1 Timothy 1:8-15 (KJV)

1:8-10 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

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, for murderers of  fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Paul highlights how conditionally good the Law is by inserting the Greek conjunction, ean, dutifully. If a man uses it lawfully is a high calling to humanity. Naturally, we know that man has shortcomings and doctrinally it is true that we are all born into sin.

By God’s perfect standards and our broken condition, we are condemned by the Law (Romans 3:19). By the grace of God, Christ in perfectness, fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17-22; Romans 8:3-4; Romans 10:4).

As He fulfilled the Law, our new position in Christ is known as “righteous” instead of our original description of lawless and disobedient. Jesus imputes righteousness upon the believer and the medium of this transaction is our faith (Romans 4:5). 

Sound or healthy doctrine as literally interpreted from the Greek word, hygiaino, must be first interpreted from the baseline of Gospel. Otherwise, doctrine is detrimental unto itself and will degrade the Spiritual health of the believer. 

Therefore, practice good Spiritual hygiene and live into the righteousness of Jesus Christ over a destructive end of legalism. The Law will bring us to Christ and from there, His grace will carry us to Heaven. 

1:11-12 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

As for Paul’s role within administering this truth, he played (and continues to play) a significant function. The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) was a considerably personal portion of Paul’s being, as it should be to us as well. By revelation Paul received, this Gospel was titled “my Gospel” on several occasions (Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8). 

No, Paul was not crucified (1 Corinthians 1:13) nor was he the finisher of the Gospel; yet, the Epistle of Acts and His own writings testify that he was designated to transmit the Gospel unto the Gentiles (Acts 22:21; Galatians 1:15-16).

Not only was the Gospel committed unto Paul’s trust, Jesus strengthened him to move within this calling. Like Paul, we are all strengthened by Jesus Christ to be vessels for the Gospel. This is done through the work of the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us in our troubles (Romans 8:26). 

1:13-15 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

In these verses, we are witnessing a testimony of Paul. In testimony, our focus should be Christ’s work and the abundant grace that He bestowed. Contrary to popular belief, it should not even be in the wickedness of our prior condition although this is crucial in others understanding the transformation. 

The author of our transformation is to whom the glory of a testimony should rest because it is only by His grace that we are transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

This is not the only place where Paul exemplifies the mercy and grace that he obtained. It is shown elsewhere within his epistles and within the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9, 22, 26). 

Although Paul blasphemed the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29), in his faith was justified by Jesus Christ. This is a testament to being careful what you discern as applicable doctrine dispensation to dispensation within the Bible. No one is too far from grace and salvation and preaching anything contrary is counterproductive to the Gospel. 

Jesus is mighty to save all sinners despite their circumstances. God’s righteous nature and dedication to salvation is an amazing and under preached characteristic of God yet clearly being illustrated throughout the Bible. 

God bless!