1 Timothy – Week 1 – Day 4

READ 

1 Timothy 1:7-9 

7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. 8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 

This passage points to some of the erroneous thinking going on in Ephesus. It can be referred to as “legalism”—wanting to live by rules rather than by a love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul said those still trying to live by the Mosaic law didn’t really know what they were talking about. The law was to be used for the unsaved, not for the saved.  

REFLECT 

What motivates you in the Christian life? Is it a system of rules or your love for Jesus? Think about the difference this makes. 

RESPOND 

With your friend, read Romans 3:19-20 that summarizes Paul’s thoughts about the law. Its purpose is to show lost mankind the need of salvation so they will turn to Jesus by faith.