E N D
“Expedient” G4851 συμφέρω sumpherō soom-fer'-o From G4862 and G5342 (including its alternate); to beartogether (contribute), that is, (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as noun) advantage: - be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit (-able for). Thayer’s Greek Definitions
Bible doctrine of expediency… • John 18:14 “It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.” • John 11:50 “Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” • John 16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
Bible doctrine of expediency… • 1 Corinthians 6:12 “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 “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” • 2 Corinthians 8:10 “And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.” • 2 Corinthians 12:1 “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.”
Today’s lesson… • What is expediency? • What are the grounds for judging an act to be expedient? • What are the grounds of judging an act not to be expedient?
For a thing to be “expedient” it must be lawful. • All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12 NKJV) • All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. (1 Corinthians 10:23 NKJV) • 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)
That which is unauthorized is unlawful, and therefore sinful • Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4) • So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) • For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) • But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23) • Consider presumption in light of 1Cor. 2:10-13; Gen. 4;Heb. 11:4; 2Sam. 6:6-7)
For a thing to be “expedient” it cannot be specified. • When God specifies, there is no choice but to either obey or disobey. • To go beyond that which is specified or offer a substitute therefore is to add to what God has said instead of aiding obedience to his word. • Mechanical instruments do not aid; they add to God’s command to sing (Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 3:16) • Mechanical instruments do not aid; they add to God’s command to sing
For a thing to be “expedient” it cannot be specified. • Sprinkling is not an aid in carrying out that command. It is a substitute for what God says to do. • When God specifies, there is no choice but to either obey or disobey. • To go beyond that which is specified or offer a substitute therefore is to add to what God has said instead of aiding obedience to his word. • God commands to dip (baptize), bury (Romans 6:4) in baptism. Sprinkling is not an aid in carrying out that command.
For a thing to be “expedient” it cannot be specified. • A missionary society or any other organization that men build is not an aid because it substitutes the Lord’s way. • When God specifies, there is no choice but to either obey or disobey. • A missionary society or any other organization that men build and maintain to do the work of God’s church is not an aid in carrying out God’s commandment. • It is an addition or substitute for the Lord’s way, because it does not come within the scope of the organization under its own elders(Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1).
For a thing to be “expedient”... • It must edify (1Cor. 10:23-33; 1Cor. 14:26) • If God commands something, then it must be done in spite of consequences (Acts 4:18-20; 5:29). • But if it is not necessary and we demand something that destroys the peace and unity of God’s children, then we sin. • It must not offend the conscience of a brother (1Cor. 8:7-13; 10:32) • When it comes to matters of personal judgment, if we allow our liberty to become a stumbling block to those who are weak & we wound a weak brother’s conscience, then we sin against Christ.
No additions or substitutions for God’s way as an expedient… Christ has commanded to teach: He has not specified the method; has specified the organization (the church) Matthew 28:18-20, 1Timothy 3:15. • Method: • Privately or publicly • Within entire assembly or class • With or without study aids • Organization • Relying upon organization other than church to do teaching
No additions or substitutions for God’s way as an expedient… Christ commanded “drink this cup” (1Cor. 11:25-28); The cup is the fruit of the vine (Mt 26:27-29) • We do have a choice as to the number of containers • We have no choice as to the element.
No additions or substitutions for God’s way as an expedient… Christ commanded the saints to assemble (Heb. 10:25); He did not specify as to how the place of assembly must be provided • One’s house • Rented building • Owned building
No additions or substitutions for God’s way as an expedient… Christ commands the saints to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). There is no N. T. authority for instrumental music. • With aid of a book • With aid of lights • Sitting or standing • What parts we sing • Mechanical instruments.
No additions or substitutions for God’s way as an expedient… Christ commands the church to do the work of ministering (Eph. 4:12) to those who can be taken care of lawfully (1Tim. 5:16). The organization to do this work has been specified… The congregation under its own elders (Acts 14:23; Phil 1:1). • Method not specified • Place provided • Necessities to be furnished
No additions or substitutions for God’s way as an expedient… The jurisdiction of the elders of a congregation is established in Scriptural authority (Acts 20:28; 1Pt. 5:2). • Oversee the local flock in which they “are among” • Are not to oversee the membership and work of another location.
The Bible doctrine of expediency… • What is expediency? I • Many times discussed among brethren, usually referring to what constitutes something as being a convenient help, or a practical aid in carrying out a command of the Lord. • There are grounds for judging an act to be expedient, vs. the grounds of judging an act not to be expedient. • You would do well to study carefully upon this topic for yourself.