Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
(1 Timothy 1:8-11)
Paul uses some wordplay in this passage to make his point. The false teachers were using the law unlawfully (see verse 7). It’s not that the law is bad. It’s that they weren’t using it right.
One lawful use of the law is to demonstrate the sinfulness of sin and send sinners running to Jesus for salvation. Don’t use the law as though it can make your people innocent before God. Justification comes from the gospel alone.
This is the battle between gospel-driven ministry and legalism. Gospel-driven ministry is not “Do more and do it better!” “It’s look at what Jesus has done! And look at how you get to live because of it.” Under gospel-driven ministry, obedience becomes an act of worship and love because we’ve been made righteous as gift.
So, pastor, beware of legalism. Remember that you are justified by what Jesus has done for you, not your rule-keeping, good deeds, or pastoral performance.
Use the law carefully in your ministry. Let it diagnose the problem and point to the solution. Preach, teach, disciple, and counsel your people in the powerful good news of Jesus Christ. This is what has been entrusted to you as a pastor.