“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” (I Corinthians 6:12).

Lawful (Def): (Gr.): Exesti: That which is right or should be.

Expedient (Def): (Gr.): Sumphero: To bear together for advantage; Bring together for good

Power (Def): (Gr.): Exousiazo: To control or exercise authority upon; To bring under the power of

The Apostle, in this passage from his First Epistle to the Corinthians, expounds upon a fundamental way to live in the Spirit of Grace. This former Pharisee has found a new freedom, apart from the Law of Moses, especially considering his new ministry, not to the Hebrews but as Apostle to the Gentiles. The liberty expounded here is a liberty found only in the heart and mind of those who live by the perfect Law of Liberty (cf. James 1:25; 2:12).

There is an essential, underlying principle at work here: by what, or by whom are you being controlled? The Apostle says declaratively, “I will not be brought under the power (authority) of any”. All things may be lawful, right and good; but even so, I will not be dominated, controlled, or brought under the power thereof. He will be brought under the power of none.

We have to ask ourselves, “What controls us?” To what are we habitually doing that has power over us? Are we suffering from an addiction? Can we stop it? Drop it? Quit doing or saying it? Can we leave it alone? Can we stop going there? Can we stop seeing it? Consuming it?

All things are lawful, but are they expedient? Do those things hold together or bring together for an advantage or good? If not, it is best to leave them for they do not edify us or bring us closer to Jesus.

All things are lawful, but do they control us, or exercise dominion over us? Do they confine us to their power?

There is One who has been given dominion, authority and power over us, and that is the Lord Jesus (cf. Matthew 28:18). We live by His Life in us. We submit ourselves to His control by His Spirit. Living under the power of Christ is not bondage, but true freedom, indeed. For “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

There is much discussion among believers and the clergy regarding matters of Law and Grace. The Scripture says:

“Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

Not under the Law makes way for the statement, “All things are lawful unto me”. One so carnally inclined might take this statement to believe we have now been given license to do whatsoever we please, without judgement, or conviction of sin. To guard against such perversion of the truth, the Apostle brings us to a higher level of living in the Grace of God by giving us the additional requisites, is it expedient? are you under its control?

There is One Good, that is God (cf. Luke 18:19). There is One Who controls, that is the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:18).

There is a lesson we might learn from Creation found in the Apostle’s Epistle to the Romans:

“For the creation was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who has subjected the same in hope. Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:20-21).

The Creation was made subject to corruption but has been given hope for deliverance through the Redemption wrought in Christ Jesus, not only for mankind, but for the entirety of Creation itself (cf. Romans 8:23). Therefore, we see that power, that authority of corruption over the Creation shall be removed, just as it has been removed by faith over the believer in Christ Jesus.

The Apostle understood his position in Christ as a free man, a liberated man, a Redeemed man and, therefore, could write to the Galatians:

“Brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

Walk in liberty. Live free. All things are lawful to you, but by the love of Christ, do that which is expedient and live under the power of none, but Him who loves you and gave His life for you. To that there should be a resounding, Amen!

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