Authority: Expediencies
Bible study on Authority: Expediencies.

1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23

We employ expediences to accomplish God's unspecific commands.

The word "expedient" appears in Jn. 11:50; 16:7; 18:14; 1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23; 2 Cor. 8:10; 12:1 in the KJV (Note: The Greek word is not always translated expedient in all of these Scriptures in every translation).

1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23

Criteria for expediences that we may employ: an expedient must be lawful, it must be helpful (i.e., expedient, KJV; profitable, NASB; beneficial, NIV, NRSV), it must not have control over us (i.e., we cannot be addicted to it), it must edify, it must not be self-serving (i.e., expediencies must be employed in light of what is good for our brethren; cf. Phil. 2:3-4; Rom. 14:1-15:2; 1 Cor. 10:23-11:1).

An expedient that causes a brother to stumble or divides the body of Christ cannot be employed in such instances (Phil. 2:3-4; Rom. 14:1-15:2; 1 Cor. 10:23-11:1).

For an expedient to be lawful, it must fulfill God's command (i.e., be according to His will). It could not have been expedient for Jesus to die for the nations unless He had been commanded to do so by God (Jn. 11:50; cf. Jn. 10:18). It could not have been expedient for Jesus to leave earth unless He had been commanded to do so by God (Jn. 16:7; cf. Jn. 10:18). Eating meat could not be expedient unless God had ordained that man could eat meat (1 Cor. 6:12-13; 10:23-31; cf. Gen. 9:2-4). Collecting money to relieve the saints could not be expedient unless God had commanded Christians in one place to relieve the saints in another place (2 Cor. 8:10). Boasting in the flesh was not expedient for Paul because it was not God's will (2 Cor. 12:1; cf. 2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1:8-14).

Gen. 6:14-23

Noah and the ark illustrate the use of expediencies. The unspecified aspects of God's command requiring expediences were the make, size of rooms, formula to produce the pitch (Gen. 6:14), the exact size of the window, which side the door was to go in, the height between decks (Gen. 6:16), the types and quantities of food (Gen. 6:21).

Lawful expediences which Noah could have employed would have included laborers, tools, different size rooms to house different animals, placing the door on the right side of the ark, etc.

Unlawful expediences which Noah could have employed would have included cedar instead of gopherwood, two doors instead of one door, taking fish, taking more than the specified people, etc.

Gen. 22:1-19

God's test of Abraham illustrates the use of expediencies. The unspecific aspects of the command: take, go, offer (Gen. 22:2).

Expediencies employed by Abraham to accomplish the unspecific commands to "take" and "go" were a saddled donkey (Gen. 22:3) and two young men (Gen. 22:3).

Expediencies employed by Abraham to accomplish the unspecific command to "offer" were split wood (Gen. 22:3), fire and knife (Gen. 22:6), built and altar and something to bind Isaac (Gen. 22:9).

Note that Abraham could not have taken a lamb or servant boy to offer in Isaac's place since they would have been substitutes for what God had specified; therefore, they were unlawful.

Ex. 12:1-28

Moses and the Passover command illustrate the use of expediencies.

Two unspecified aspects of God's command: speak to the congregation which at this time could have numbered millions (Ex. 12:3), and put some of the blood on the doorposts and lintel (Ex. 12:7).

Expedients Moses employed for these two unspecific aspects of God's command: Moses called for the elders and communicated to the people through them (Ex. 12:21). Also hyssop, basin, and striking were employed to put the blood on the doorposts and lintel (Ex. 12:22).

Note that Moses could not have selected a different animal or different type of lamb to be offered since God had specified a certain type of lamb.

Note that Moses could not have selected something else for the blood to be put on because God had specified the door posts.

Num. 20:7-12

Moses and the rock at Kadesh illustrate that substituting something for what God has specified is not expedient but sinful. Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it and was punished for his unbelief.

Lev. 10:1-2

Nadab and Abihu illustrate that substituting something for what God has specified is not expedient but sinful. Nadab and Abihu offered profane fire to the Lord and were killed for their transgression.

1 Sam. 13:1-15

Saul's unlawful sacrifice illustrates that substituting something for what God has specified is not expedient but sinful. Saul was commanded to wait for Samuel to come and offer the sacrifice. Saul's kingdom was taken from him because of his transgression.

1 Sam. 15:1-26

Saul sparing King Agag illustrates that substituting something for what God has specified is not expedient but sinful. Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites, but he spared the king and the best animals. He was punished for his transgression.

1 Cor. 4:16; Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11; Rev. 22:18-19

If we make substitutions for the things God has specified, we will be punished for our disobedience (cf. Rom. 2:5-11; 6:23; 2 Th.1:8-10).