Using the Law Lawfully

Paul tells Timothy that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, and that it is laid down not for the righteous but for the lawless and disobedient. Israel's law included ceremonial and civil laws that pointed to Christ and expired with him, and the moral law, summarized in the Ten Commandments, which still binds all people. The lists of sins in 1 Timothy convict everyone, so no one can boast. The lawful use of the law leads sinners to the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel of the blessed God.