Daily Devotions
Romans
"The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy..."
Text: Romans 14:17
WRONG IDEAS ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD
When Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, He was badly misunderstood! Many believed (and wrongly) that the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed was a political one!
1. The multitudes wanted to force Jesus to be their political king (Cf. John 6:15).
2. The Disciples of Christ did not fully understand either (Cf. Acts 1:6).
3. The enemies of Christ charged him with political ambition (Cf. John 19:12).
4. Those who think that the kingdom of God was “eating and drinking” (Cf. Romans 14:17).
THE ESSENCE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Paul cleverly summarized the topic of the kingdom of God in a very succinct manner.
“But the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,
but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 14:17
1. A stark contrast was offered.
a) Focus on the physical (“eating and drinking”)
b) Focus on the spiritual (righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit)
2. Four aspects of the kingdom of God highlighted:-
a) Righteousness
Causing division is not a righteous thing to do. Those who understand what it means to have been declared righteous ought to promote righteousness.
b) Peace
Religious turmoil is not desirable. It is the opposite of peace. The peace that God has given through Christ ought to be appreciated.
c) Joy
The Christian faith should cause believers to find great joy. That which takes away joy from the heart must be addressed firmly.
d) The Holy Spirit
His ministry is vital in the Kingdom of God! Focus should be on Him and not on “eating and drinking”.