Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
For the kingdom of God
The phrase "kingdom of God" refers to the reign and rule of God over all creation, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future physical sense. In the Greek, "kingdom" is "basileia," which implies not just a realm but the active rule and authority of a king. Historically, the Jewish people anticipated a messianic kingdom, a physical reign of God on earth. However, Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God transcends physical and material concerns, focusing instead on spiritual realities. This kingdom is inaugurated through Christ and is characterized by God's sovereign rule in the hearts of believers.

is not a matter of eating and drinking
This phrase addresses the specific context of disputes in the early church regarding dietary laws and practices. The Greek words for "eating" (brosis) and "drinking" (posis) highlight the physical acts that were causing division among believers. Historically, Jewish dietary laws were a significant part of religious identity, and early Christians struggled with how these laws applied to them. Paul clarifies that the kingdom of God is not about adhering to these external rituals or practices. Instead, it is about internal transformation and spiritual priorities.

but of righteousness
"Righteousness" (dikaiosyne in Greek) refers to the state of being right with God, a central theme in Paul's writings. It is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the law but is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is both imputed, meaning believers are declared righteous through Christ, and imparted, meaning it is lived out in daily life. The historical context of the Roman church, with its mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, underscores the importance of understanding righteousness as a unifying factor, transcending cultural and religious differences.

peace
The Greek word for "peace" is "eirene," which encompasses more than the absence of conflict. It signifies a holistic sense of well-being, harmony, and reconciliation with God and others. In the historical context of the early church, peace was essential for maintaining unity among diverse believers. Scripturally, peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a hallmark of the kingdom of God. It reflects the peace that Christ has made between God and humanity through His sacrifice.

and joy
"Joy" (chara in Greek) is a deep-seated gladness that comes from knowing and being in relationship with God. It is not dependent on external circumstances but is a result of the Holy Spirit's work within believers. Historically, joy was a distinguishing mark of the early Christian community, even in the face of persecution and hardship. Scripturally, joy is also a fruit of the Spirit and is closely linked with hope and faith.

in the Holy Spirit
This phrase emphasizes the source and power behind the righteousness, peace, and joy that characterize the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit, or "Pneuma Hagion" in Greek, is the third person of the Trinity, actively working in the lives of believers to produce these qualities. The historical context of the early church highlights the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in guiding, empowering, and uniting believers. Scripturally, the Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration and sanctification, enabling believers to live out the realities of God's kingdom in their daily lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. The Kingdom of God
A central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled.

4. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to live in righteousness, peace, and joy.

5. Dietary Laws and Customs
The context of Romans 14 involves disputes over dietary practices, particularly between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Priorities Over Physical Concerns
The kingdom of God transcends earthly matters like food and drink, focusing instead on spiritual virtues.

Righteousness in the Holy Spirit
True righteousness is not self-derived but comes through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Peace as a Marker of God's Kingdom
Believers are called to live in peace, reflecting the harmony of God's kingdom in their relationships.

Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
Joy is a supernatural result of living in alignment with God's will and presence.

Unity in Diversity
The Roman church's context of diverse backgrounds calls for unity in the essentials of faith, rather than division over non-essentials.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the kingdom of God as "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" change your perspective on daily priorities?

2. In what ways can you seek to cultivate righteousness in your life through the Holy Spirit?

3. How can you promote peace in your relationships, especially when disagreements arise over non-essential matters?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in the Holy Spirit. What circumstances led to that experience, and how can you seek more of it?

5. How do the teachings in Romans 14:17 challenge you to live in unity with other believers who may have different cultural or personal practices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 6:33
Jesus emphasizes seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, aligning with Paul's focus on spiritual priorities over physical concerns.

Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit includes peace and joy, which are also highlighted in Romans 14:17 as characteristics of the kingdom of God.

Philippians 4:7
Paul speaks of the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, which guards the hearts and minds of believers, resonating with the peace mentioned in Romans 14:17.
Essentials of the Kingdom of GodS.R. Aldridge Romans 14:17
Christian LibertyT.F. Lockyer Romans 14:1-23
Three Laws of Christian LifeC.H. Irwin Romans 14:10-23
Deference to Weak Consciences, not Condemnation of ThemR.M. Edgar Romans 14:13-23
Christianity ApprovedA. Maclaren, D.D.Romans 14:17-18
Distinguishing Marks of the Kingdom of GodRomans 14:17-18
God's KingdomP. Morison.Romans 14:17-18
JoyT. L. Cuyler.Romans 14:17-18
Joy in the Holy GhostJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:17-18
Men's Approbation DesirableT. Robinson, D.D.Romans 14:17-18
Moral Goodness, or True ReligionD. Thomas, D.D.Romans 14:17-18
The Constitution of the Kingdom of GodJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:17-18
The Essentials of ChristianityW. A. Griffiths.Romans 14:17-18
The Ideal Character and ServiceJ. W. Burn.Romans 14:17-18
The Inward and Spiritual Character of the Kingdom of GodR. P. Buddicom, M.A.Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of GodT. Robinson, D.D.Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of GodJ. Leifchild, D.D.Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of God a Kingdom of JoyJ. W. Burn.Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of God a Kingdom of PeaceJ. W. Burn.Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of God is a Soul-KingdomH. W. Beecher.Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of God RighteousnessT. Robinson, D.D., J. W. Burn.Romans 14:17-18
The Spirituality of the Kingdom of GodW. Limont.Romans 14:17-18
True ReligionJosiah Hill.Romans 14:17-18
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Conduct, Consist, Drink, Drinking, Eating, Ghost, Holy, Joy, Kingdom, Matter, Meat, Peace, Reign, Righteousness, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 14:17

     1125   God, righteousness
     2378   kingdom of God, characteristics
     3020   Holy Spirit, joy of
     3025   Holy Spirit, personality
     3203   Holy Spirit, and assurance
     3215   Holy Spirit, and peace
     3233   Holy Spirit, and sanctification
     3254   Holy Spirit, fruit of
     3257   Holy Spirit, gift of
     3278   Holy Spirit, indwelling
     4018   life, spiritual
     6704   peace, divine NT
     7032   unity, God's people
     8117   discipleship, benefits
     8142   religion
     8157   righteousness, as faith
     8164   spirituality

Romans 14:1-18

     6662   freedom, abuse

Romans 14:1-23

     4478   meat

Romans 14:13-22

     8353   tolerance

Romans 14:15-17

     8724   doubt, dealing with

Romans 14:17-18

     6670   grace, and Holy Spirit
     8289   joy, of church
     8460   pleasing God

Romans 14:17-19

     6705   peace, experience

Library
July 25. "He that in These Things Serveth Christ is Acceptable to God" (Rom. xiv. 18).
"He that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God" (Rom. xiv. 18). God can only use us while we are right. Satan cared far less for Peter's denial of his Master than for the use he made of it afterwards to destroy his faith. So Jesus said to him: "I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not." It was Peter's faith he attacked, and so it is our faith that Satan contests. "The trial of our faith is much more precious than gold that perisheth." Whatever else we let go let us hold steadfastly
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Twenty-First Day. Holiness and Happiness.
The kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Ghost.'--Rom. xiv. 17. 'The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. 'Then Nehemiah said, This day is holy unto the Lord: neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled the people, saying, Hold your peace; for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to make great mirth, because they had understood the words.'--Neh. viii. 10-12. The deep significance of
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

December the Fifteenth what is My Tendency?
"Whether we live, we live unto...." --ROMANS xiv. 7-21. Unto what? In what direction are we living? Whither are we going? How do we complete the sentence? "We live unto money!" That is how many would be compelled to finish the record. Money is their goal, and their goal determines their tendency. "We live unto pleasure!" Such would be another popular company. "We live unto fame!" That would be the banner of another regiment. "We live unto ease!" Thus would men and women describe their
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Limits of Liberty
'So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock, or an occasion to fall, in his brother's way. 14. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:17.--For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. In this text we have the earthly revelation of the work of the Trinity. The Kingdom of God is righteousness; that represents the work of the Father. The foundations of His throne are justice and judgment. Then comes the work of the Son: He is our peace, our Shiloh, our rest. The Kingdom of God is peace; not only the peace of pardon for the past, but the peace of perfect assurance
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
There still remain three trumpets, the greatest and most grievous of all, and therefore discriminated from the former by the appellation of Woes. For after the conclusion of the fourth trumpet, "I saw and heard," says he, "an angel flying in the midst of heaven, and saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, which are yet to sound." Also, c. ix. v. 12, and c. xi. v. 14. Doubtless, since the Christian
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

Thus Much Will Suffice to have Treated on Behalf of True Continence against The...
26. Thus much will suffice to have treated on behalf of true Continence against the Manichees deceitfully continent, lest the fruitful and glorious labor of Continence, when it restrains and curbs the lowest part of us, that is, the body, from immoderate and unlawful pleasures, be believed not healthfully to chasten, but hostilely to persecute. Forsooth the body is indeed different from the nature of the soul, yet is it not alien from the nature of man: for the soul is not made up of body, but yet
St. Augustine—On Continence

Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

September 29. "Call not Thou Common" (Acts x. 15).
"Call not thou common" (Acts x. 15). "There is nothing common of itself" (Rom. xiv. 14). We can bring Christ into common things as fully as into what we call religious services. Indeed, it is the highest and hardest application of Divine grace, to bring it down to the ordinary matters of life, and therefore God is far more honored in this than even in things that are more specially sacred. Therefore, in the twelfth chapter of Romans, which is the manual of practical consecration, just after the passage
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the Gospel.
Text: 1 Corinthians 1, 4-9. 4 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; 5 that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge; 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreprovable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom ye were called
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
The divisions of the chapter are,--I. The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires two things, viz., that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely to the service of God; whence it follows, that we must seek not our own things, but the things of God, sec. 1, 2. II. A description of this renovation or Christian life taken from the Epistle to Titus, and accurately explained under certain special heads, sec. 3 to end. 1. ALTHOUGH the Law of God contains
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Further Journeying About Galilee.
^C Luke VIII. 1-3. ^c 1 And it came to pass soon afterwards [ i. e.,. soon after his visit to the Pharisee], that he went about through cities and villages [thus making a thorough circuit of the region of Galilee], preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God [John had preached repentance as a preparation for the kingdom; but Jesus now appears to have preached the kingdom itself, which was indeed to bring good tidings--Rom. xiv. 17 ], and with him the twelve [We here get a glimpse
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom.
(Borders of Samaria and Galilee.) ^C Luke XVII. 11-37. ^c 11 And it came to pass, as they were on their way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. [If our chronology is correct, Jesus passed northward from Ephraim about forty miles, crossing Samaria (here mentioned first), and coming to the border of Galilee. He then turned eastward along that border down the wady Bethshean which separates the two provinces, and crossed the Jordan into Peræa, where we soon
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
THE TORMENTS OF GIANT BAD FEELINGS I am just a bundle of feelings. I never imagined one could have such a variety of them as I am now experiencing. Most of them are bad ones and I am greatly disturbed by them. Really, I doubt whether I am sanctified, on account of the feelings I have. Do sanctified people always feel joyful? I have heard that they do, and if it is true that they do, then I am not sanctified. Big doubts take up company with me every morning, and so long as I feel as I do I do not
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
^C Luke XI. 37-54. ^c 37 Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. [The repast to which Jesus was invited was a morning meal, usually eaten between ten and eleven o'clock. The principal meal of the day was eaten in the evening. Jesus dined with all classes, with publicans and Pharisees, with friends and enemies.] 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner. [The Pharisee marveled at this because
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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