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"All things are lawful for me..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:12

A DELICATE DISTINCTION

There are things in life that are not specifically discussed in the Scriptures. Discernment and wisdom must then be applied in such instances!

“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

1. “All things are lawful”

a) Much depends on what the word “lawful” means.

b) The word is not a comment on the Law of God at all.

c) The word “lawful” has the following nuances:

i) That which is permitted.

ii) That which is proper.

iii) There is a personal element involved here.

2. If it is a question of what the Law teaches

a) Then it is straightforward.

b) Compliance to the Law is mandatory.

3. What are some of these things?

a) Leisure

b) Food

4. Not all things are helpful

a) The word “helpful” has the following nuances:

i) Beneficial

ii) Advantages

b) Paul evaluated what he would do with things that are not mandated by the law.

i) His choice would be whether an activity would be “beneficial” to him ultimately.

ii) He was conscious that we should choose wisely and well.

5. “But I will not be brought under the power of any”

a) The word “power” is best understood as “authority”.

b) Paul could not see himself being “addicted” to anything. That addiction would then control him.