Not All Things Are Permissible

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, March 26, 2026

Today’s Text: 1 Corinthians 6:12–20

Key Verse: “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.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV)

Paul writes to a church that had begun to treat Christian liberty as a license to live carelessly. “All things are lawful unto me” was likely a popular slogan in Corinth, a half-true statement twisted into an excuse for self-indulgence. In response, Paul does not deny the reality of grace, but he adds a critical threshing line: “but all things are not expedient… I will not be brought under the power of any.” In Christ we are indeed free from the law as a means of righteousness, but we are not free to live in ways that destroy our souls, damage our witness, and grieve the Spirit. Grace raises the standard of our choices, because our bodies and lives now belong to the One who bought us with His own blood.

The apostle repeats the dane phrase in 1 Corinthians 10:23–24, at which time he adds the dimension of love and edification: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” Not all things are permissible for the believer because our decisions are no longer measured only by “Is it allowed?” but by “Is it helpful?” “Does it build?” and “Whom does it bless?” The kingdom standard is higher than the legal standard. There are activities, conversations, relationships, and habits that may be socially acceptable and even “legal,” yet they do not profit the inner man, they slowly enslave the heart, or they tear down others instead of building them up.

From these passages, we can thresh at least three tests for every “gray area” of life. First is the test of profit: “all things are not expedient.” Does this choice move me closer to Christ, or does it blunt my hunger and dull my sensitivity? Second is the test of power: “I will not be brought under the power of any.” Anything that begins to control my thoughts, my mood, my spending, my time, or my body is no longer a harmless liberty—it is a rival lord seeking my allegiance.

Third is the test of edification: “all things edify not… let no man seek his own.” Even if my conscience feels clear, if my so‑called freedom wounds a weaker believer, confuses unbelievers, or undermines someone else’s growth, it is not permissible for a disciple of love. True Christian maturity is not obsessed with how close we can get to the edge, but with how clearly we can reflect Christ.

Action Steps: Today, bring your “permissible” areas before the Lord—your media consumption, online patterns, friendships, business practices, habits, and “little indulgences.” Ask honestly: Does this truly profit my walk with God? Has this begun to exercise power over me? Does this build others up or subtly pull them down? Be willing to lay down even “lawful” things that are not expedient for where God is taking you. Invite the Holy Spirit to re-train your questions from “What’s wrong with it?” to “Will this help me run well, love well, and finish well?"

Quote for the Day: “Grace does not make everything permissible; it makes everything accountable to Christ.” — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Father, thank You for the liberty I have in Christ Jesus. Thank You that I am no longer under the condemnation of the law, but under the covering of grace. Today I confess that not all things are permissible for one who has been bought with a price. Expose every habit, appetite, or relationship that is not profitable, that seeks to master me, or that tears others down. Holy Spirit, teach me to use my freedom to serve in love, to choose what edifies, and to walk in holiness of heart and life. Lord Jesus, be the only Master over my desires and decisions. From this day, let my choices reflect that I belong to You—fully and joyfully. In Your mighty name I pray, Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with me today. For further study on this topic, please read: Romans 6:12–18; Galatians 5:1, 13–16; Ephesians 5:8–11; Hebrews 12:1–2.

With love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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