The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:8-11,
"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the 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, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."
Paul tells Timothy to confront false teachers who were using the Old Testament laws in ways God did not intend. Here he reminds Timothy of the purpose of the law and those for whom it was given. The laws of Moses were not given for the righteous (those who are now saved and forgiven), but for those who need to become aware of their sinfulness. Those for whom the law was given are:
lawbreakers
rebels
the ungodly
the sinful
the unholy
irreligious
killers of parents
murderers
the sexually immoral
homosexuals
slave traders
liars and perjurers
those who practice whatever is contrary to doctrine that conforms to the gospel
This is a sordid list, culprits who participate in one or more of thirteen ways to intimately encounter God's horrific wrath. In Revelation 21:8 we read of these being cast into a "fiery lake of burning sulfur." The purpose of the law was to inform us of our sinfulness, as we all can find ourselves somewhere in this list. I know I have. It is the fulfillment of this purpose that should prompt us to flee to the feet God's mercy and find salvation in the sacrifice Jesus Christ made of himself on that miserable cross, paying the penalty due us on our behalf.
Note number eleven on that list, "slave traders". How many times have you heard the Bible is silent on slavery? I have many times! Where do people come up with such ideas? I have to think people are not reading their Bibles as they should. Other translations provide the terms: "enslavers" ESV, "kidnappers" TEV, NASB, NKJV, "menstealers" KJV, "slave traders" NRSV, NIV.
In any event, yes - I am to be found on that list! Having realized my plight as a sinner before a righteous God as my judge and executioner, I fled to the feet of his mercy! How wonderful he has made a way for us through Jesus Christ!
"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the 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, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."
Paul tells Timothy to confront false teachers who were using the Old Testament laws in ways God did not intend. Here he reminds Timothy of the purpose of the law and those for whom it was given. The laws of Moses were not given for the righteous (those who are now saved and forgiven), but for those who need to become aware of their sinfulness. Those for whom the law was given are:
lawbreakers
rebels
the ungodly
the sinful
the unholy
irreligious
killers of parents
murderers
the sexually immoral
homosexuals
slave traders
liars and perjurers
those who practice whatever is contrary to doctrine that conforms to the gospel
This is a sordid list, culprits who participate in one or more of thirteen ways to intimately encounter God's horrific wrath. In Revelation 21:8 we read of these being cast into a "fiery lake of burning sulfur." The purpose of the law was to inform us of our sinfulness, as we all can find ourselves somewhere in this list. I know I have. It is the fulfillment of this purpose that should prompt us to flee to the feet God's mercy and find salvation in the sacrifice Jesus Christ made of himself on that miserable cross, paying the penalty due us on our behalf.
Note number eleven on that list, "slave traders". How many times have you heard the Bible is silent on slavery? I have many times! Where do people come up with such ideas? I have to think people are not reading their Bibles as they should. Other translations provide the terms: "enslavers" ESV, "kidnappers" TEV, NASB, NKJV, "menstealers" KJV, "slave traders" NRSV, NIV.
Of course, we have all kinds of folks attempting to convince us the Scriptures do not condemn number ten, "homosexuals". This, I am sure has less to do with an unfamiliarity of the Scriptures and more to do with trying to "declassify" homosexuality as a sin. They will need to take the matter up with our Creator... good luck on that!
In any event, yes - I am to be found on that list! Having realized my plight as a sinner before a righteous God as my judge and executioner, I fled to the feet of his mercy! How wonderful he has made a way for us through Jesus Christ!
It is my prayer we all find God's mercy and forgiveness!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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