The church in Ephesus is plagued with false teaching that results in vain discussions and speculations (1 Timothy 1:3-4)resulting in many wandering away from the truth which produces love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 timothy 1:5).
The law (of Moses, cf. Exodus 20) is being misused: 1) legalistically (one must be a Jew first to be saved by Christ, i.e., strict adherence to the dictates of the law) or 2) permissively (one can live lawlessly since we are saved by grace in Christ. Neither position is correct or true, according to Paul.
The law reveals to us the sinful condition of our hearts and our need for a Savior. the law also serves as a restraint to sinful desires under the threat of punishment to preserve society. The law is not for the just but for the lawless, disobedient, ungodly and sinners (1 Timothy 1:9).
Paul uses his own life as an example of a life that was profoundly and radically changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 1:12-17). Once Paul was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent of God (1 Timothy 1:13 and Acts 7:54-58; 8:1-3; 9:1-19).
Christ came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). This salvation changes hearts and souls and behavior. Christ has the power to change a lives that previously were living lawlessly in sin: the unholy and profane, murderers, those who struck their parents, the sexual immoral, those practicing homosexuality, those enslaving people into captivity, liars and perjurers, and whatever else was contrary to sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:10).
Today, in our modern culture, people are offended to hear these words of invitation to change. But there is a power and life in the gospel of Jesus Christ that invites all to come to the love of the Father. God's love will change you.
The correct use of the law is to show us our need for a Savior -- his name is Jesus.
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