Don’t Throw the Baby (Law) Out with the Bath Water (False Teachers)

Text: 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Theme: The Law is good; lawbreakers and false teachers are not.
Key verses: “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinners, the unholy and irreligious…” (v. 8-9a) “and whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine, that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me” (v. 10b-11)
What God said to me: “Using it properly” is the key phrase in this passage. I expect my people–especially those who teach my Word–to study it carefully and handle it with fear and trembling. Teachers will be held to a much higher standard of scrutiny at judgment. Dwayne, never, ever assume your ideas and impressions and experiences are sufficient to teach others about my Word. Study to show yourself approved–a workman that does not need to be ashamed, righly dividing & discerning the Word of God. And beware of arrogance and self-righteousness. The men to whom Paul was refering had no clue they were condemning themselves with the very law they proported to know. They were living evidence of the need of the law! They were the very sinners who needed to heed what the law condemned. Yet, they only approached it with their self-righteous mind, rather than a humble, self-searching heart. Be careful that you don’t do the same. You have before–and you are capable of doing it again.
What I said to God: Precious and holy Lord, I bow my heart before You right now. I am desparate for You–to hear You speak, to know Your presence, to heed Your Word and believe Your promises. Help me embrace and teach the whole counsel of God–not just those parts that I like or that I think only pertain to others. May I see in Your Word my own sin and my total depravity apart from You.