Last week, we started memorizing a passage that we will complete this week. In this first chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul is addressing the need, the use, and the benefits and drawbacks of the Law. In the first verses of this section, he gives us the purpose of the law, and lets us know that the law is not for the righteous, but for the lawbreaker and rebel. He then starts to list several aspects of the lawless.

That’s where we pick up with our passage this week. It’s found in 1 Timothy 1:10-11.

Paul’s list continues with several more descriptions. This list seems to be a refresher course on the Ten Commandments. Let’s take a look:

• Lawbreakers and rebels – You shall have no other gods before me (Commandment 1)
• Ungodly and sinners – You shall not have any idols (2)
• Unholy and irreligious – You shall not misuse the name of the Lord (3); Remember the Sabbath (4)
• Those who kill their fathers or mothers – Honor your father and mother (5)
• Murderers – You shall not murder (6)
• Adulterers and perverts – You shall not commit adultery (7)
• Slave traders – You shall not steal (8)
• Liars and perjurers – You shall not give false testimony (9)
• Any other thing – You shall not covet (10)

The last item in the list isn’t just a blanket statement, covering anything that Paul might have forgotten. It more likely stems from the fact that a covetous nature is hard to detect, so Paul doesn’t list a flagrant example.

All of this is blatantly, distinctly, in opposition to the sound doctrine found in the Gospel. So Paul’s point here is to show that the proper use of the law is to reveal to sinners the nature of sin, and display the salvation and rescue offered by the Gospel.

Paul saw this as his mission; he knew that God entrusted him with this crucial message.

And we have been entrusted with it as well. Our job is to point out the dead end of sin, and help others find the Way. It’s a huge responsibility. But God wouldn’t have handed it to us if he didn’t think we were capable.

Take heart. Be strong. Point out the hopelessness of a sinful life and direct people towards the salvation offered by the glorious Gospel.

Do you call out sin when you see it? Or do you ignore it, hoping someone else will take care of it? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.