In Paul’s letter to timothy he exposes those who are taking the law out of context, and trying to add it to The Christian way of life.
1 Tim 1: 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
Notice, Paul wants timothy to remain in Ephesus to expose and teach men who are teaching strange doctrines, instead of furthering the Administration of God, focusing instead on Faith and love. Instead o focusing on myth on myths and genealogies, which lead to speculations, instead of truth. And who were these men?
6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.
These are men who are attempting to teach the law, however, they are only making assertions, which are not true, for they do not understand the law, even though they make confident assertions what they teach is true.
Then paul tells Timothy (and us) what the law is really about.
8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
It is only Good if it is used according to the rules and guidelines for which it was originally intended. In other words. Taking the law out of context. Using it outside of its original intended purpose, Makes the law not a good thing, But a Bad thing. According to paul, it causes division and destroys godly edification. And does not lead to truth. Which is never a good thing.
9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate,
first. Paul goes on to who was the law written for?
1. The righteous, Who are the righteous, according to Paul?
Phil 3: 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
1. It is of faith only, Not by following some law, so just because someone may be obeying the law and doing what the law says, does not mean they are righteous.
2. It is something given, not something done, or earned
3. It is made for sinners,
2 Cor 5: 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
It is something given, based on what Christ did on the cross.
Rom 3: 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
1. again, not of the law
2. it is given to all who believe
3. no one is righteous by being obedient all have sinned and fall short.
4. it is freely paid for by the redeeming act of Christ.
Conclusion, the law is not for true Christians, who were given righteousness by being redeemed, it is given only for sinners
