1 Timothy 1:8-11

The Purpose of the Law...

MAP (Acrostic)

Makes us aware of our crimes (Romans 3:20, 7:7)
Arouses sin which takes control (1 Corinthians 15:56, Romans 5:20, 7:1, 5)
Polices us until/toward Christ (Galatians 3:19, 24,25, Romans 7:1)
* Summarized in Romans 7:7-12

To illustrate, we can think of a child and a cookie jar.
At first, he sees cookies, wants them, takes them
He is ignorant that they were not his for the taking
Then his mother tells him they are not for him (gives the 'law')
He is now MADE AWARE of the right & wrong in this scenario
Sin is AROUSED, causing him to want the cookies all the more
He doesn't like being told no, so he steals the cookies knowingly
He will now be policed by the law
Either UNTIL judgment day (the consequences of sin will restrain him)
Or TOWARD judgment day (conviction will lead him to repentance)

Law should NOT be used to...

Justify Ourselves (Galatians 2:16, 21, 3:10, Romans 3:20)
Judge Others (John 8:7)