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The apostle speaks like one possessed of the full assurance of understanding, in the mystery of God and of Christ. "We know," says he, "that the law is good:" we know it by Divine inspiration, by rational deduction, and also by experience. This may be applied to the ceremonial law, by which the Jews were distinguished from all other nations as God's peculiar people. They were hereby directed how to worship God, and how they were to be saved. It was a shadow of good things to come, and afforded a typical representation of the blessings of the gospel. But it is the moral law which the apostle principally intends: and this is truly good in itself, whether we use it lawfully or not. It is a copy of the Divine will, a transcript of the Divine perfections. If we do not approve of this law, it is because we are ignorant of its nature and are at enmity against God. "The law is holy, and the commandment holy, just and good:" and "I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Psalm 119:28; Romans 7:12, 22).

I. NOTICE SOME INSTANCES IN WHICH SHE DIVINE LAW IS USED UNLAWFULLY.

1. In thinking that Christ's obedience to it renders our obedience unnecessary.

2. When, instead of judging ourselves by the law, we take occasion from it to judge uncharitably of others, we use it unlawfully. Thus did the Pharisees: "This people who know not the law are cursed," said they.

3. In depending upon the works of the law for justification before God, we make an improper use of the law; and that which is good in itself ceases to be good to us.

II. CONSIDER WHAT ARE THE PROPER USES OF THE DIVINE LAW. "The law is good, if a man use it lawfully."

1. It serves as a glass or mirror, in which we may behold the majesty and purity of God, and the guilty and wretched state of man.

2. It acts as a restraint upon our lusts and corruptions. If it be asked, "Wherefore serveth the law?" The answer is, "It was added because of transgressions"; that is, to prevent them by curbing the unruly passions and appetites of men.

3. The law is properly used as a means of conviction. "By the law is the knowledge of sin," and without it sin could not be fully known. "When the commandment came," says Paul, "sin revived, and I died."

4. It is a complete directory, or rule of conduct. One great end of the law ever was, and ever will be, to instruct us in our duty towards God, ourselves, and our neighbour. Like the pillar of fire which guided the Israelites through the wilderness, it is a light to our feet, and a lamp to our paths.

5. It serves as a criterion by which to judge of our experience, and whether we be the subjects of real grace.

(B. Beddome, M. A.)

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KJV: But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

WEB: But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully,