Since there’s a default mode to which we all seem to resort – the mode of “works righteousness,” where we try to make ourselves acceptable to God, the matter of Christian liberty comes up over and again in the New Testament. Instead of living by a set of rules of what we can and cannot do, we are told that we are free but cautioned to not allow our freedom to carry us into a slavery.
Galatians 5:1 (ESV) — 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
We are likewise reminded that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of rules but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 (ESV) — 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
When Paul was questioned about this by the Corinthians, he gave them a good way of judging whether something was good or should be avoided.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV) — 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
By definition, expedience is the quality of being expedient and that carries the meaning of being advantageous or helpful as we see translated in the English Standard Translation.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV) — 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
When Paul went further in addressing the topic, he repeated what he had said with some added light.
1 Corinthians 10:23 (ESV) — 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
The test of expedience then is to ask if this activity is helpful, does it lend to being dominated by it, and does it build up?
It takes wisdom to apply the word of God to these questions in all circumstances. Wisdom from God begins with the fear of the Lord, desiring to know what pleases God and what does not. Wisdom is attentive, ever learning so that a teachable spirit must prevail, otherwise when a person is full of pride they forsake any wisdom at all. This is demonstrated by those who have the questions of Christian liberty down to a list that they follow, never giving any thought or consideration of others including the teaching and life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles. Finally, wisdom will show itself in how one lives as James points out. Is there a consideration of others, maybe a weaker brother who does not understand Christian liberty? You can’t just run forward willing to do whatever you please, even though the Bible may afford you the liberty to do so. True wisdom from above, says James, will bring peace.
Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) — 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 2:2 (ESV) — 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;
Proverbs 11:2 (ESV) — 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
James 3:13–18 (ESV) — 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Hence Paul’s direction for Himself which is good for us:
1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV) — 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1 Corinthians 10:23 (KJV) — 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
What are you going to do?
Romans 14:14 (ESV) — 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.
Romans 14:16–19 (ESV) — 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
It comes back to a matter of expedience. Is it helpful? Does it edify? Will it bring you into a bondage? Is it worth doing?
Something to think about when you understand the freedom that you have in Christ.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV) — 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
