The Romance of Romans-Part 99

Romans Chapter 14 cont'd

For the Kingdom of God cannot be reduced to personal and cultural preferences like habits of eating and drinking, but it is defined by the transcendent realities of righteousness, peace and joy which are inseparably linked to the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. If you will embrace these values in your service for Christ, you will have favor with and affirmation from both God and others.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Comments:

"For the kingdom of God...is in the Holy Spirit." One of the most profound theological truths in all the New Testament is embedded here in this very practical section of Romans. The Holy Spirit and the kingdom of God are inseparably linked. The kingdom of God is the "natural habitat" of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the animating life-force of the Christ's kingdom. Where the Holy Spirit is working, the atmospheric conditions of kingdom of God are present and operative. Jesus said, "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Matt 12:28

It is often said that Christianity is not a religion, but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The same can be said about the kingdom of God...it is not about visible things like the many earthly kingdoms of this world, but it is centered in knowing...having an interactive friendship and partnership with...the Spirit of God. In the midst of this fallen creation, through Christ and the Holy Spirit...here and now...we have direct access to the powers and dynamics of the eternal and invisible kingdom of heaven. By relating to the Holy Spirit we have access to genuine and fundamental "righteousness, peace and joy"...three qualities of life that the children of this age grope and grasp for in various convoluted ways, but never truly find...until they turn to Jesus.

From the fountainhead of experiencing this divine-kind of righteousness, peace and joy...many other streams of spiritual life and power naturally flow out...love, hope, faith, prayer, healing, reconciliation, justice, deliverance from evil, spiritual gifts, creative work and arts, purpose, mission and destiny...to name just a few. We should pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit each night and day and then simply live in an attitude of open trust and shameless reliance, knowing that the Father and the Son will delight in answering such a bold request.