Expedient? Edifying?

"Uplifting" Sculpture in Tel Aviv

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Corinthians 10:23 KJV)

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, His followers are released from following the law. Paul wrote a great deal about this:

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28 KJV)

A lot of people stop right there, taking what they want – we are released from following the law, which means we can do anything! Some proceed to do everything, without reading the following verses:

Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Romans 3:29-31 KJV)

God’s law should be established in our hearts, as Paul continues into the next chapter on this same theme:

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (Romans 4:16 KJV)

So – if we do not have to follow the law, why can’t do we anything we want?

It’s not expedient, Paul wrote – not profitable, serviceable, advantageous or convenient. Take your pick, but there just isn't anything good in not following God's law.

It doesn’t edify – it isn’t constructive, doesn’t improve things or lift them – or us – up. Again, there just isn’t anything good in not following God’s law.

Seeking His plan takes some time – time spent studying His word and time spent in prayer. It is a never-ending learning process, which some people never start. They make a profession of faith, join a church and believe that’s all that’s required. I believe there is much more to be learned, and spending time with God’s people, worshipping Him, reading and hearing His word – all of that is important in getting to know what He has in mind. I like what Paul said:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV)

God wants all men to be saved – and come to know the truth. He is not, however, a puppet-master controlling everyone’s life. Those who will not seek and learn the truth are left to live their lives without Him.

Which way did you chose?  I chose life, everlasting, with Him – want to talk about it?