The Good News of the Law (1 Timothy 1:8–11)

Reading the Law Lawfully (1 Timothy 1:8–11) (Sermon Audio)

This Sunday we considered 1 Timothy 1:8–11 and the good news of God’s law. If there is anything in church history that has puzzled and divided Christians it is the relationship between the law and the gospel. Yet, in this passage we are given a clear understanding of how Paul read the Law of Moses. With application for today, Sunday's sermon sought to show how Paul read the Law lawfully and how we should do the same. You can listen to the sermon here. Additional resources can be found below. Soli Deo Gloria, Pastor David

Additional Resources

On 1 Timothy, Paul, and How to Read the Law https://youtu.be/jm_-BPFVIgc

• Reading the Law Lawfully: A Primer on the Three Uses of the Law
• A Filter, A Lens, and A Prism: Three Ways Christ Applies the Law of Moses to New Covenant Disciples
• Four Exegetical Commitments to Doing Biblical Ethics
• Why Non-Pastors Should Read the Pastoral Epistles

On Sexual Abuse Because this sermon engaged with Houston Chronicle report about sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention, here are additional resources related to sexual abuse.

• Southern Baptists and the Scandal of Sexual Abuse by Russell Moore
• Sexual Abuse Prevention and Sexual Abuse Healing and Hope in Christ by Bob Kelleman -- This resource blog provides a comprehensive list of available materials.
• Ministry, Minors, and Millstones: On Protecting the Children We Receive in Church by OBC Elder Jared Bridges -- This article, written last year, outlines our churches stance towards sexual abuse. A copy of our child protection policy can be acquired from Jared, myself, or our church office.

Finally, for anyone who may know all-too-well the pain of sexual abuse, here are resources that may be of immediate help. (Source: 700 Is Not the Total Number: How to Get Help by J.D. Greear and Brad Hambrick)

• For immediate guidance, here are three numbers where you can reach trained professionals who are available 24/7:
  • The National Hotline for Domestic Violence number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
  • The National Child Abuse Hotline number is 1-800-422-4453.
  • The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network number is 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
• For ongoing care, identify a counselor near you who is experienced in working with abuse and trauma. If you need help finding a counselor, here is guidance on finding a trusted Christian counselor near you with experience in your area of need:
  • How to Find a Good Counselor in [Name of City]?
  • Christian Care Connect
• If you are not ready to speak with someone yet, consider reading On the Threshold of Hope by Diane Langberg or The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick. Both of these books do an excellent job of describing the healing process after abuse and would provide a taste of the benefits you would receive from working with a Christian counselor.

May the Lord comfort the hurting and bring to justice (and repentance) those who have hurt others. Soli Deo Gloria, ds