1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.… Like a true rhetorician, as (in the best sense) Paul was, he took up the positions of his opponents, and turned them to good account for his own cause. Those of the Corinthians who adopted the laxer view and practice with reference to association with idolatry, put forward the natural and unquestionable plea - All things indifferent in themselves are lawful for a Christian. "True," answered Paul, "it is so none has more than myself insisted upon this principle: you learned it from my lips. Yet it does not follow that, because an action is lawful, it is also expedient or edifying; and in all his conduct the Christian has to consider this." Judged by this standard, conduct may be disapproved which by the other standard might be vindicated. I. THE LARGE LIMITS OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY. The Christian religion is not one which lays down exact and minute laws for the regulation and guidance of human life. It provides principles, and leaves their application to the individual. There is thus large scope for the exercise of Christian wisdom. This arrangement is an incidental proof of the Divine origin of Christianity; and it is also in harmony with the universality of its intended diffusion. There are no local or temporary elements in this religion, which is the religion of God, the religion of humanity. II. CONDUCT THAT APPROACHES THE EXTREME LIMITS OF WHAT IS LAWFUL MAY BE INJURIOUS TO THE INDIVIDUAL AGENT HIMSELF. 1. It may promote a selfish disposition and habit of mind. He who says, "I am enlightened; I am not bound by rules; I can neglect such and such usual observances; I can indulge in such and such practices;" and all because he is living under a dispensation of liberty, and all things are lawful to him, will probably confirm the natural selfishness which he should aim at repressing. 2. Such conduct may also gradually deteriorate the religious character. There are those who need the assistance and the restraint of rules; and although these may not be laid down by inspired authority, they may be very expedient, and their neglect may be very prejudicial to the spiritual life. III. THE TOO FREE USE OF LIBERTY MAY BE UNEDIFYING AND HURTFUL TO CHRISTIAN SOCIETY. 1. It restricts the range and the operation of sympathy. If Christians are members one of another, then, if one member suffers, all suffer with it. But where the only question is, "What may I do?" and, "What must I do?" instead of, "How may I act for my brother's welfare?" there an element of discord is introduced into society, for "all seek their own." 2. It encourages some to conduct which their conscience condemns, and so indirectly leads them into sin. So it was at Corinth, where the freedom with which some Christians partook of things offered to idols emboldened the scrupulous to partake when their conscience condemned them, and brethren were thus led into sin by the inconsiderateness of those who deemed themselves the strong. Well is it to ask, concerning any proposed conduct of a doubtful character, not only, "Is it lawful?" but, "Will it tend to the edification of those for whom Christ died?" - T. Parallel Verses KJV: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. |
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