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What the Bible Says About Expediency

Overview

The Bible addresses expediency across 31 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians and Romans. Closely related themes include Commandments, Conscience, Self-Denial and Prudence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.

Key Bible verses about expediency

New Testament

Romans

Romans 14:14

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. unclean: Gr. common

Romans 14:15

But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. charitably: Gr. according to charity

Romans 14:16

Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 14:18

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Romans 14:20

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

Romans 14:21

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Romans 14:22

Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 8:8

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. are we the better: or, have we the more are we the worse: or, have we the less

1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. liberty: or, power

1 Corinthians 8:10

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; emboldened: Gr. edified

1 Corinthians 8:11

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

1 Corinthians 8:12

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

1 Corinthians 9:19

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1 Corinthians 9:20

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

1 Corinthians 9:21

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

1 Corinthians 10:25

Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

1 Corinthians 10:26

For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

1 Corinthians 10:27

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

1 Corinthians 10:28

But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

1 Corinthians 10:29

Conscience I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

1 Corinthians 10:30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? grace: or, thanksgiving

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Gentiles: Gr. Greeks

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

People in the Bible and expediency

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying expediency for yourself

  • Begin with Romans 14:14, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how 1 Corinthians and Romans each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Commandments, Conscience, Self-Denial and Prudence.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about expediency?

The Bible addresses expediency across 31 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians and Romans. Closely related themes include Commandments, Conscience, Self-Denial and Prudence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about expediency?

The Bible references expediency in 31 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention expediency?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Romans 14:14: “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. unclean: Gr. common”

Which people in the Bible are associated with expediency?

Jesus.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on expediency.

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