1 Timothy 1:8
1 Timothy 1:8 (KJV)
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1 Timothy 1:8 (Literal)
8 Now we recognize that the law is good if it is used for its lawfully designed purpose [the standard for justice].
CONTEXT- The Charge
1 Timothy 1:3-20
3 When I went to Macedonia, I encouraged you to stay put at Ephesus in order to charge some not to teach diverse doctrines 4 nor devote themselves to myths and endless pedigrees, which bring about disputes rather than the effective stewardship of the administration of God in the household of faith. 5 Now the end result of this charge will be the love of God emanating from a pure, unadulterated heart, good mental habit patterns, and genuine believing. 6 Now certain individuals who have missed the mark concerning this charge have turned aside to unprofitable discussions, 7 desiring to be indoctrinators in the law, yet understanding neither what they say nor the dogmatic assertions about which they dispute. 8 Now we recognize that the law is good if it is used for its lawfully designed purpose [the standard for justice]. 9 One must recognize that the law was not enacted for a righteous person, but for outlaws and rebels, the ungodly and sinners, the perverse and profane, abusers of fathers and abusers of mothers, murderers, 10 fornicators, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, oath breakers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 that is, [sound doctrine] according to the gospel of the glory
of the blessed God, with which I was entrusted. 12 I am grateful for Christ Jesus our lord, who infused me with inner strength, because he
considered me faithful when he appointed me to the ministry, 13 even though previously I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a man of violent action. However, I was shown mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not having heard enough to believe. 14 The unmerited divine favor of the Lord together with the faith [of Jesus Christ] and the love [of God] which is in Christ Jesus superabounded to me. 15 The Word is faithful and worth receiving in totality. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I was in the top echelon. 16 In spite of this [being a top-echelon sinner] and because of this [Christ Jesus came to save sinners], I was shown mercy, that in me, a top-echelon [sinner], Jesus Christ might display unlimited longsuffering as an example to others who would believe on him unto eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, incorruptible, invisible, the one and only God, be honor and glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen. 18 Timothy, dear child, I deposit this charge with you in accordance with the former prophecies [of ordination] concerning you, in order for you to work a good work,19 maintaining believing and good mental habit patterns. Now some [leaders] have rejected these things and have made a shipwreck of the household of faith, 20 such as Hymenaeus and Alexander whom I delivered to Satan that they may be disciplined so as not to blaspheme.
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The Structure of 1 Timothy
A. I Timothy 1:1 and 2: The Salutation.
B. I Timothy 1:3-20: The Charge.
C. I Timothy 2:1-15: Prayer—The Leader’s Responsibility.
D. I Timothy 3:1-13: Qualifications of a Leader.
E. I Timothy 3:14-4:5: Purpose and Conflict. This is the central/center section.
D. I Timothy 4:6-16: Conduct of a Leader.
C. I Timothy 5:1-6:2: Treatment of Leaders, The Believers’ Responsibility.
B. I Timothy 6:3-21a: The Charge.
A. I Timothy 6:21b: Salutation.
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