In the Bible, “expedient” refers to what is advantageous or beneficial in a given situation. It is often used to suggest that while something may not be strictly necessary, it may be wise or useful to do so for a greater purpose, as seen in John 16:7 where Jesus states it is expedient for Him to go away for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.
9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;
11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Expedient in the Bible: Meaning Explained
a disadvantageous situation. This concept invites believers to thoughtfully consider their actions and decisions; what may seem expedient can lead to profound spiritual outcomes and growth.
Moreover, the broader biblical narrative frequently illustrates how God’s plans often unfold through decisions in fulfilling God’s will.
The concept of expediency in the Bible often relates to the overarching theme of divine providence, where choices might appear can occur for a greater good. His being sold into slavery may have seemed inexpedient, but it ultimately positioned him to save nations during a famine. This story illustrates the importance of viewing circumstances through a lens of faith, as believers are encouraged to recognize that God’s sovereignty can make what seems counterintuitive, expedient for His purposes.
In addition, the is found not in expedience alone, but in alignment with God’s will and the well-being of others.
The Concept of Expediency in Decision-Making
In biblical contexts, the term “expedient” often relates to the idea of making decisions that are practical and beneficial in the short term, even if they may not align perfectly with moral or ethical ideals. This reflects a broader understanding of wisdom in navigating complex situations, where the best course of action may not always be the most straightforward or righteous one. The emphasis is on discernment and the ability to weigh options carefully, considering the immediate consequences and the greater good.
Expediency and Spiritual Growth
Expediency in the Bible can also be linked to the notion of spiritual growth and maturity. Believers are encouraged to seek what is expedient for their spiritual development and the edification of the community. actions that foster growth, understanding, and unity among believers.
The Balance Between Freedom and Responsibility
Another broader meaning of expediency in the Bible involves the balance between personal freedom and communal responsibility. While individuals may have the liberty to act according to their own desires, the concept of expediency calls for consideration of how those actions affect others. This principle encourages believers to act in ways that promote harmony and avoid causing others to stumble, highlighting the importance of love and responsibility in the exercise of freedom.
How to Make Wise Choices in Your Spiritual Journey
Making wise choices in your spiritual journey is a deeply personal endeavor that requires both reflection and guidance. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture; the Bible is filled with wisdom that can illuminate your path. Pray earnestly, seeking God’s direction and being open to His answers, which may come in unexpected ways. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer support and accountability, as their experiences can provide valuable insights. Remember, growth occurs. Finally, trust in God’s timing and be patient with yourself; spiritual maturity is a journey, not a destination. Embrace each step, knowing that every choice you make can draw you closer to Him.
Bible References to Expedience in Scripture:
1 Corinthians 6:12-20: 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!
16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”
17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 10:23-33: 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—
29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience?
30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Philippians 1:12-18: 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
2 Corinthians 8:10-12: 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
Romans 14:19-23: 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.
21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Acts 20:20-24: 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,
23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.
24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23: 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.
21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Matthew 5:29-30: 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Proverbs 14:15-16: 15 The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.