COVID-19

In 1 Corinthians 10:23, the Apostle Paul declares, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable (expedient). All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” The Greek root word “sumphero” used here, translated as expedient, might also be profitable or useful in your biblical text, depending on the version/translation.

We understand that in the principle/Truth of spiritual freedom and liberty, our activities are not regulated by religious law, but by one’s desire to please the Lord (see Ephesians 5:7-10). Obviously, “pleasing the Lord” is of great benefit in our lives, thus making it a profitable (expedient) venture. However, the verse goes on to include engagement with other individuals, as the focus of the verse emphasizes things that edify. This is actually a very constructive concept if fully grasped … implying that as believers, we have some obligation to involve ourselves … actively engaging (intentionally) in that which promotes the building up (Gk root – oikodomeo; edification; emboldenment) of others (in context, believers in the body of Christ, but not exclusive of other humans)!

In addition, things that are not profitable and not good for edification should actually be avoided! Paul acted … apparently living his life for the welfare and benefit of Christ’s church. His object was to save individuals, make disciples, and assist in the establishment of Christ’s Church in various areas as the selected vehicle to accomplish the Great Commission of our Lord. (see Matthew 28:19-20). Anything that would promote that objective was proper; anything which would hinder it, though in itself it might not be strictly classified as sinful or unlawful, was in his view … to be avoided/evaded.

At the outset (initially), this seems to be a relatively simple guideline for believers, and we would probably all agree to its importance. However, within the realities of life, particularly in 2020/2021 and COVID-19, this becomes a difficult proposition.

At the forefront of most of our thinking and activities, we ultimately, if given the opportunity, pursue what makes us feel good, happy, fulfilled, etc.

However, if an individual truly has their mind/heart set upon the conversion of others and their spiritual development, when and where do our personal desires, wants, etc. take a back seat? How do we regulate our conduct in reference to many things concerning life to which there may be no exact biblical directive?

Certainly, we, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, already do much to regulate our lifestyles – dress, methods/types of entertainment; modes/styles of speech, expenses, values, and behavior as we fellowship with believers and interact with others in our world. However, at times (perhaps due to our culture or pure selfishness) it is quite difficult to say that this or that article of clothing is improper; that this or that piece of furniture is absolutely forbidden because it’s just too expensive; or that this or that activity is improper, because it interferes with life’s objective of accomplishing that which is “expedient” (profitable) from our Lord’s perspective! Nonetheless, such a Holy Spirit-directed, Truth-guided purpose for living is a much better controller than any and all legalistic concepts of religion’s law!

Therefore, that which is actually spiritually “expedient” (profitable) in this life is only birthed and refined to maturity through a genuine relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The more one knows Him, and interacts with Him, the more one is apt to become like Him!

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
1 John 3:2

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.… Not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31, 33b

Help me (us) Lord! HIS & yours, Pastor Frank

Are you operating in biblical discernment, or are you allowing various fears from multiple sources to direct your daily life? In the midst of our current situation with COVID-19, Floyd’s unfathomable murder, legal protests, and illegal rioting and vandalism, I’m always shocked to learn how many believers allow themselves to be entrapped by penalizing and paralyzing fear, rather than actively partnering with divinely authorized, supernatural power (God’s Holy Spirit).

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 offers very clear and precise instruction for Christ’s faithful:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”

1 Corinthians 12:7 declares that

“to each one (individual, faithful followers of Jesus Christ) is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

One of those manifestations (displays of our Lord’s presence and power through the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit) being “the distinguishing of spirits” from 1 Corinthians 12:10. This is an essential component of a successful spiritual, yet fearless life of faith in Christ Jesus.

The Greek word, diakrisis, used in the biblical text stated above, literally means discerning, making a judicial estimation, distinction and/or determination. Therefore, according to the context, a believer is given this manifestation for their own good or that of Christ’s Body/His Church. According to 1 Corinthians 12:11 (same context), “one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

At this point, it’s really important that one comes to understand the manifestation of “distinguishing” or “discernment of spirits.” The need for this manifestation is obvious in our world and within the life of each and every believer. Who doesn’t need to have spiritual insight into what’s actually going on in the realm of the unseen — the spirit world? We all experience individuals or certain entities (government, religious organization, political, business, etc.) behaving in certain questionable ways (immoral, unethical, etc.). What are the forces and/or powers motivating their actions? Are they those of angelic beings interfering in the affairs of humanity, are they evil, demonic spirits attempting to control a situation, spirits of our world system directly challenging the Truth of God, and/or carnal fleshly motivations empowered by human desires/lusts (strong passions) — or the workings of God’s Holy Spirit?

Fear easily slips into one’s mind and heart when this type of question and confusion prevails. Have we become so accustomed to applying human reasoning to a situation or circumstance (just like the unredeemed in our world, who do not have the mind of Christ) that we are actually, perhaps even unknowingly, embracing lies and concepts completely foreign to the Truth of God’s Word and the ways of our Lord?

How did Peter know (properly discern) what was actually going on with Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10? Their sin certainly wasn’t holding back some of the funds from the sale of property, but in reality, pretending to give a sacrificial offering of the whole amount that had been gained through the real estate transaction. Ananias was under no biblical compulsion or mandate to give all! (The common sharing that occurred within the early Jerusalem church was not absolute communism, but purely voluntary. — See Acts 5:4) Falsehood and total hypocrisy (“lying to God’s Holy Spirit” – See Acts 5:3), rather than greed, were the sins for which each of them was severely punished.

Peter experienced the manifestation of spiritual discernment! Nothing of a natural, human process would have revealed this Truth without some investigation! Peter supernaturally saw the unseen, a spiritual realm that he could have never known unless God’s Holy Spirit provided the miraculous manifestation of discernment (the distinguishing of spirits)!

1 John 4:1 reminds us

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

This means one must ask God for His help, seeking His perspective (DVP – divine viewpoint) on all of life’s issues! What are the things He is planning/desiring? Then ask, how do I fit in? What is it You’re asking of me — Your faithful, loyal servant?

Beloved, we have incredible opportunities to partner with the Lord, God Almighty Himself! How then shall we live?

His & Yours, PF

Tag: COVID-19

EXPEDIENT

DISCERNMENT