April 21, 2020

Good Morning Saints,

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Romans 14:17-18 (NIV)

The kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink. In other words, it is not a physical thing. Rather, it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God is spiritual. The church is spiritual, having to do with the work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, no one is part of the kingdom of God and of God’s church unless that person is born of the Holy Spirit.

Kingdom of Righteousness.

The kingdom of God is righteousness. This speaks about our ethical behavior. Righteousness means doing what is right. As people of God who have been justified by Christ’s righteousness, we live a righteous life. We are saved to serve the Lord in righteousness. This means the people of the kingdom of God keep God’s moral law by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Kingdom of Peace.

Life in God’s kingdom is also peace. Believers live in harmony with one another. By nature, we were enemies of God and of one another. Now because of Christ’s peace-making death on the cross, we live in peace with God and with God’s people, whether weak or strong.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. Eph 2:14 (NIV)

Christ made peace, so we live in peace toward God and toward one another.

Kingdom of Joy.

Life in the kingdom of God is also joy, which is created in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. So, we rejoice even in tribulations.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil 4:4 (NIV)

It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to keep on rejoicing. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.

As believers we should concern ourselves with doing what is right, maintaining harmony, and sharing God’s joy. Those who serve Christ by doing right before God, maintaining peace among the believers, and sharing joy with others are the ones who will accomplish the acceptable service to Christ, they will please God and people.

May the God of peace and joy bless you today,
Pastor Dennis