1 Timothy 1:8-11

8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

First question: What does it mean to not use the law properly? According to Romans 3:19-20, the law is used well when it points out our sin and moves us to seek forgiveness by the God's grace through faith. It seems to me, that a bad use of the law would be trying to attain salvation by observing it. We can't. And when we try, it seems to me that it leads to legalism, pride, and failure to produce people who truely worship God.

It seems to make sense to me that the "false teachers" were "false teachers" because they were looking to the law to produce salvation. My question is, in my passion to get students into the Word, am I creating a "law", or am I moving them towards sound doctrine, which is about the glorious gospel of God, who is Jesus Christ? This is where everything must point. Jesus Christ is the completion of the law. I think I need to be sure not to create legalists.

By the way, I would have to suggest that in my sinful nature, the law is for me, because Paul's definitions of sinners or those not righteous fit me...especially in light of how Jesus Christ redefines murder and adultery in Matthew 5. Therefore, the law (primarily the 10 commandments I would assume) moves me to seek forgiveness in Christ. It is valuable to me in this sense.

You guys, I am pumped about what we are doing. God bless you as you journey dudes!!!!!