1 Timothy 1:8–11 “The Purpose of the Law”

1 Timothy 1:8-11 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Amy Grant – Thy Word
• Take My Life and Let It Be – Chris Tomlin
• Chris Tomlin – Give Us Clean Hands

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Follow the Instructions | A Lesson About Obeying – Lesson for Kids
• The B-I-B-L-E Song by Hi Heaven – Song for Kids
• I OBEY RIGHT AWAY LYRIC & DANCE VIDEO | Kids on the Move – Song for Kids
• No Matter What I’m Facing | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

In the previous verse (v. 7), the Apostle points out that in the church at Ephesus there were people who wanted to become teachers of the Law, yet they did not even understand what they were talking about. The Apostle makes it clear that the problem is not with the Law itself. When used properly, the Law is “good” (v. 8). The Law was not given for the righteous but rather to restrain the evil deeds of the unrighteous. In other words, it was not given as a subject for empty chatter but as a guide to be practiced in everyday life.

To demonstrate the usefulness of the Law, he lists the kinds of evil deeds it forbids. The first six (law-breaking, disobedience, ungodliness, sinfulness, unholy living, and profanity) show that the purpose of the Law is for people to live in holiness and godliness by obeying God’s commands. These six correspond to the first part of the Ten Commandments (the four commandments concerning our duty to God).

The remaining eight (killing one’s father, killing one’s mother, murder, adultery, homosexuality, kidnapping, lying, and perjury) correspond to the second part of the Ten Commandments (the commandments concerning our duty to others). Killing parents violates the commandment to honor them. Homosexual acts (a man engaging in sexual relations with another man for pleasure) fall under adultery. Kidnapping (stealing people) violates the commandment, “You shall not steal.” Lying and perjury violate the commandment, “You shall not bear false witness.”

Thus, the Law is “sound teaching”—that is, instruction that guides people to live rightly. What the Law teaches is consistent with “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (v. 11). Therefore, to interpret or use the Law in a way that is not in harmony with the spirit of the gospel is to misuse the Law.

Meditation:

The Ten Commandments and the Law were given by God. While some of the laws were established by Moses based on the Ten Commandments, in essence, they all came from God. The Law was not so much given to fulfill God’s will directly as it was given to prevent people from breaking that will. This is why most of the commandments are phrased in the negative (“You shall not…”). It acknowledges the reality that because of human sinfulness, people cannot fully carry out God’s will. As sinners, we inevitably fall into sin, but even so, there are boundaries we must not cross. The commandments and the Law draw those boundaries.

Though the commandments and the Law mark the boundaries we must not cross, within them lies what God truly desires from humanity. The commandment, “You shall not murder,” teaches us that God’s will is for us to respect life. The commandment, “You shall not steal,” teaches us to respect the ownership and property of others. God has drawn these boundaries for us, but we should not be content with merely staying within them. Instead, we should look for the divine will contained in the Law and live according to it.

Through the commandments and the Law, God expects us to live a holy, godly, righteous, and good life. They were not given as material for empty talk but to be lived out. Moreover, the commandments and the Law are in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ. His teaching fulfills the spirit of all the Law and the Prophets. A faith that is not expressed through life is empty and false.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for teaching us the commandments and the Law and for allowing us to hear the glorious gospel of God. Help us to diligently read and meditate on Your Word so that it may bear fruit through our words and actions. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God gave us the Ten Commandments and the Law to set boundaries that keep us from harm, but more importantly, to show us what He truly desires: lives that are holy, loving, and good. It’s not enough to just avoid doing wrong—we are called to live out God’s will through respect, love, and obedience.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why do you think God gave us rules like the Ten Commandments?
  • Can you think of one rule (like “Don’t steal” or “Don’t lie”) that also teaches us something good about how God wants us to live?
  • What is one way you can show God’s love at home or at school this week?
    
• Youth
  • The Bible says most of the commandments are written as “Do not…” (like “Do not murder”). Why do you think God often sets rules in this way?
  • What does it mean to go beyond just “not doing wrong” and instead live out the positive side of God’s will (for example, not only “don’t lie” but also “speak truth”)?
  • How can the teachings of Jesus help us see the deeper meaning behind God’s laws, and how might that change the way you live your faith at school or with friends?