"For the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us, therefore, follow after the things which make for peace, and thing wherewith one may edify another."
Romans 14:17-19
Part 2
Yesterday:
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink.”
“Kingdom living” is not about health, or wealth, a good job, or even the next family vacation. The King’s focus is on unseen certainties.
Today:
What is God’s Kingdom all about? What are His priorities?
“But righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Righteousness,
…as, we are rightly related to God. He had declared believers “righteous” when He justified and reconciled us to Himself.
“And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:9).
Peace,
…as we are in accord with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have sweet communion with Him.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35).
Joy in the Holy Spirit,
…as we obey the Holy Spirit working in us, guiding our thinking through the Word, He gives us joy.
“And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
“For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men.”
“Acceptable to God,” is “well-pleasing to Him.”[1]
“As the servant who uses the Master’s talent in the Master’s business.”[2]
“Approved of men.” The term has the idea of “testing, assaying.” That is testing the metal to see its quality. Is it real or not?
“Approved of men, as standing the test of sincerity and reality.”[3]
Believers, as Paul did, we strive to do right always, in everything we do.
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
We understand that when we strive to do right before God, some lost individuals[4] will not “approve” of us.
“Men can approve of the conduct of Christians even while they hate it for the reproof it conveys.”[5]
Living a life, obedient to the Word, and sold out to the Lord, will bring conviction to those who do not know Him, or who are not living for Him.
We know that following after “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” as we serve Jesus Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men.” At this point, what should we keep doing for Christ? Come back tomorrow and let’s see.
Quote: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).
[1] The same word is used in Romans 12:1.
[2] Cambridge Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Unfortunately, often even those professing faith in Christ may discourage others from doing God’s will. This is a shame!
[5] Popular New Testament, A Popular Commentary on the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword.