1 corinthians 6:12 - “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are expedient. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
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What does "1 corinthians 6:12" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 6:12, is part of Paul's discussion about Christian liberty and its limitations. Let's break it down:
"All things are lawful for me": This likely refers to a saying popular among some Corinthians, perhaps even a slogan. They believed that as Christians, they were free from the restrictions of the Old Testament law. In a sense, they were right. Through Christ, believers are justified and not under the condemnation of the law.
"but not all things are expedient": This is Paul's qualifier. While something might be permissible (lawful), it doesn't necessarily mean it's beneficial or helpful. The Greek word translated as "expedient" (συμφέρω, sympherō) means profitable, advantageous, or building up. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Paul is urging them to consider the consequences of their actions and whether they contribute to their spiritual growth and the edification of others.
"All things are lawful for me": The phrase is repeated for emphasis.
"but I will not be brought under the power of anything": This is the second qualifier and another reason to exercise self-control. Paul is saying that he will not allow any activity or desire to control him. He values his freedom in Christ too much to become enslaved to anything, even something that is technically permissible. The Greek word translated as "power" (ἐξουσιάζω, exousiazō) is often translated "mastery" or "dominion". He doesn't want anything gaining mastery over him.
In essence, the verse is teaching:
1. Christian liberty is real: Believers are not bound by legalistic rules for the sake of the rules themselves.
2. Liberty isn't license: Freedom in Christ doesn't mean we can do whatever we want without considering the consequences.
3. Spiritual benefit is important: We should prioritize actions that are beneficial for ourselves and others, fostering spiritual growth.
4. Avoidance of enslavement: We should be wary of anything that could gain control over us, whether it's a physical addiction, an unhealthy obsession, or a sinful habit.
Context in 1 Corinthians:
Paul is dealing with various issues in the Corinthian church, including sexual immorality. In the immediate context, he's addressing the issue of visiting prostitutes. He argues that even though some might say, "It's my body, I can do what I want," such actions are not beneficial (expedient) and, in fact, defile the body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, engaging in sexual immorality is a path to bondage.
Applications Today:
This verse is relevant today in many areas of life. It challenges us to ask ourselves:
Is this action truly beneficial for my spiritual growth and the well-being of others?
Could this action lead to dependence or addiction?
Does this action reflect the love and character of Christ?
Does this honor God?
In short, 1 Corinthians 6:12 calls Christians to a life of thoughtful freedom, where we use our liberty in Christ responsibly and purposefully for God's glory.
1 corinthians 6:12 - “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are expedient. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
What does "1 corinthians 6:12" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 6:12, is part of Paul's discussion about Christian liberty and its limitations. Let's break it down:
"All things are lawful for me": This likely refers to a saying popular among some Corinthians, perhaps even a slogan. They believed that as Christians, they were free from the restrictions of the Old Testament law. In a sense, they were right. Through Christ, believers are justified and not under the condemnation of the law.
"but not all things are expedient": This is Paul's qualifier. While something might be permissible (lawful), it doesn't necessarily mean it's beneficial or helpful. The Greek word translated as "expedient" (συμφέρω, sympherō) means profitable, advantageous, or building up. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Paul is urging them to consider the consequences of their actions and whether they contribute to their spiritual growth and the edification of others.
"All things are lawful for me": The phrase is repeated for emphasis.
"but I will not be brought under the power of anything": This is the second qualifier and another reason to exercise self-control. Paul is saying that he will not allow any activity or desire to control him. He values his freedom in Christ too much to become enslaved to anything, even something that is technically permissible. The Greek word translated as "power" (ἐξουσιάζω, exousiazō) is often translated "mastery" or "dominion". He doesn't want anything gaining mastery over him.
In essence, the verse is teaching:
1. Christian liberty is real: Believers are not bound by legalistic rules for the sake of the rules themselves.
2. Liberty isn't license: Freedom in Christ doesn't mean we can do whatever we want without considering the consequences.
3. Spiritual benefit is important: We should prioritize actions that are beneficial for ourselves and others, fostering spiritual growth.
4. Avoidance of enslavement: We should be wary of anything that could gain control over us, whether it's a physical addiction, an unhealthy obsession, or a sinful habit.
Context in 1 Corinthians:
Paul is dealing with various issues in the Corinthian church, including sexual immorality. In the immediate context, he's addressing the issue of visiting prostitutes. He argues that even though some might say, "It's my body, I can do what I want," such actions are not beneficial (expedient) and, in fact, defile the body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, engaging in sexual immorality is a path to bondage.
Applications Today:
This verse is relevant today in many areas of life. It challenges us to ask ourselves:
Is this action truly beneficial for my spiritual growth and the well-being of others?
Could this action lead to dependence or addiction?
Does this action reflect the love and character of Christ?
Does this honor God?
In short, 1 Corinthians 6:12 calls Christians to a life of thoughtful freedom, where we use our liberty in Christ responsibly and purposefully for God's glory.