Temple Baptist Church - 10-25-2026
1 Timothy 1:8-11
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the trichotomy of man, made in the image of God, body, world conscious; soul, self-conscious; spirit, God conscious. Thus, God gave the Law in three distinct parts of the Law of God to cover each of these individual parts.
1. Body – Civil law dictates how man behaves outwardly in society. It is to be ruled by God!
2. Soul – Moral Law dictates how man behaves inwardly and approaches God personally. It is to be ruled by God!
3. Spirit – Ceremonial Law dictates how we approach God. In the Old Testament, Atonement until Messiah would come. In the New Testament, Redemption because Messiah, Christ Jesus, did come and salvation is finished as God promised.
B. We found out that the foundation of God’s Law was based upon several things:
1. The Holiness of God found in His perfect person. God did not and could not sin!
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
2. The Righteousness of God found in His perfect actions.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
3. The Judgment of God found in His knowledge and execution.
Deuteronomy 32:13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
C. The foundation of Civil Law was based upon the Moral Law. This brings us to verse eight in pour reading of text: “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” — 1 Timothy 1:8.
D. What is Paul saying here? He is saying that there is a right and wrong way to use God’s Civil Law. The Civil Laws of God were never intended to circumvent the Moral Laws of God. I will give you a couple of examples of what I am saying.
1. Civil government does not possess the authority to determine ultimate moral truth independently of God. Its authority is limited and accountable, and its administration of justice should reflect righteousness of God.
a) “Thou shalt not kill” is superseded by man in the killing of countless innocent children through abortion. In today’s society, not all murder is against the law.
b) Righteous judgment is superseded by “catch and release” practices which allow perpetrators to be released without judgment to prey again..
2. Civil government has authority, but it is not the highest authority. God stands above the government, above the judge, above the legislature, and above every individual.
E. Let’s look at the importance and implementation of Civil Law.
1. Creation of Civil Law. God is the ultimate source of moral authority, and civil government is to operate under His sovereignty.
Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
2. Objectivity of Civil Law. Justice must be measured by righteous standards rather than personal preference, favoritism, or political power.
Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3. Structure of Civil Law. Law requires legitimate authority, defined responsibilities, fair procedures, and accountability.
Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
4. Implementation of Civil Law. Justice must be enforced honestly, impartially, and proportionately.
Romans 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Habakkuk 1:4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
5. Submission to Civil Law. Citizens should submit to legitimate civil authority, but all human authority remains subordinate to God.
Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; (14) Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
6. Admonition of Civil Law. When civil law and God's law appear to conflict, and at times the will, the Authority of God’s Word, which is the final authority from faith and practice, must govern the Christian's conscience! Scripture's answer is clear:
Acts 5:28-29 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. (29) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
7. The Supplication for Civil Law and Authority.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Conclusion: Civil Law is both good and necessary if it is used lawfully!