Introduction
The Law of God has always carried weight and purpose. Yet, throughout the ages, many have misunderstood it—either by rejecting it entirely or misusing it for self-righteous gain. The Scripture teaches that the law is good when used lawfully. It was never designed to be a tool of bondage but rather a mirror to reveal sin and lead humanity to righteousness.
The apostle Paul wrote:
“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” — 1 Timothy 1:8 (KJV)
This verse captures the balance that every follower of the Kingdom must maintain. The law is not evil; it is divine in origin. Yet, its power lies not in mere legalism or ritual observance, but in how it directs the heart toward truth, repentance, and transformation.
1. Understanding the Purpose of the Law
Before one can use the law lawfully, one must first understand its divine purpose. God gave the law not to make man righteous, but to reveal his unrighteousness.
Paul writes:
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” — Romans 3:20 (KJV)
The law exposes the true condition of the heart. Like a mirror, it shows us our flaws, but it cannot cleanse us. It points us to our need for divine grace and righteousness that comes by faith. The purpose of the law is not condemnation, but conviction; not imprisonment, but instruction.
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto faith, that we might be justified by faith.” — Galatians 3:24 (KJV)
The law teaches, disciplines, and guides. It reveals the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man, preparing hearts to walk in the path of truth.
2. The Misuse of the Law
While the law is good, it can be misused when handled by those who do not understand its intent. Paul warns against those who desire to be teachers of the law but lack revelation.
“Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” — 1 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
The misuse of the law occurs when it becomes a means to boast in self-righteousness or to condemn others without mercy. In ancient times, many religious leaders added their own traditions and interpretations to the law, making it a burden rather than a blessing.
Yahshua (Jesus) rebuked such leaders:
“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” — Matthew 23:4 (KJV)
When people use the law to judge, control, or exalt themselves, they step out of divine intent. The law, in its lawful use, leads to humility and repentance, not pride or oppression.
3. The Lawful Use of the Law
So, what does it mean to use the law lawfully?
To use the law lawfully is to use it according to its divine design—to reveal sin, instruct righteousness, and direct hearts toward obedience that flows from love.
Paul continues:
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane…” — 1 Timothy 1:9 (KJV)
The law is designed to restrain evil and reveal transgression. It convicts the guilty and protects the innocent. When a person’s heart has been transformed by faith, the external enforcement of the law becomes unnecessary, for the law is then written on the heart.
“I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.” — Hebrews 8:10 (KJV)
The lawful use of the law is therefore educational and moral, not mechanical or ceremonial. It teaches righteousness, but it cannot produce it. It reveals sin, but it cannot remove it. It serves as a guidepost leading toward divine grace.
4. The Law and Grace: Partners, Not Enemies
Many see law and grace as opposing forces, but they are actually partners in God’s plan. Law without grace leads to despair; grace without law leads to chaos. The law defines righteousness, while grace empowers us to live it.
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” — John 1:17 (KJV)
Grace does not nullify the law; it fulfills it. Yahshua said:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” — Matthew 5:17 (KJV)
The law points the way, and grace enables the walk. When used lawfully, the law directs us to the path of life. When used unlawfully, it traps us in cycles of guilt and fear.
The lawful use of the law recognizes both its limits and its purpose. It is not an end in itself but a means to reveal the need for transformation from within.
5. The Law as a Mirror and a Boundary
The law serves as both a mirror and a boundary. As a mirror, it reflects who we are before a holy God. As a boundary, it restrains evil and maintains moral order.
David declared:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” — Psalm 19:7 (KJV)
The law converts by awakening conscience. It shows the soul the beauty of holiness and the ugliness of sin. It is perfect in design but powerless without obedience.
The lawful use of the law requires that we see it as a divine compass pointing north—not as a chain to enslave but as a guide to freedom. The boundaries it sets are not to restrict joy but to protect it.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” — Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
The lawful use of the law is life-giving. It brings structure to society, purity to the heart, and wisdom to the mind.
6. From External Command to Internal Conviction
When people live under the mere letter of the law, they obey out of fear. But when the law is written in their hearts, they obey out of love. This is the essence of lawful obedience—motivated not by coercion, but by conviction.
Paul wrote:
“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.” — Romans 7:14 (KJV)
The law is spiritual because it reflects the character of God—holy, just, and good. Its lawful use transforms behavior by transforming belief. When one sees the holiness behind the command, obedience becomes a joy, not a burden.
“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” — Psalm 40:8 (KJV)
The true fulfillment of the law happens when it moves from the tablet of stone to the tablet of the heart. Then, obedience is no longer mechanical—it becomes relational.
7. Love: The Fulfillment of the Law
At the heart of the lawful use of the law is love. Every commandment finds its meaning in love—love for God and love for others.
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” — Romans 13:10 (KJV)
Love transforms the law from a code of conduct to a covenant of relationship. When the heart is filled with love, obedience flows naturally. The law was never meant to replace love; it was meant to express it.
Yahshua summarized the law in two commandments:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” — Matthew 22:37–39 (KJV)
In love, the law finds its highest expression. The lawful use of the law, therefore, is not legalistic but loving; not ritualistic but relational.
8. The Danger of Lawlessness
While some misuse the law by adding burdens, others err by rejecting it altogether. In an age where liberty is often mistaken for license, the absence of law leads to moral decay and spiritual blindness.
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” — Matthew 7:23 (KJV)
“Iniquity” means lawlessness. When people cast off moral restraint, destruction follows. The lawful use of the law protects society from chaos and keeps hearts aligned with truth.
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” — Romans 3:31 (KJV)
Faith does not cancel the law; it upholds it. Lawlessness brings ruin, but lawful obedience brings peace and righteousness.
9. Living by the Spirit of the Law
To use the law lawfully is to understand its spirit. The letter of the law can kill, but the spirit of the law gives life.
“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” — 2 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)
The spirit of the law goes beyond words to motive. It calls for purity of heart, not just purity of behavior. It asks not only, “What did you do?” but also, “Why did you do it?”
When the law is applied by the Spirit, it leads to life, not condemnation. It shapes character rather than merely controlling conduct.
10. Conclusion: The Law and the Kingdom
The lawful use of the law upholds truth, produces righteousness, and preserves order. It is not a relic of the past but a divine standard for every generation. Those who walk according to its spirit find joy and peace.
The Psalmist declared:
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” — Psalm 119:165 (KJV)
When the law is used lawfully, it becomes a delight rather than a demand, a compass rather than a chain, and a path rather than a prison. It reveals the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, and the beauty of divine mercy.
Let every soul therefore embrace the law—not as a ladder to climb toward righteousness, but as a light that guides the way toward it.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
The lawful use of the law restores order in the heart, truth in the mind, and holiness in the walk. It is a sacred gift when rightly understood and a dangerous weapon when misused. May every seeker of the Kingdom handle it with wisdom, reverence, and love.