8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.

9 We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,

— 1 Timothy 1:8-9

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

— Romans 3:19-20

Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.

— Galatians 3:19

17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

— Matthew 5:17-18

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Now let’s discuss the application of the Law (or the Ten Commandments). How do we use the Ten Commandments in the world that desperately needs the gospel? The law should be used wisely just like a skilled doctor uses an x-ray machine. It’s not to heal, but is to reveal what is broken inside. Firstly, the Law is used with those who are still in their sins. 1 Timothy 1:9 says,“We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,”

When we share the gospel with someone who thinks they are basically good, we must try by confronting them with the Law. People need to see their sin to see their need for the Savior. The Law helps people realize that they fall short of God’s glory and it holds a mirror up to their soul and says you are guilty. This is not cruelty. It’s clarity. Before someone can embrace grace, he must feel the weight of guilt. Jesus applied the law correctly. He used the Law to show people that they were sinners. Jesus intentionally applied the law to those who consider themselves good in order to show them their need for the Savior.