Living on the Edge

Reference Scripture:

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (I Corinthians 6:12)

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (I Corinthians 10:23)

[*StrongsGreek*] - Expedient

4851συμφέρω sumfevrw sumphero {soom-fer'-o}from 4862 and 5342 (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage:--be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for). Modern terminology describes expedient as beneficial, advantage or good for the soul.

Paul had visited Corinth on his second and third journey through the region. 1 Corinthians was written by Paul in response from a letter received by the Corinthians inquiring about Marriage and the eating of foods dedicated to idols (no things), among other things.  The Corinthians had many challenges as a congregation and Paul addressed them in the letter as if he was there and saw it all. The Corinthians were also diseased by carnality, the influences of Greek wisdom, philosophy and heresies.   Paul had to correct them with heavy rebuke and sanction many of the doctrines of the Church in the process.  In 1971 the song “it’s a thin line between love and hate” was sung and performed by the Persuaders. Meaning that if people have no depth in their relationship outside forces can draw either participant over the line.  The same is for the Christian without a hunger and thirst for righteousness. One who is living on the edge between the world  and godliness. Be careful or you might fall over the edge.  

Flee youthful lust.  Your body is described as a temple of YHWH and also as a vessel of YHWH. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (II Timothy 2:20-22).  Lust is not only of a sexual nature but it is also to be covetous of worldly sentiments and desires. Carnal mindedness.

Adhering to worldly things is a sign of spiritual immaturity.  Just as a adolescent who hasn’t fully matured mentally although their body may be developed, the Saint who is not settled in Christ and who’s roots in salvation are not deep enough like a tree planted by the rivers of water will not choose to walk in wisdom according to the Word.  Paul reveals in 1 Corinthians 6:2 the role that the Saints will exercise in the Millennial and during the eternal Reign of Yeshua. He states “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (I Corinthians 6:2).  Here while expressly telling the Saints to settle disputes internally within the brotherhood he is expressing  the necessary of the Saints to have clear judgment as part of the fruit of their spirit. (not judgmental)  This is part of our spiritual development while we live in the earth and not of it. Isaiah speaks of the Spirit of Yeshua in the 11th chapter of Isaiah.   

When through the Holy Scripture the Holy Spirit tells through Paul “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)  You are responsible for working out your own salvation.  YHWH has provided us with Prophets and teachers, the fruit and gifts of the Spirit for our exhortation and edification.  He is training us for our position in the new kingdom in the new world.  This is why he tells us to “walk in the newness of life” not in your own ways or the ways of the world.  There are many Saints who are like freshmen college students away from home for the fist time.  The University student doesn’t have Mom or Dad to wake them up, feed them and send them off to class.  They are responsible to work all of that out on their own.  There is no one making them go or stay in class or study. They must live according to fruitful discipline  and responsibility.

Don’t become self complacent on the edge, it’s really sitting on a fence.   Yeshua told the Church at Laodicea “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation of John 3:15-16)”.  Never loose the fervency of faith that comes with your first breath in your new walk in Christ.  Stay new in joy, in seeking the richness of the inheritance that YHWH has given you.  Too may Saints are sitting back resting on their laurels waiting for something to happen or too fearful to step out into the deep and the battle.  Search the scripture, especially in the book of Acts or think back on when you were first filled with the Spirit of the living YHWH.  There was a fervency and a boldness kindled by the Spirit of YHWH.  You may not have known a lot of scriptures but you were a witness and your faith was full, you were in the thick of the battle knowing that you were on the winning side and not on the edge tittering, wavering fearing for filling or worse not knowing it. Yeshua has done all of the hard work and as the Spirit says through Paul “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (II Corinthians 5:15) We have an inheritance waiting for us that we will receive upon our maturity in him, grow into it.

For discussion: What does Paul mean when he says “I die daily”?

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (I Corinthians 15:31)

(Romans 6:6-12)

(Galatians 2:20)