All Things Are Lawful Unto Me

[FHII]

The Biblical text:

1 Corinthians 6:12 KJV
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
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

These are some pretty profound verses which I wish many would consider. Some general observations:

1. We should take into context what Paul's problem was with the Church at Corinth. I do not believe it was their sins (though they were sinning and Paul wasn't happy about it) but rather they were mistreating others with their sins and letting unbelievers judge them.

2. Does this verse really mean "ALL" things? I believe it does, as it pertains to the flesh. It doesn't pertain to spiritual sin which is false worship. THAT could be a big discussion, of course, but it's not the direction I want to go.

The verses do say all things are lawful. That's part one. Part 2 is that: even though they are lawful, it doesn't make them expedient (practical, moral, necessary). It doesn't mean we should be controlled by them (even if we do engage in them from time to time). And it certainly doesn't mean they edify (give glory to) us or God.

In short, Just because we have liberty and Grace (through faith) doesn't mean we should or do act upon it.

So, I will not go into a long commentary. But I will say that yes, all things are lawful and covered by gràce. (Again with the caveat that I believe it is fleshly allowance). But that by no means makes it right, good, or non harmful. Grace covers the sin, but not the consequences! Grace may cover me from seeking out prostitutes (something I DO NOT DO), but Grace isn't going to keep me from getting AIDS and it's not going to keep my marriage from being harmed. It also isn't going to glofify God in any way and it's going to bring reproach to the Church. As an extreme example....

Whether you believe that Grace covers all things of the flesh (as I do), all things otherwise, or you don't believe it covers all things at all... It's an interesting verse to wrap your thoughts around.

Even us who believe it covers all things should consider that we have a responsibility to understand this verse. And those who don't believe all things are lawful, well... The Bible does say it, but such liberty does come with responsibility! And those who don't believe all things are lawful should at least understand that those who do understand these verses. In other words, just because we believe all things are lawful doesn't mean we are doing all things!

One more pertinent verse, without comment (for now):

1 Peter 2:16-17 KJV
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. [17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

 

[Willie T]

That is a difficult understanding for some that will drive Legalists up a tree. LOL

 

[Enoch111]

2. Does this verse really mean "ALL" things? I believe it does, as it pertains to the flesh.

No it does not. We need to keep this in context, since Paul is obviously not saying that heinous crimes are lawful.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:
A. LAWSUITS AGAINST OTHER CHRISTIANS ARE UNACCEPTABLE (vv 1-8)
B. SINS OF THE FLESH ARE UNACCEPTABLE (vv 9-11)
C. ALL MEATS ARE LAWFUL, BUT FORNICATION IS NOT (vv 12-20)

The context makes it clear that Paul is speaking about dietary restrictions. He would voluntarily forego certain foods if other Christians were offended or could be caused to stumble. And that is discussed in detail in 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23-33.

...But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake...

 

[Helen]

The Biblical text:

1 Corinthians 6:12 KJV
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
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

These are some pretty profound verses which I wish many would consider. Some general observations:

1. We should take into context what Paul's problem was with the Church at Corinth. I do not believe it was their sins (though they were sinning and Paul wasn't happy about it) but rather they were mistreating others with their sins and letting unbelievers judge them.

2. Does this verse really mean "ALL" things? I believe it does, as it pertains to the flesh. It doesn't pertain to spiritual sin which is false worship. THAT could be a big discussion, of course, but it's not the direction I want to go.

The verses do say all things are lawful. That's part one. Part 2 is that: even though they are lawful, it doesn't make them expedient (practical, moral, necessary). It doesn't mean we should be controlled by them (even if we do engage in them from time to time). And it certainly doesn't mean they edify (give glory to) us or God.

In short, Just because we have liberty and Grace (through faith) doesn't mean we should or do act upon it.

So, I will not go into a long commentary. But I will say that yes, all things are lawful and covered by gràce. (Again with the caveat that I believe it is fleshly allowance). But that by no means makes it right, good, or non harmful. Grace covers the sin, but not the consequences! Grace may cover me from seeking out prostitutes (something I DO NOT DO), but Grace isn't going to keep me from getting AIDS and it's not going to keep my marriage from being harmed. It also isn't going to glofify God in any way and it's going to bring reproach to the Church. As an extreme example....

Whether you believe that Grace covers all things of the flesh (as I do), all things otherwise, or you don't believe it covers all things at all... It's an interesting verse to wrap your thoughts around.

Even us who believe it covers all things should consider that we have a responsibility to understand this verse. And those who don't believe all things are lawful, well... The Bible does say it, but such liberty does come with responsibility! And those who don't believe all things are lawful should at least understand that those who do understand these verses. In other words, just because we believe all things are lawful doesn't mean we are doing all things!

One more pertinent verse, without comment (for now):

1 Peter 2:16-17 KJV
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. [17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

I believe "all things" means all things.

We, gentiles were never under the law in the first place.
2 Cor 6.1 "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."

For me this means that God's grace if void of accountability is in vain to the believer...fruitless.

I believe all thing are lawful to us......we know that Paul said- "those who walk in the Spirit are the sons of God."
For me walking in the Spirit mean walking with an open hearing ear.

Therefore "all things being being lawful " is no stumbling stone for the believer as they walk by His voice and direction..

 

[FHII]

No it does not. We need to keep this in context, since Paul is obviously not saying that heinous crimes are lawful.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:
A. LAWSUITS AGAINST OTHER CHRISTIANS ARE UNACCEPTABLE (vv 1-8)
B. SINS OF THE FLESH ARE UNACCEPTABLE (vv 9-11)
C. ALL MEATS ARE LAWFUL, BUT FORNICATION IS NOT (vv 12-20)

The context makes it clear that Paul is speaking about dietary restrictions. He would voluntarily forego certain foods if other Christians were offended or could be caused to stumble. And that is discussed in detail in 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23-33.

...But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake...

I could debate all of that, but it wasn't my intention to go in that direction, as I clearly pointed out. Thus, I won't be responding to such.

 

[Giuliano]

The Biblical text:

1 Corinthians 6:12 KJV
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
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

These are some pretty profound verses which I wish many would consider. Some general observations:

1. We should take into context what Paul's problem was with the Church at Corinth. I do not believe it was their sins (though they were sinning and Paul wasn't happy about it) but rather they were mistreating others with their sins and letting unbelievers judge them.

2. Does this verse really mean "ALL" things? I believe it does, as it pertains to the flesh. It doesn't pertain to spiritual sin which is false worship. THAT could be a big discussion, of course, but it's not the direction I want to go.

The verses do say all things are lawful. That's part one. Part 2 is that: even though they are lawful, it doesn't make them expedient (practical, moral, necessary). It doesn't mean we should be controlled by them (even if we do engage in them from time to time). And it certainly doesn't mean they edify (give glory to) us or God.

In short, Just because we have liberty and Grace (through faith) doesn't mean we should or do act upon it.

So, I will not go into a long commentary. But I will say that yes, all things are lawful and covered by gràce. (Again with the caveat that I believe it is fleshly allowance). But that by no means makes it right, good, or non harmful. Grace covers the sin, but not the consequences! Grace may cover me from seeking out prostitutes (something I DO NOT DO), but Grace isn't going to keep me from getting AIDS and it's not going to keep my marriage from being harmed. It also isn't going to glofify God in any way and it's going to bring reproach to the Church. As an extreme example....

Whether you believe that Grace covers all things of the flesh (as I do), all things otherwise, or you don't believe it covers all things at all... It's an interesting verse to wrap your thoughts around.

Even us who believe it covers all things should consider that we have a responsibility to understand this verse. And those who don't believe all things are lawful, well... The Bible does say it, but such liberty does come with responsibility! And those who don't believe all things are lawful should at least understand that those who do understand these verses. In other words, just because we believe all things are lawful doesn't mean we are doing all things!

One more pertinent verse, without comment (for now):

1 Peter 2:16-17 KJV
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. [17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

I can't say I do understand them. Why did Paul then seem disturbed by a man marrying his father's wife and other things?

1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
. . .
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
. . .
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

 

[Helen]

I could debate all of that, but it wasn't my intention to go in that direction, as I clearly pointed out. Thus, I won't be responding to such.

I do believe all things are lawful, but not all thing expedient.
When we are truly a love slave of our Beloved Master we are safe with 'all things' as love rules our hearts ...we are bound by love, we will not choose that which is not expedient...because love is our guide and restraint. Always...

Is that how you see it too?

 

[Giuliano]

If all things are lawful, why did Paul write this?

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

 

[Helen]

If all things are lawful, why did Paul write this?

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

The point being, none of those things are governed by love.
Not only love for mankind, but also our love for God Himself

That's always what I have against cherry picked stand alone verses... :)
We need the whole lot.

Hope all things are well with you there?

Blessings....H

 

[FHII]

No it does not. We need to keep this in context, since Paul is obviously not saying that heinous crimes are lawful.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:
A. LAWSUITS AGAINST OTHER CHRISTIANS ARE UNACCEPTABLE (vv 1-8)
B. SINS OF THE FLESH ARE UNACCEPTABLE (vv 9-11)
C. ALL MEATS ARE LAWFUL, BUT FORNICATION IS NOT (vv 12-20)

The context makes it clear that Paul is speaking about dietary restrictions. He would voluntarily forego certain foods if other Christians were offended or could be caused to stumble. And that is discussed in detail in 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23-33.

...But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake...

I could debate all of that, but it wasn't my intention to go in that direction, as I clearly

I can't say I do understand them. Why did Paul then seem disturbed by a man marrying his father's wife and other things?

You will have to elaborate on what you don't understand. I did mention that Paul was upset at these things.

 

[FHII]

When we are truly a love slave of our Beloved Master we are safe with 'all things' as love rules our hearts ...we are bound by love, we will not choose that which is not expedient...because love is our guide and restraint. Always...

Is that how you see it too?

Pretty close, yes.

Some of the things the Corinthians were doing or accused of doing are unimaginable to me (and any same human being as far as I am concerned). But there are a lot of things of lesser degrees that still aren't expedient that I have done.

 

[amadeus]

@FHII
Many years ago when I thought I needed to memorize some scripture the ones you cited in the OP were among the first ones that came to mind. My mind, [natural or carnal mind] was already slipping so I before long quit my memorization task leaving it God to bring to mind that which was necessary when it was necessary.

An example of what you have understood would be in me going into a barroom to get a glass of beer or something stronger. Before 1976 [my real conversion date] and 1972 [my marriage date] I did those things too frequently. Now with my understanding of scripture and
if not for the leading of the Holy Spirit, I might still think to go into a barroom and get that drink, but I don't and have not for many years.

This is not because for me alone one drink would make me drunk or convict me of drinking to excess, but because others who knew,
or know me, or might come to know me, could be adversely affected
by my example. Lawful for me alone in the eyes of God perhaps because where I am with God when it comes to that.

I am not against a little wine for the stomach's sake or even pleasurable glass for myself... and that does not offend my wife who may join me when we are alone. But... for the other guy in a public place it may not be expedient or edifying at all. I must always consider that in everything that I do... To do otherwise would or could bring my own actions into question also in the eyes of God. Oh, I have failed in this, perhaps not with the alcohol, but certainly in other things. We cannot forget about our fellow man who is watching us... sometimes unbeknownst to us.

 

[quietthinker]

That is a difficult understanding for some that will drive Legalists up a tree. LOL

what is interesting is that legalism is not solely the view that one gets to heaven by works (I doubt that any Christian would think that their works will get them to heaven) but the view that persuades folk that without them they will get to heaven (yet this is never admitted)

 

[FHII]

@FHII
Many years ago when I thought I needed to memorize some scripture the ones you cited in the OP were among the first ones that came to mind. My mind, [natural or carnal mind] was already slipping so I before long quit my memorization task leaving it God to bring to mind that which was necessary when it was necessary.

An example of what you have understood would be in me going into a barroom to get a glass of beer or something stronger. Before 1976 [my real conversion date] and 1972 [my marriage date] I did those things too frequently. Now with my understanding of scripture and
if not for the leading of the Holy Spirit, I might still think to go into a barroom and get that drink, but I don't and have not for many years.

This is not because for me alone one drink would make me drunk or convict me of drinking to excess, but because others who knew,
or know me, or might come to know me, could be adversely affected
by my example. Lawful for me alone in the eyes of God perhaps because where I am with God when it comes to that.

I am not against a little wine for the stomach's sake or even pleasurable glass for myself... and that does not offend my wife who may join me when we are alone. But... for the other guy in a public place it may not be expedient or edifying at all. I must always consider that in everything that I do... To do otherwise would or could bring my own actions into question also in the eyes of God. Oh, I have failed in this, perhaps not with the alcohol, but certainly in other things. We cannot forget about our fellow man who is watching us... sometimes unbeknownst to us.

Well, even though I don't go to bars that often, I personally don't have a problem with that. Come to think of it, I've visited one bar a total of 4 times in the last 2 or 3 years, and it was because the owner is an aquaitence with a common interest. It is a microbrewery, but he could've been selling carrot sticks and celery stalks and I woulve went.

But I understand and agree with your reasoning. And it actually takes the discussion in another direction.

So, Amedeus... If you came to visit... I surely wouldn't bring you there for dinner. Likewise I would hope you wouldn't bring me to a place I wasn't comfortable in.

The Bible does speak of this in that we should consider our brother when making such choices. Though something may be lawful, it isn't expedient to do if it makes your brother uncomfortable.

Romans 14:22 KJV
Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

 

[Hidden In Him]

[Edited]

Gonna take a look at this passage again before commenting. Seeing some new things...

 

[FHII]

I think what Enoch was trying to say is that sins like seeking out prostitutes can't really be applied to 1 Corinthians 6:12 since Paul was talking only about eating unclean meats, a practice which had indeed become lawful for believers in Christ. But going to prostitutes was never lawful for believers

First, going to prostitutes is not lawful, period. At least in many states, but I believe it's covered by gràce. The hurt that comes with it, like I expounded on, won't be covered by gràce.

Nonetheless, it was just an example. It never was my main point.

As for 1 Corinthians 6:12 talking about unclean meats... I don't think so. Paul repeats it in chapter 10. THERE I can see your case (though I don't agree, I can at least see it). But chapter 6 is not talking about unclean meats being lawful but not expedient.

Chapter one, we learn of divisions of loyalty. Chapter 3 we learn of strfe and divisions. Chapter 5 we learn of fornication, even suggestions of sins sleeping with their mothers. There is also Lamentations against railers, drunks, extortion and idolators.

Chapter 6 brings something else: suing brethren before unbelievers instead of bringing it before children of God.

Now my main verse was verse 12. That's where he says all things are lawful but not expedient. Verse 13 talks about eating meats, but they, like the belly will be destroyed. So in a small way, such a notion does have a connection. But only if you are ignorant and you really want it to be about dietary practices. Yet, verse 13 is the only time he talked about it up to that point and doesn't speak of it again till chapter 8.

So, up until 1 Cor 6:12, Paul is addressing divisions in the Church, extortion, sex with mother's, drunkards, taking brethren to court before unbelievers, idoltry and probably a few things I left out.

So, I don't think verse 6:12 is about eating a pork chop. And frankly, I don't think that's what he was getting at in chapter 10 either.

 

[Giuliano]

You will have to elaborate on what you don't understand. I did mention that Paul was upset at these things.

If he thought all things are lawful, I don't understand why he was upset.

 

[Giuliano]

The point being, none of those things are governed by love.
Not only love for mankind, but also our love for God Himself

That's always what I have against cherry picked stand alone verses... :)
We need the whole lot.

Hope all things are well with you there?

Blessings....H

Yes, I'm fine, thanks, H.

So not all things are lawful? I wish Paul had rephrased what he said. In my book, things that are unloving are not lawful. I don't see a connection with whether they are expedient or convenient.

 

[Enoch111]

So, I don't think verse 6:12 is about eating a pork chop. And frankly, I don't think that's what he was getting at in chapter 10 either.

Who said anything about pork chops? The problem was with eating foods sacrificed to idols (which is still prevalent all around the world). And both chapters are connected in this regard. It should be obvious that the works of the flesh are NOT lawful. Neither is taking other believers to court. But regarding dietary restrictions all meats are lawful but all things are not expedient, since they will impact on others. And I already quoted the relevant verse. But if you want to tell Christians that carnality is lawful, Paul would strongly reject that.

 

[brakelite]

I don't believe Paul is advocating antinomianism.

: even though they are lawful, it doesn't make them expedient (practical, moral, necessary). It doesn't mean we should be controlled by them (even if we do engage in them from time to time).

So if we engage in adultery, theft or murder from time to time, that would not be expedient, and because they are lawful, they are okay so long as they don't become a habit.