1 Timothy 1:8-11 (WEB)

8 But we know that the law is good, if a person uses it lawfully,

9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine;

11 according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

The gospel of Jesus Christ brings: hope, salvation, repentance. It shows us that we are sinners who have missed the mark of GOD’s standard. It shows that we are sinners and can not fulfil GOD’s requirements and please Him. All the things listed in verses 9 to 10 are consequences of sin. They are actions of the carnal person. No false doctrine, teaching, myths can saves us from these. Often these are actually magnified and are an evidence of falsehood. “Matthew 7:16-20 (WEB) By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? [17] Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. [18] A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. [19] Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”. They do not measure up against the yardstick of the gospel.

The glorious gosple provides the only way of reconciliation between us and GOD. There is no other way of salvation but through Jesus Christ. “Acts 4:12 (WEB) There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!””.

Faith in the gospel produces, progressively, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, as we learn to walk in the Spirit:

“Galatians 5:18-25 (WEB) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, [23] gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. [25] If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit.”

In verse 11 we see that GOD entrusts the good news to people like us. We become stewards of the gospel. “2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (WEB) Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. [18] But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [21] For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Wow, what an honour and responsibility the LORD Jesus Christ has given us. He entrusted us with the news that will transform lives! Therefore let us walk in a way that will bring honour and glory to the Jesus our LORD and Saviour. That people will see Him reflected in our life. Let us be lead by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in whatever way He calls us to. Let us be faithful in what He has given us.

Father fill us with Your Holy Spirit and power to be a good steward, witness, and ambassador fulfilling the ministry of reconciliation you have given us. Help us to make disciples, baptising them and teaching them the things You have taught us. And all of this in love out of a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5). In the name of Jesus Christ.