September 26
The Proper Use of the Law
The Christian's Daily Treasury"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully."—1 Timothy 1:8.
WE have already noticed the truth affirmed in the text. Let us now allude to
THE CASE SUPPOSED. "If a man use it lawfully." This implies the possibility of abuse. For the further elucidation of this passage, let us make two inquiries.
When is it used unlawfully? When it is turned to unprofitable disputes. How much time has been lost in controversy on religious subjects, and how much ill-temper manifested by those who profess to contend for the Gospel of the meek and lowly Jesus! When it is opposed to Christ. This was the great error of the Jews; they could not look to the end of that which was abolished, because their minds were blinded. In their zeal in defending the outworks of Christianity, how many have lived and died without entering into the building of Christian experience! When justification is taught by it. The Apostle had to contend with false teachers, who propagated this doctrine. This is the inbred canker-worm, that possesses the heart of every man in his natural state. How fearful is this abuse of the law! how dangerous its tendencies and results! It overthrows the very nature of the Gospel, Galatians 3:18. It discourages the penitent sinner; it prevents him enjoying the blessings of grace; and keeps him in bondage.
When is it used lawfully? When it is regarded as a mirror to discover sin, as a servant to lead us to the Gospel, and as a rule to direct us in duty. In this sense believers are under the law: though liberated from its condemning power, we are not freed from obligation to it. The law sends us to the Gospel for comfort; the Gospel sends us to the law for direction. May we have grace given us to comply with the terms of the Gospel, and obey the dictates of the law! Let us pray that the Spirit may lead us into all truth; that, while the law is written in our hearts, the Gospel may be sweet to our souls.
"My soul, no more attempt to draw Thy life and comfort from the law; Fly to the hope the Gospel gives; The man that trusts the promise lives."