People often ask, “Where is the authority for songbooks and PowerPoint slides? What about a church building and electric lights?” These questions are usually raised to suggest that we don’t need authority for all we do. People say, “Since  we do one thing without authority, why can’t we also do something else without authority?” How would you answer this charge?

In this study, we will seek to get an understanding of “expedients.” These are things that aid us in doing what God has commanded. Aids are generically authorized. When we are finished using an aid, we have done nothing more than what God has told us to do. Additions do not help us obey God. If a group of people are doing something without God’s authority, that doesn’t justify us also doing something without God’s authority. 

Understanding Expedients

  • Expedients are aids. They help us carry out what God has authorized.
    • What does God command us to do in Matthew 28:19? What could have aided the Apostle Paul in obeying this commandment?
    • How could Paul have answered someone who asked, “Where is your authority for this?”
    • Could Paul have obeyed Matthew 28:19 without this aid?
  • For something to be expedient, it must be lawful (Romans 3:8). The mentality of “the ends justify the means” does not bring glory to God.
  • An expedient is never specified. If it were, then it would not be expedient. When God specifies something, man has no choice!

Distinguishing Aids and Additions

  • Genesis 6:14
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • Romans 6:4
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • Acts 20:7
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • Colossians 3:16
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • Hebrews 10:25
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • Matthew 28:19-20
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • 1 Peter 5:1-2
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • Acts 11:29-30
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?
    • What would be an addition?
  • 1 Timothy 5:9-10
    • What is authorized?
    • What would be expedient?

What would be an addition?