHO HAS FULL AUTHORITY FROM GOD
I Timothy 1:8-11
(Books study series – I Timothy) Message no. 3
February 20, 2022 - SUNDAY
Paul was strongly concerned of the sound teaching and a sound teacher that the local church needs to have. Paul was inspired by God and came up with simple little test to determine if the local church has that sound teaching and teachers. So, Paul used the test of the Law. TRUE TEACHER OF GOD TEACHES AND USES THE LAW OF GOD WITH BIBLICALLY SOUND AND CONNECTS THE LAW TO THE GOSPEL. The concept of the law has been distorted by all false religions, because mostly they teach that a person can be right with God by keeping the law of God. Shocking, that most of false religions invented more laws. I – PERTINENCE TO THE MOSAIC LAW – v.8a I Timothy 1:8a "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;"
I Timoteo 1:8a "Ngunit nalalaman natin na ang kautusan ay mabuti, kung ginagamit ng tao sa matuwid na paraan."
Paul said “But we know” it read better “Now we know” it is an admitted principle (Romans 3:19; Romans 7:14). It is strong expression of Paul’s knowledge, learned in the school of the Holy Ghost. Paul spoke with the conscious authority of an Apostle, confident of the truth of what Paul preached and taught.
Paul said “that the law”, what law is Paul talking about?
Paul is referring to the Mosaic law based from this passage, which includes the ordinances and decrees and all the Old Testament laws.
The Law is given by God, is both good in itself and has good testimony.
1. The law religious teacher desire to teach the law of Moses based on the context. – v.7
2. Paul had a specific law in mind, not some general law because the word “law” contains the article – v.8
3. The list of sins is clearly related to the Mosaic Law based in this context – v.9-10
4. The Mosaic law connects to the glorious gospel based on the context – v.11
II – PROPER USE OF THE LAW – v.8b I Timothy 1:8b “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;”
I Timoteo 1:8b “Ngunit nalalaman natin na ang kautusan ay mabuti, kung ginagamit ng tao sa matuwid na paraan.”
Paul said “if a man”, refers primarily, a teacher; then every Christian.
Paul said “the law is good”. It is in accordance with God’s moral goodness.
Who knows the Law is good? They are those who know how to use the law lawfully according to the last part of the verse.
If a teacher should use it so as to make men conscious of their sins, conscious that of themselves and that they deserve no mercy, only punishment and to press this sorrowful knowledge that was the true work of the Law upon men.
Not only the religious teachers of the law, but notice the word “we” refers to believers who know how to use the law in a way that is biblical and lawful. This refers to the believers who are able to filter the law of the Old Testament through Grace Age truth with a proper interpretation and application of the law to the believer and even to the unbeliever.
Those who use the law lawfully is a believer that knows the right purpose which the law is intended to serve.
The law is intended to occupy a most important place, but the law should not be perverted.
Like Paul said in verse 8, we admitted that the law is good which we all concede. This declaration that the “the law is good” is evidently made by the apostle to guard against the supposition that he was an enemy of the law. Doubtless this charge would be brought against him, or against anyone who maintained the sentiments which Paul had just expressed. By Paul speaking of about things that those teachers regarded as so important in the law, it would be natural for them to declare that Paul was an enemy of the law itself, and condemned that Paul would be glad to see all their claims about the law were abrogated. There were some who abused the law, with a pretense to condemn some of the best of men of God, and to subvert the gospel: whereas some abusers of the law have represented Paul as an enemy to the law, which Paul here denies and disproves their charge against him. Paul defends that he designs no such thing for he use not the law unlawfully. Paul admitted that the law was good. Paul was never had one moment to question the law. Paul only asked that the Law should be rightly understood and properly explained, and therefore use the law lawfully. Paul was never disposed to call in question the excellency and the usefulness and benefits of the law. Paul does not imply condemnation of the Law itself. It is only the misuse of the law that Paul disapproves.
Paul asked only that the law should be used aright, and in order to this, Paul proceeds to state what is its true design. The design of the Mosaic law was to direct the conduct of those to whom it was given, to humble them and help them realize of their sinful condition, and to lead them to an atoning Savior; but the Mosaic law could not be intended to save them by a perfect conformity to the law, which was what the law could not do. Romans 8:3 “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:”.
The law is not a means for a "righteous man" in attaining higher perfection than by the Gospel alone (Titus 1:14 “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”), this is the perverted use of the law by the false teachers appending fabulous interpretations of the law to the Gospel, but the law is design to awaken the sense of sin in the ungodly (1 Timothy 1:9; Romans 7:7; Galatians 3:21).
The use of the moral law is to convince men of sin, to show man’s sinfulness, then the ceremonial law is good as it points sinners to Christ, to bring them to Christ by faith for justification, referring to the salvation that are in and through Jesus Christ.
III – PURPOSE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT LAW The Mosaic law was initially given to Israel purposely. The Mosaic law has a connection to Israel. There are things that the Mosaic law had done for Israel: Several things that the Mosaic law did for Israel.
1. Mosaic law unified the nation of Israel
2. Mosaic law separated the nation of Israel
3. Mosaic law made the fellowship of the nation Israel with God possible
4. Mosaic law made the nation of Israel to worship God possible.
5. Mosaic law tests the nation of Israel if they really wanted or not God to reign
6. Mosaic law prompted the nation of Israel to look for and look to Jesus Christ as their Jewish Messiah.
Let us take a look at the purposes of God's law.
First:
A. Showing the Holiness of God and sinfulness of man – Romans 7:16 Romans 7:16 “If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.”
Roma 7:16 “Ngunit kung ang hindi ko nais ang siya kong ginagawa, sumasang-ayon ako na mabuti ang kautusan.”
Now, the purpose of the law of God is to show God’s holiness and our badness.
The law of God is holy, is righteous and is good. Paul said “it is good”, implies all the three that are mentioned in verse 12, "holy, just, and good." (Romans 7:12 “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good”). The law of God is as holy as God. The problem is not with the law because it has no problem, but the problem is with sin.
Paul knowing that the law condemns sin that is why Paul said “I do that which I would not”, and therefore knows sin is evil. Paul is saying, “I am willing not to do it, I do it so far,” Paul acknowledged the law to be good as he said “I consent unto the law that is good.” Paul is saying “the judgment of my inner man going along with the law. But the fact that I desire to do what is right is itself a witness to the excellence of the Law, which commands that which I desire. If I do that against which against the law, my conscience rebel, so far, the divine nature of me agrees the goodness of the law, but the sinful nature of me rebels against it, I fail to fulfill the law.” Law shows the holiness of God and man is sinful.
Based from the previous verse Romans 7:15, that men, even in an unconverted state, approve of the law of God. The unbelievers see the suitability and equity of the law, hence the judgment of the unsaved approves the law is good, though their passions and inclinations oppose it.
That the minds of the wicked men consent to the law of God as good, is obvious from their approbation of good actions in others.
Now, let us talk about the Christian struggling against the old sinful nature. The very struggle with evil shows that evil is not loved, or approved, but that the Law which condemns it is really loved. Christians may here find a test of their piety. The fact of struggling against evil or flesh, the desire to be free from it, and to overcome it, the anxiety and grief which the evil causes, is evidence that we do not love evil, and that therefore we are the friends of God as a Believer’s in Christ. Perhaps nothing can be a more decisive test of piety for a Christian than a long-continued and painful struggle against evil passions and desires in every form, and a panting of the soul to be delivered from the power and dominion of sin. This is evidence that the struggling experience to obey the law, to obey the God and His Word shows that God is holy and man is sinful in nature.
As we are looking at the purposes of God's law"
Secondly:
B. Shutting every mouth concerning the righteousness of man – Romans 7:19a Romans 7"19a "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."
Roma 7:19a "Sapagkat ang mabuti na aking nais ay hindi ko ginagawa, ngunit ang masama na hindi ko nais ay siya kong ginagawa."
The purpose of the law of God is to shut every mouth concerning one’s own righteousness
Paul words “For the good” is substantially a repetition of what is said in Romans 7:15
Paul said, “For the good that I would I do not” Here is a decisive proof that the man’s free will is against, or opposed to evil. There is a struggle between duty and desire as young Saul finds himself doing what he would not, what he loathes. In conviction he agrees with the law, delights in it. The man’s free will to obey is there, the operative power is wanting; an opposing force dwells in his flesh determines his action.
The mouths of those who think they are good enough for God has been shuts by the Law of God. If one says they are righteous and they are good. The Bible says, there is none righteous (Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”), there is none good (Luke 18:18-19 “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.”; Romans 3:12 “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”) and we have all gone astray (Romans 3:12 “They are all gone out of the way,”; Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”). The Law of God is designed to shut the mouth (Romans 3:19 “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped,”).
Man’s righteousness are as filthy rags before God. Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
But the righteousness of God is by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:20-22 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”
The law shut every mouth concerning one’s own righteousness as Paul said in Philippians 3:9 “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
As we are looking at the purposes of God's law.
Thirdly:
C. Substantiating that every man in this world is guilty – Romans 7:19b Romans 7:19b “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”
Roma 7:19b “Sapagkat ang mabuti na aking nais ay hindi ko ginagawa, ngunit ang masama na hindi ko nais ay siya kong ginagawa.”
The purpose of the law of God is to substantiate that the whole world is guilty before God.
We need to realize that that every human being who has ever lived in this world is under court case against God.
The decision of the Law of God cries out “guilty, guilty, guilty!” (Romans 3:19 “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”).
Paul is like saying “Having desire, and intention is present with me, or is easy for me; but how to perform or to practice, or, habitually work, that which is good, excellent, I find not. I Have no sufficient ability.” (Romans 7:15).
There are men who have been struggling for holiness. The more holy they become, the more they realize that there is still a something better beyond them, which they struggle after holiness, but they cannot yet attain; so, they still say, “The good that we would we do not: but the evil which we would not, that we do,”
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As we are looking at the purposes of God’s law.
Fourth:
D. Securing individual knowledge of sin – Romans 7:20 Romans 7:20 “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
Roma 7:20 “Subalit kung ang hindi ko nais ang siya kong ginagawa, ay hindi na ako ang gumagawa nito, kundi ang kasalanang nananatili sa akin.”
The purpose of the law of God is to secure personal knowledge of sin.
Every person come to the knowledge with the reality that he is a sinner as the Law of God declared.
When Paul said “Now if I do…” that is a repetition of what he said in Romans 7:16-17. This is explained on Romans 7:17 “Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
Then Paul adds, “that I would not,” “no more I that do it” notice that the “I” in the Greek, is very emphatical, and denotes that the person which is speaking, is chiefly referring to himself, and therefore with the like emphasis in Romans 7:15 “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” Paul is saying “I, the man, with all my full resolution of mind.” That person has the knowledge of sin.
Paul testifies, “It is no more I,” he is saying “My will is against it; my reason and conscience condemn it. But sin that dwelleth in me, the principle of sin, which has possessed itself of all my carnal appetites and passions, and thus subjects my reason and domineers over my soul.” It is clearly accepted that man has the knowledge of sin.
Paul said, “but sin that dwelleth in me.”, he acknowledges the sin that acts, and not himself. The motions of sin within grieved the apostle.
The true believer, the newborn man is struggling for that which is right. The real “I”, the immortal “ego”, is still pressing forward, like a ship beating up against wind and tide, and striving to reach the harbor where it shall find perfect rest.
By the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”; Galatians 3:10 “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”; Romans 7:7 “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”
E. Speaking to us the legitimate right of God to pour out HIs wrath – Romans 4:15 As we are looking at the purposes of God's law
Fifth:
Romans 4:15 “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”
Roma 4:15 “Sapagkat ang kautusan ay gumagawa ng galit; ngunit kung saan walang kautusan ay wala ring paglabag.”
The purpose of the law of God is to show God has a legitimate right to pour out His wrath.
When Paul writes, “Because the law,” referring to all law, any law or rule of duty. It is about the tendency of law.
Law is a rule of conduct. If no such rule is given and known, there can be no crime. Law expresses what may be done and what may not be done.
The phrase “the law worketh wrath.” means the law produces or causes wrath. No law makes provision for the exercise of mercy, for it worketh wrath, punishment for the disobedient. Instead of justifying the fallen sinner and producing peace to that sinner man, it is just the reverse because the law condemns, denounces wrath, and produces suffering. The word “wrath” here is to be taken in the sense of punishment.
As the Apostle Paul had proved in Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3 that all were sinners, so it means that if anyone attempted to be justified by the law, they would be involved only in condemnation and wrath. We are so weak and sinful human being, that instead the law bringing us a blessing, the law only worketh wrath, the law becomes to us an occasion of wrath, and exposes us to punishment as transgressors.
Paul says, “for where no law is, there is no transgression.” Law is a rule of conduct. If no such rule is given and known, there can be no crime. Law expresses what may be done and what may not be done. It is just the law that makes transgression. Law necessarily subjects the transgressor to punishment for where no law is, where no rule of duty is enacted and acknowledged, there is no transgression; and where there is no transgression there can be no punishment, for there is no law to enforce it. Law reveals God’s wrath against transgressors. Law becomes a cause of sin, and never does it become the cause of justification. But the Jews have a law, which they have broken, and now they are exposed to the penal sanctions (parusa) of that law, and if the promises of pardon without the works of the law do not extend to them, they will be miserable because they all have broken the law, and the law demands punishment. The Jews had a multitude of clear laws, and as the Gentiles had the laws of nature, there could be no hope of escape from the charge of their violation. Since human nature was depraved, and people were prone to sin, the laws become more just and reasonable, the less hope was there of being justified by the Law (Galatians 2:16), and the more certainty that the Law would produce wrath, condemnation and vengeance.
When we take an honest look at ourselves and all men in this world then look at the law of God, we will never ask how can a loving God take vengeance and wrath out on this wicked humanity but our question will be why God has not done His vengeance yet?
As we are looking at the purposes of God’s law.
Sixth:
F. Sending every hopeless and helpless sinner to Jesus Christ – Galatians 3:19, 24 Galatians 3:19, 24 “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of mediator. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
Galatia 3:19, 24 “Bakit pa mayroong kautusan? Ito ay idinagdag dahil sa mga paglabag, hanggang sa dumating ang binhi na siyang pinangakuan; at ito'y ibinigay sa pamamagitan ng mga anghel sa kamay ng isang tagapamagitan. 24 Kaya't ang kautusan ay naging ating tagasupil hanggang sa dumating si Cristo, upang tayo'y ariing-ganap sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.”
Wherefore then serveth the law? What is the use of the law? If the law does not annul the Abrahamic covenant, and cannot provide salvation on its religious devotees, why did God give the law? If the inheritance was not by the law, but by the promise, as a free gift, for what purpose was the law given, or what significancy the law had? This was a very natural objection, that arise in the mind of any Jew who had paid attention to the apostle's reasoning. If the principles which Paul had taught and laid down were correct, of what use was the Law? Why was it given at all? Why were there so many wonderful displays of the divine power at promulgating the law?. Why were there so many commendations of the law in the Scriptures? And why were there so many commandments to obey the law? Are all these to be regarded as nothing; and the Law is to be esteemed as worthless? The Apostle proceeds to answer this question. To all this, the apostle replies that the Law was not useless, the apostle shews that the law, was not contrary to the covenant of God, the law was not contrary to the promise (Galatians 3:22 “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”), the law was given by God for great and important purposes, and especially for purposes closely connected with the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham and the work of the Mediator. The law shows how hopeless and helpless the humanity without the promised Savior.
The law was added, the verse says, “because of” means “for the sake of” [ton (G3588) parabaseoon (G3847) charin (G5485) “for the sake of”] the transgressions of the law after the promise to Abraham was made (Genesis 3), and since the law that was given by Moses does not annul the covenant made with Abraham, to which the Jews undoubtedly had a claim to that Abrahamic covenant, the design of that given law must therefore have been to engage those of Abraham descendants who came under the law, to see their need of that covenant, to recommend the promise to them, at the same time to bring them out into clearer view and make them more conscious of their sins, to remind them of their guilt, to teach them how far they have wondered from God, to reveal to them the penalties of disobedience as being transgressions of the law (Romans 3:20 “for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”; Romans 4:15 “for where no law is, there is no transgression.”; Romans 5:13 “sin is not imputed when there is no law.”; Romans 7:7 “I had not known sin, but by the law”); and to show to them that justification by the law is impossible, so to make them long for the promised Saviour. Here we see the hopelessness and helplessness of sinners.
Because of their transgressions, not only the yoke of the ceremonial law was inflicted as a punishment for the national sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:1), but also of the moral precepts, would appear more exceedingly sinful and dangerous, with a threat penalties, in proportion to the clearness of these precepts, and the awfulness with which they were delivered. The Mosaic law was added because of their transgressions namely the ceremonial law and the moral law. Ceremonial law was a prophetic type of Christ. The moral law was added to the promise to discover and restrain transgressions, to convince men of their guilt, and need of the promise, and give some search of their sin. And this moral law passeth not away; but the ceremonial law was only introduced till Christ, the seed to or through whom the promise was made should come. The law shows how sinful man is who need hope through faith on the promised Savior Jesus Christ.
The law was to be in force, “till the seed should come,” till the coming of Christ, the Messiah (Galatians 3:16 “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.”). After the Messiah comes the law was to cease. A large portion of the laws of Moses like in the ceremonial laws would then indeed cease to be binding. They were given to accomplish important purposes among the Jews until the Messiah should come, and then they would give way to the more important institutions of the gospel. And as the ceremonial law ceased, but the moral law would continue to accomplish valuable objects after his coming, in showing people the nature of transgression and leading them to the cross of Christ. The promise is said to have been made to Christ in whom it is fulfilled, just as in (Galatians 3:14 “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”). Christians are said to “receive the promise” — the fulfilment of the promise “of the Spirit.” Christ is the fulfillment of that promise, Christ is the hope of the sinful world.
Last part of Galatians 3:19 “and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” That is, the Law was ordained by angels. The word ordained here διαταγεὶς diatageis. Though the Logos, or eternal Son of God, did undoubtedly preside among the angels, and it was in His name that the proclamation was made by the angels, as His heralds and attendants. It was not given to Israel, like the promise to Abraham, immediately from God himself; but this time was conveyed by the ministry of angels to Moses, and delivered into his hand as a mediator between God and them, to remind them of the great Mediator. The ministry of angels was certainly used in giving the law (Psalms 68:17; Acts 7:53; and Hebrews 2:2); but they were only instruments for transmitting.
The word here, “Mediator” Μεσίτης Mesitēs means properly one who intervenes between two parties, either as an interpreter or as an intercessor or reconciler. The word “mediator” here meant was Moses, who was particularly authorized by the Jewish people, as well as constituted by God, to mediate in the affair of receiving the law, which he transacted once for all. Moses was the mediator between God and the people, Deuteronomy 5:5 “I stood between the Lord and you.”; where it is said, that the law was made between God and the children of Israel “by the hand of Moses.” Leviticus 26:46 “…laws, which the Lord made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.” In giving the law, the "angels" represented God; Moses, as mediator, represented the people: a double mediation; whereas in the promise there was none, it comes from the Sovereign God. God used the ministry of angels in giving the law, and Moses mediate between God and the people, that the people may know that the hope of their eternal soul is not by the given law but by the promised Savior.
Now, Paul said “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” The law hath proved to be [Gegonen (G1096)] our schoolmaster ('tutor,' 'pedagogue;' among the Greeks, a faithful servant entrusted with a child from childhood to adolescence, to protect the child, with severe disciplinary strictness, from evil, physical and moral, in his amusements and studies), the law is to guide us unto Christ,' with whom we are no longer in bondage, but we are freemen. "Children" (literally, infants) need such tutoring (Galatians 4:3 “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world”). The law did so by warnings, threatenings, and convictings of sin.
The ceremonial law was a schoolmaster to lead man unto Christ (Galatians 3:24-26 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”), therefore that we may be justified by faith which we could not be justified by the law. Hence, the need of both forgiveness of sin and of freedom from its bondage became our schoolmaster to guide us unto Christ. And Christ is the end of that law for justification to everyone that believes (Romans 10:4 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth”).
The moral law shows us what we ought to do, so we learn our inability. In the ceremonial law we seek, by sacrifices, to answer for our not having done it, but find that dead victims are no satisfaction for the sins of living men, and that outward purifying will not cleanse the soul; therefore, we need an infinitely better sacrifice, the antitype of all the legal sacrifices. Thus, delivered up to the judicial law, we see the awful doom we deserve: thus, the law leads to Christ, with whom we find righteousness and peace. 'Sin, sin! is the word again and again in the Old Testament. Had it not there for centuries rung in the ear, and fastened on the conscience, the joyful sound, "grace for grace," would not have been the watchword of the New Testament. This was the end of the whole system of sacrifices'
Now those who did not use the law in reference to these ends, did not use it lawfully because they did not construe the law according to its original design and meaning.
The purpose of the law of God is to send everyone to Jesus Christ.
The Law of God declared and considered every human being as a sinner. The Law of God forces every person to realize they are hopeless and helpless. Thus, every human being was forces to look for someone who can help us out of our fatal and miserable condition. That one who has able to help and save us is Jesus Christ. A wonderful purpose of the Law is to lead us and point us to the only Saviour Jesus Christ.
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IV – PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT THE REASON FOR THE EXISTENCE OF THE LAW – v.9a I Timothy 1:9a “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man,”
I Timoteo 1:9a “Ito ay nangangahulugang nauunawaan na ang kautusan ay hindi ginawa para sa taong matuwid,” FILIPINO VERSION
The beginning words “Knowing this” means if anyone knows or if anyone admit this, that someone has the proper view of the purpose of the law. The apostle Paul does not refer particularly to himself as knowing this, because then Paul would have uses the plural form of the Greek participle, but here Paul means that anyone who had just views of the law would see that which Paul proceeds to specify was the law real purpose.
Notice the words “law is not made” it signifies that the Law does not lie against a righteous man — Doth not strike or condemn the righteous man.
The term “righteous” refers to a believer on Christ who are justified by faith (Romans 5:1“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”; Galatians 3:24 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”; Galatians 2:16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Actually, the word justification derived from the word “righteous.”
The Believer in Christ is dead to the Law (Galatians 2:19-20 “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”) because the Law was nailed to the cross with Christ (Colossians 2:14 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”).
The purpose of the Law is to expose the character of the unrighteous and the Law is given to those who are unconvinced of their sin. The purpose of the Law is not to approve the character of the righteous who has already recognized his sinfulness and has believed on Christ and redeemed by Christ from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”).
Therefore, the moral law is not made, better rendered lies for the righteous, or for a Christian as a restrainer of crimes, and an inflicter of punishments, because the righteous avoid sin, and by living to the glory of God expose not themselves to its faults. This seems to be in the mind of the apostle. Paul does not say the righteous believers does not need to obey the law, that is, to do right, but Apostle Paul meant to say that the Law does not LIE against a righteous man which means the Law does not strike or condemn the righteous believer; but the Law lies against the wicked. The word lies, refers to the custom of writing laws on boards, and hanging them up in public places within the reach of every man, that they might be read by all, thus all would see against whom the law lay.
Carefully notice the words, “Law is not made” in Greek [κεῖται (keitai) (G2749) means to be laid or lie]: meaning the law is not fixed: not enacted] for a righteous man. The Believers is standing by faith in the righteousness of Christ, that put on him for justification, and also that righteousness of Christ put in him by the Holy Spirit for sanctification, and is living a new life. So, the righteous, the believers or Christians is not judicially amenable or compliant to the law. For when it comes to sanctification the law gives no inward power. Doubtless, in proportion as the righteous believer or Christian is led by the Spirit, the justified man needs not the outward rule (Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”; Galatians 5:18 “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”; Galatians 5:23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”). But as he often gives not himself up wholly to the inward Spirit, the Christian or the righteous morally needs the outward law to show the justified, the saved person his sin and God's requirements. The reason why the ten commandments have no power to condemn the Christian is not that the ten commandments have no authority over him, but because Christ has fulfilled the law as our surety (Romans 10:4 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”). The moral law was written in the hearts and was embodied in the lives of those justified by faith in God’s righteousness and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, these are the righteous people, the Christians.
However, the Law is against the lawless and disobedient not the righteous — They who despise the authority of the lawgiver violate the first commandment, which is the foundation of the law, and the ground of all obedience. The Law is against the ungodly and sinners not the righteous— Who break the second commandment, worshipping idols, or not worshipping the true God. The Law is against unholy and profane not the righteous — Who break the third commandment by taking his name in vain. That will be our next point to discuss.
V – PROSPECTS WHY GOD MADE THE LAW – v.9b - 10 The Law of God is made for every unbeliever, those who are unrighteous, those who are not justified. The Law of God is designed to show the unsaved his sinful guilt and point them to the One who can save them by faith on the Savior Jesus Christ.
A. Person who has lawless – v.9b I Timothy 1:9b “but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,”
I Timoteo 1:9b “kundi para sa mga walang kinikilalang batas at mapaghimagsik, para sa masasama at mga makasalanan, para sa mga hindi banal at lapastangan, para sa mga pumapatay sa ama at sa ina, para sa mga mamamatay-tao,” FILIPINO VERSION
The Law was made for the lawless.
Now the Law was not made for the holy and humble men of heart, whom the Apostle Paul trusted which formed the main body of the congregation of believers in Ephesus, and in every city where men and women were found who called on the name of the Lord Jesus, and who struggled to follow the footsteps of their dear Master the Lord Jesus. It was made centuries before Jesus of Nazareth walked on earth, as a great protest against the every-day vices which dishonoured Israel in common with the rest of mankind. The terrible enumeration of sins and sinners in these 9th and 10th verses, while following the order of the ancient Tables of Sinai, seems to allude pointedly to the vices especially prevalent in that day in the great centres of the Roman empire.
The word “lawless” in Greek [ανομοις (anomois) G459], refers to someone who loves to live life being lawless or without being subject to any law, those who will not be bound by a law, those who does not allow anyone or anything instruct him what to do, even the almighty God, therefore have no rule of moral conduct, those who have no law. It is rendered transgressors in (The Syrophoenician, Canaanite Woman - Matthew 15:28; Prophecy fulfilled in Christ - Luke 22:37 “He was numbered with transgressors”) and it is rendered wicked in (Those who crucified Christ - Acts 2:23 “by wicked hands have crucified and slain:”; the antichrist - II Thessalonians 2:8 “that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:”), in NASB, ESV translated “lawless one will be revealed”. This breaks the first commandment.
B. Person who are disobedient – v.9c I Timothy 1:9c “and disobedient”
I Timoteo 1:9c “at mapaghimagsik” FILIPINO VERSION
This word “disobedient” KJV, ESV or “rebellious” NASB, in Greek [ανυποτακτοις (anupotaktois) G506] refers to a person who is not submissive to rule and authority. The term “disobedient” or “rebellious” refers to a mutinous soldier who is too proud and too unbridled to accept any control or authority. Therefore, those who acknowledge no authority. They do not acknowledge Law, nor executive authority. They live as whatever they want to live. This breaks the first commandment.
It occurs in the New Testament only here I Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:6; Titus 1:10 and Hebrews 2:8.
It occurs regarding elders or bishop qualification in Titus 1:6 “having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” KJV, which is translated “insubordination” ESV, “rebellion” in NASB;
It also occurs regarding those insubordinates to the church leadership, where it is rendered unruly especially, they of the circumcision in Titus 1:10 “For there are many unruly” KJV, which is translated insubordinate” ESV, and “rebellious men” NASB. It is translated not put under, that is under Christ in Hebrews 2:8” Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him,” which is translated “outside his control” ESV, “not subject to him” NASB.
C. Person who are ungodly – v.9d I Timothy 1:9d “for the ungodly”
I Timoteo 1:9d “para sa masasama” FILIPINO VERSION
The term “ungodly” in Greek [ἀσεβέσιν (asebesin) G765] refers to those who are impious and lack of reverence to
God. Those are irreligious people. Those who have no religion, who do not true worship or do not worship the true God, and do not honor God. This breaks the second commandment.
The Greek word “asebesin” occurs in the following places, in all of which it is rendered ungodly; Romans 4:5; Romans 5:6; 1Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 4:18; 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 1:15. The meaning is, that the law is against all who do not have true worship to true God or who are irreligious and irreverence toward God
D. Person who are sinners – v.9e I Timothy 1:9e “and for sinners,”
I Timoteo 1:9e “at mga makasalanan” FILIPINO VERSION
The term “sinners” in Greek [ἁμαρτωλοις (amartōlois) G268 sinful] has to do with those who are missing the mark of God’s righteousness. They are those who transgress the laws, includes sins of all kinds. This breaks the second commandment.
E. Person who are unholy – v. 9f I Timothy 1:9f “for unholy”
I Timoteo 1:9f “para sa mga hindi banal”
The term “unholy” in Greek [ανοσιοις (anosiois) G462] particularly emphasizes a lack of piety and holiness when it comes to religious things. Those are persons who are totally polluted or unclean within and unclean without. The word occurs in the New Testament only here in I Timothy 1:9 and II Timothy 3:2. It has reference particularly to those who fail of their duty toward God or man. This breaks the third commandment.
F. Person who are profane – v.9g I Timothy 1:9g “and profane”
I Timoteo 1:9g “at lapastangan” FILIPINO VERSION
The term “profane” in Greek [βεβηλοις (bebēlois) G952 - permitted to be trodden, unhallowed] refers to those who are not only have no sense of the sacred, but actually those put down or walk over sacred things. They are those who are scoffers. A man who treats religion with contempt, mockery, or scorn. The word occurs only in the following verses, in all of which it is rendered profane: 1 Timothy 1:9; 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16; Hebrews 12:16.
These people are so unholy and abominable as they are not fit to attend any public worship. Our word “profane” comes from “procul a fano,” means far from the temple. those deserving exclusion from the sanctuary. When the ancients, even those heathens, were about to perform some very sacred rites, they were accustomed to command the irreligious to keep at a distance, and the doors were shut against the profane. They are those who are scoffers. This breaks the third commandment.
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G. Person who are murderer of parents – v.9h I Timothy 1:9h “for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers”
I Timoteo 1:9h “para sa mga pumapatay sa ama at sa ina” FILIPINO VERSION
Most interpreters believe that it is not just the actual murder of a mother or father, but also the dishonoring and degrading of parents. This is against the fifth commandment.
Beside of the fall of man, and the general profligacy (kabuktutan, malaking kasamaan) of the world, the murderer of a father or a mother has been very rare, and is a crime that is totally very opposite to the nature, that is why few civilized nations have found it is necessary to make laws against it. This is parricide. It is been a crime which the Roman law did not contemplate as possible, and hence that there was no enactment against murdering of parents. It is, indeed, a crime of the highest order; but facts have shown that if the Romans supposed it would never be committed, they did not judge aright of human nature. Yet, such monsters, like the most awful and infrequent evil indications have sometimes terrified the world with their appearance. But the original Law does not necessarily imply the murder of a father or of a mother, the Greek word πατραλωας comes from πατερα, a father, and αλοιαω, to strike, or a “smiter of a father” and may mean simply beating or striking a father or mother: this is horrible enough; but to murder a parent is really much worse than Herod.
Nero caused his mother to be murdered, and the records of crime disclose the names of not a few who have imbrued their own hands in the blood of those who bare them. This was expressly forbidden by the law of Moses, and was a crime punishable by death (Exodus 21:15 “And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.”).
H. Person who are manslayers – v.9i I Timothy 1:9i “for manslayers”
I Timoteo 1:9i “para sa mga mamamatay-tao” FILIPINO VERSION
Manslayers, in Greek [ανδροφονοις (androphonois) G409]. The Bible shows us that murder may be committed physically and verbally. This is against the sixth commandment. Manslayers are simply murderers are all who take away the life of a human being contrary to law. This word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means a homicide, a murderer. The crime is expressly forbidden by the law (Exodus 20:13 “Thou shalt not kill.”; Genesis 9:6 “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man”).
I. Person who are immoral – v.10a I Timothy 1:10a “For whoremongers”
I Timoteo 1:10a “para sa mga mapakiapid” FILIPINO VERSION
Those “whoremongers” or “immoral men” NASB, ESV, in Greek πορνοις (pornois) G4205, from the Greek word we get our word pornography. They are the adulterers, fornicators, and prostitutes of all sorts. The whoremongers is against the seventh commandment.
Some verses are Leviticus 19:29 “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.”; Leviticus 20:5 “Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.” The word “whoredom” is translated “harlot” (NASB), “prostitution” (ESV).
J. Person who are homosexual – v.10b I Timothy 1:10b “for them that defile themselves with mankind”
I Timoteo 1:10b “para sa nakikipagtalik sa kapwa lalaki o kapwa babae” FILIPINO VERSION
The person here described are those who defiled themselves with mankind. The emphasis of this word specifically refers to male sodomites or male homosexuals. In Greek αρσενοκοιταις (arsenokoitais) comes from αρσην, a male, and κοιτη, a bed. This is a word too bad to be explained. A sodomite.
During the last half of the first century, Ephesus became known for this deadly sin.
We can see the evidence that this crime abounded in ancient times (Romans 1:26-27 “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”)
This sin of Sodomites was forbidden by the law of Moses and was punishable with death (Leviticus 20:13 “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”).
K. Person who are kidnappers – v. 10c I Timothy 1:10c “for menstealers”
I Timoteo 1:10c “para sa mga nagbebenta ng alipin” FILIPINO VERSION
This particular Greek word ἀνδραποδισταῖς (andrapodistais), which Paul had in mind that means a slave dealer and this word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. This menstealers is against the eight commandment.
This refers to the one who kidnaps or steals another person and forces them into slavery or for the purpose of making him a slave. This is the common way in which people are made slaves. They are slave-dealers. The worst offence against the eighth commandment. Stealing a man's goods is light compared with stealing a man's liberty.
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, slavery was very common. Many Christians during those time were forced to be slaves. Paul wanted the world to know that one who steals another man’s life is one who will face the judgment of God.
Some, indeed, are taken in war and sold as slaves, but the most of those have become slaves by being kidnapped. Children are stolen from their parents, or wives from their husbands, or husbands from their wives, or parents from their children, or whole families are stolen together, no matter of what color or what country they are from. None become slaves voluntarily, and consequently the whole process of making slaves partakes the nature of theft of the worst kind. What theft is like that of stealing a man’s children, or his wife, or his father or mother? The guilt of manstealing is incurred essentially by those who purchase those who are thus stolen - as the purchaser of a stolen horse, knowing it the situation, therefore he participates in the crime. A measure of that criminality also adheres to all who own slaves, and who thus maintain the system - for it is a system known to have been originated by theft. This crime was expressly forbidden by the law of God, and was made punishable with death; Exodus 21:16 “And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.”; Deuteronomy 24:7 “If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.”
L. Person who are liars – v.10d I Timothy 1:10d “for liars”
I Timoteo 1:10d “para sa mga sinungaling” FILIPINO VERSION
Liars, in Greek [ψεύσταις (pseustais) G5583]. A liar is one who speaks for truth what they know to be false. Lying is a terrible sin in the eyes of God because Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). Liars is against the ninth commandment. There are no such things as white lies, no gray lies or black lies; all lying is evil. In fact, God so hates lying that God says liars will burn in the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8).
Several passages on lying. Leviticus 6:2-4 “If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; 3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: 4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,”; Leviticus 19:11 “ Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.”
M. Person who are perjurers – v.10e I Timothy 1:10e “for perjured persons”
I Timoteo 1:10 “para sa mga mandaraya” FILIPINO VERSION
It says, perjured persons in Greek [επιορκοις from επι, against, and ορκος, an oath, (epiorkois) G1965 means sworn falsely, a perjurer] such as do or leave undone anything contrary to an oath or moral engagement, whether that engagement be made by what is called swearing, or by an affirmation or promise of any kind. A perjurer person who says what is false while under oath. The perjured person is against the ninth commandment.
The Bible tells us regarding those who swear falsely Leviticus 19:12 “And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord”; Leviticus 6:3 “Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:”; Exodus 20:7 “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
N. Purely contrary to the sound doctrine – v.10f I Timothy 1:10f “and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;”
I Timoteo 1:10f “at kung may iba pang bagay na salungat sa mahusay na aral;” FILIPINO VERSION
The “sound doctrine” means the correct teaching of the Word of God.
Anything contrary to the pure, sound, healthy Word of God is against God’s Law. The Tenth Commandment in its widest aspect. The meaning is, if there is anything else that is opposed to the instruction which the law of God gives. This includes every type of vice and immorality that is contrary to sound doctrine, to the unchanging moral law of God, as well as to the pure precepts of Christianity where that law is incorporated, explained, and rendered, if possible, more and more binding.
In the words “sound doctrine” — is an expression peculiar to this group of Epistles. It is a sharp contrast suggested to the “sickly and unhealthy” teaching of the false teachers, with their foolish legends and allegories, a teaching which suggested controversy and useless disputes, and had no practical influence at all upon daily life of man.
VI – PRESENTATION OF SINNERS TO THE GOSPEL BY THE LAW – v.11 I Timothy 1:11 “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
I Timoteo 1:11 “ayon sa maluwalhating ebanghelyo ng mapagpalang Diyos na ipinagkatiwala sa akin.” FILIPINO VERSION
The question is, how does the law relate to the glorious gospel?
The law is designed and made for every unbeliever, unrighteous who are not yet justified sinners and the proper use of the law is to apply it for those sinners, to show them their sin and present the gospel with its message of salvation in Jesus Christ.
The sound doctrine mentioned above in verse 10, which is here called the Gospel of the glory of the blessed or happy God is a dispensation which exhibits the glory of all his attributes; and, by saving man in such a way as is consistent with the glory of all the Divine perfections, while it brings peace and good will among men, brings glory to God in the highest. Sin has dishonored God, and robbed him of his glory; the Gospel provides for the total destruction of sin in this world, and thus brings back to God his glory.
The Gospel manifests God's "glory" (Romans 9:23 “And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,”; Ephesians 1:17 “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”; Ephesians 3:16 “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory”) in counting "righteous" which is the believer, through the righteousness of Christ, without "the law" (1 Timothy 1:9 “the law is not made for a righteous man”); and in imparting that righteousness of God, that is why the righteous, the Christian loathes those sins against which (1 Timothy 1:9-10) the law is directed.
The word "Blessed" here indicates immortality and self-derived happiness. The supremely "blessed" One is the God from whom all our Gospel blessedness flows, that is applied to GOD only here in verse 11 and also in 1 Timothy 6:15 “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” : appropriate in contrast to the curse on those under the law (1 Timothy 1:9-10; Galatians 3:10 “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”).
Paul said “committed to my trust” In Greek the order brings into emphasis on Paul, “committed in trust to me” in contrast to the law teaching of those who had no Gospel commission which they assumed committed to themselves (I Timothy 1:7 “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”; Paul tells Timothy in Titus 1:3 “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”
Paul tells us in his epistle that through glorious gospel that all your sins and any of all these sins listed in this epistle can be completely forgiven by Jesus Christ. You and I have broken the Law of God, we need to realize that and that is a fact. But, good news, you can be saved from all of your sins by wholeheartedly repenting of your sins, and believing, trusting, depending on the finished redemptive work of Christ, and that is also a fact. Will you believe? Are you willing to come to Christ and trust Him as your only personal Savior? You can not be saved by the law, and the law is pointing you to the One who can save you. If you will, you will be saved, because that is how the Law of God connects to the gospel of Christ.
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