18. How does God use the Ten Commandments in our lives and the lives of others in this world?
God uses His Commandments (the Law) in three ways. We call these the three uses of the Law.
First, for the good of His creation, God uses the Law to limit or prevent coarse outbursts of sin, thereby helping to keep order in the world (a curb).
1 Timothy 1:9-10 The Law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.Second, He uses the Law to reveal and condemn our sin (a mirror).
Romans 3:20 For by works of the Law no human being will be just in His sight, since through the Law comes knowledge of sin.Romans 7:7 What then shall we say? That the Law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the Law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the Law had not said, "You shall not covet."
1 John 1:10 If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.
Third, He uses the Law to guide and direct our thoughts, words, and deeds as Christians in God-pleasing ways (a guide).
Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.Proverbs 6:23 For the commandments is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.
Eventual commentary - focus on Romans 3:20; Psalm 119:105
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