The term "expedient" in a biblical context refers to actions or decisions that are advantageous, beneficial, or suitable for achieving a particular end, especially in the context of spiritual growth and moral conduct. The concept is often discussed in relation to Christian liberty and the discernment required to make choices that align with God's will.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 6:12 : "All things are permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. All things are permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." Here, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, emphasizing that while believers have freedom in Christ, not everything that is permissible is necessarily expedient. The focus is on the spiritual benefit and the avoidance of being enslaved by any habit or practice.

2. 1 Corinthians 10:23 : "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is edifying." Paul reiterates the principle that Christian liberty should be exercised with consideration of what is edifying and constructive for oneself and others. The expedient choice is one that builds up the body of Christ and promotes spiritual growth.

3. John 16:7 : "But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." Jesus speaks to His disciples about His departure, explaining that it is expedient for them because it will result in the coming of the Holy Spirit. This highlights the divine perspective on what is truly beneficial, even when it may not seem so from a human viewpoint.

Theological Implications:

The concept of expediency in Scripture underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in the Christian life. Believers are called to evaluate their actions not merely by what is allowed but by what is spiritually advantageous. This involves considering the impact on one's own spiritual health, the edification of others, and the glory of God.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to weigh their decisions by asking whether an action is expedient in light of their ultimate goal of Christlikeness. This involves a careful examination of motives, potential consequences, and the broader impact on the community of faith. The expedient choice is one that aligns with biblical principles, fosters spiritual maturity, and reflects the love and holiness of God.

Related Concepts:

· Christian Liberty: The freedom believers have in Christ, which must be exercised responsibly and with consideration for others.
· Discernment: The ability to judge well and make decisions that are in accordance with God's will.
· Edification: The act of building up others in the faith, a key consideration in determining what is expedient.

In summary, the biblical notion of expediency calls for a thoughtful and prayerful approach to decision-making, prioritizing what is spiritually beneficial and aligned with God's purposes.1. (a.) Advantageous; suitable to a purpose, especially to one's own benefit; hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; -- sometimes contradistinguished from right.

2. (a.) Quick; expeditious.

3. (n.) That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.

4. (n.) Means devised in an exigency; shift.

EXPEDIENT

eks-pe'-di-ent (sumphero):

The Greek word translated "expedient" (sumphero) means literally, "to bear or bring together"; with a personal reference, "to be well or profitable." In the New Testament it never means "profitable" or "convenient" as opposed to what is strictly right. It is translated "expedient" (John 11:50, "it is expedient for us," the Revised Version (British and American) "for you"; John 16:7, "It is expedient for you that I go away," i.e. "profitable," "for your good," 18:14; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23 2 Corinthians 8:10; 2 Corinthians 12:1). In Matthew 19:10, instead of "not good to marry," the Revised Version (British and American) has "not expedient." The modern sense of "expediency" as "hastening" or "acceleration," is not found in the New Testament, any more than its bad sense of "mere convenience." "Nothing but the right can ever be expedient" (Whately).

W. L. Walker

4851. sumphero -- to bring together, to be profitable
... or advancement (M. Vincent). bring together, be expedient, be profitable
for. From sun and phero (including its alternate); to bear ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4851.htm - 7k

4851a. sumphero -- to bring together, to be profitable
... phero Definition to bring together, to be profitable NASB Word Usage advantage
(2), better (4), brought...together (1), common good (1), expedient (2), good (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4851a.htm - 5k

1351. dilogos -- given to repetition, double-tongued
... a deliberate -- acting like a spiritual "weathervane" by reversing their position
(taking different sides of an issue whenever it is convenient or expedient). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1351.htm - 7k

Whether it is Expedient to Take Vows?
... SERVICE BY PROMISE (Q ) Whether it is expedient to take vows? Objection
1: It would seem that it is not expedient to take vows. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is expedient to.htm

Whether it is Expedient to Grieve for Sin Continually?
... OF THE TIME FOR CONTRITION (THREE ARTICLES) Whether it is expedient to grieve for
sin continually? ... Therefore it is not expedient to grieve for sin continually. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is expedient to 2.htm

Field-Preaching Expedient
... "I do Indeed Live by Preaching"; Wesley's Advice to Travelers; Wesley and the French
Prisoners Field-preaching Expedient. Friday 14."l returned to London. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/field-preaching expedient.htm

Fourth Sunday after Easter. It is Expedient for You that I Go Away ...
... Fourth Sunday After Easter. It is expedient for you that I go away, for
if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/fourth sunday after easter it.htm

Our Lord Says, "It is Expedient for You that I Go Away...
... Address 66: Our Lord says, "It is expedient for you that I go away? Our
Lord says, "It is expedient for you that I go away, or ...
/.../address 66 0 0 our lord says.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 7, "I Tell You the Truth; it ...
... 7, "I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away," etc. [CXLIII. ...
"I tell you the truth," He saith, "It is expedient for you that I go away. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xciii on the words.htm

If it be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, yet all Things ...
... Chapter VIII."If It Be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, Yet All
Things Lawful are Not Expedient. Let it now be granted ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter viii if it be granted.htm

Nevertheless I Tell You the Truth; it is Expedient for You that I ...
... Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away;
for if I go not away. Nevertheless I tell you the truth ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/nevertheless i tell you the.htm

Introduction.
... [25] Like Cicero, he treats of that which is right, becoming, or honourable [decorum],
and what is expedient [utile]; [26] but with reference not to this life ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction.htm

Self-Help
... John 16:7. It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter
will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xx self-help.htm

Expedient (8 Occurrences)
... to accomplish an end. 4. (n.) Means devised in an exigency; shift. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. EXPEDIENT. eks-pe'-di-ent (sumphero ...
/e/expedient.htm - 10k

Sarai (13 Occurrences)
... This double relationship suggested to Abraham the expedient that he twice used when
he lacked faith in God to protect his life and in cowardice sought his own ...
/s/sarai.htm - 20k

Sarah (38 Occurrences)
... This double relationship suggested to Abraham the expedient that he twice used when
he lacked faith in God to protect his life and in cowardice sought his own ...
/s/sarah.htm - 28k

Joash (49 Occurrences)
... "The Levites hastened it not," it is declared (2 Chronicles 24:5). 4. A New Expedient:
Time passed, and in the ... The expedient proved brilliantly successful. ...
/j/joash.htm - 41k

Best (252 Occurrences)
... 7. (superl.) Most intimately; most thoroughly or correctly; as, what is expedient
is best known to himself. 8. (vt) To get the better of. Int. ...
/b/best.htm - 36k

Jehoash (28 Occurrences)
... "The Levites hastened it not," it is declared (2 Chronicles 24:5). 4. A New Expedient:
Time passed, and in the ... The expedient proved brilliantly successful. ...
/j/jehoash.htm - 32k

Ought (130 Occurrences)
... 5. (imp., pp, or auxiliary) To be necessary, fit, becoming, or expedient; to behoove; --
in this sense formerly sometimes used impersonally or without a ...
/o/ought.htm - 36k

Weeks (17 Occurrences)
... To give time the violent expedient is adopted of dating the commencement of the
70 weeks from the prophecy of Jeremiah of the 70 years' captivity, or of the ...
/w/weeks.htm - 16k

Ineffectual (1 Occurrence)
... (a.) Not producing the proper effect; without effect; inefficient; weak; useless;
futile; unavailing; as, an ineffectual attempt; an ineffectual expedient. ...
/i/ineffectual.htm - 7k

Rachel (42 Occurrences)
... Then Rachel resorted to the expedient once employed by Sarah under similar
circumstances (16:2;); she bade Jacob take her handmaid Bilhah, as a concubine, ...
/r/rachel.htm - 24k

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