1 Corinthians 6:12 – All is allowed

All is allowed me, but not all is expedient. All is allowed me, but I will not be put under its authority by anything.

We repeatedly come across the above motto in this letter to the Corinthians (see also 10:23). It is illustrative of the radical freedom that Paul advocated. “All is allowed me…” The question for a believer is never: is this permitted? Or: can I do this or not? Indeed, it is precisely those questions that the average Christian is always busy with. And the topic of sermons. It is a type of “law’ which burdens people and depresses them. Such questions are out of order in advance. Because “all is allowed me”.

Paul indicates another guideline for our actions. A touchstone that always matters. Is it useful? Does it contribute to the well-being of others? Am I being constructive? It is this type of question which really matters and offers surprising points of view. It motivates without causing feelings of guilt.

What Paul mainly thinks of as “useful” is usefulness with respect to the Evangel. Does it contribute to the distribution of the Good Message? Are people made happy with the great news about the Savior of the world? That is useful.

Delen: