Use It Properly

The bicycle is one of the most magnificent machines ever invented. It is one of the most efficient means of transportation ever devised. With very little effort on a good bicycle, a cyclist can proceed at three times the speed he could by running. It's quite safe compared to a skate board, having handlebars for steering and brakes for stopping. But suppose for a moment that I were to climb on my bike backwards, sit on the handlebars and hold on to the seat and pedal. What would be the result? If you're thinking "disaster" you're on the right track.

Paul says something similar about God's Law in 1 Timothy 1:8: "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly." The Law is good, but it can be misused in disastrous ways.

Some people, often Christian people, use the law hypocritically. They use it to judge and condemn others, while ignoring their own sins. "You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:23-24). When the Law is used hyprocritically it causes others to reject God's Law, because the one who wields it like a hammer disobeys it himself.

Some people use the Law against themselves, when they should be applying the sweet salve of the Gospel to their wounded soul. When we are aware of our sin and guilt, putting ourselves on a further guilt-trip by beating ourselves up with the Law is useless. When we are sorry for our sins and have confessed them we need grace not guilt. But some people find it hard to forgive themselves even after they have sought God's forgiveness. They continue to listen to the Law's harangue when they should listen to the Gospel. Such misuse of the Law leads to despair and distance from God. Paul said, "We also know that law is made not for the righteous bu for law breakers..." (1 Timothy 1:9).

Some people misuse the Law by attempting to make themselves right with God by their own efforts. They think they can earn their standing before God by obeying the Law (or their own watered down version of the law that they find easier to keep). Paul said: "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." (Romans 3:20) Our own righteous acts will never be sufficient to overcome our sin. Instead we need to put our faith in the righteousness of Christ.

Rather, we should use the Law as a mirror to make us aware of our sins, so that confessing them and repenting of them, we can receive God's grace and be forgiven.