Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
In this chapter of Romans, Paul is confronting some conflicts in that church. People were arguing over what foods you can eat and not eat, and they were arguing over different days of the week and which ones were most holy. The point Paul is making is: don't get so caught up in these external rules that you're missing the point, that you're missing the main thing. The reminder Paul is giving them is that the Kingdom of God is not primarily about do's and don'ts. Christianity is not just about keeping a list of don'ts—don't eat this, don't do that, don't go there.
Righteousness, Peace, and Joy
Obedience matters to a Christian. But the essence of the Kingdom is not found in some sort of checklist of external behaviors. What is it about? What is Christianity about? What is being a child of God about? Paul is saying here it's found in three things: righteousness, peace, and joy. Notice where they all come from: he says, "in the Holy Spirit." First, righteousness. That is not your righteousness or my righteousness. It is not our own effort. This is the righteousness of God, given to us, that leads to a life that pleases Him. Then peace—that is reconciliation with God. We were not at peace with God, but now we've been saved by Christ and reconciled to Him. Now we're at peace with God, which also leads us to be at peace with many others. Then finally, joy—a deep-rooted gladness in God that is not dependent on my circumstances. That's what the Christian life is about.
The Kingdom Is a Matter of the Heart
Let me read this quote from Martyn Lloyd-Jones: "The Kingdom of God is a matter of the heart. It is a spiritual reality. If your religion is merely a matter of following certain rules and observing certain customs, you have missed the heart of the matter. The kingdom is Christ reigning in the soul, producing fruit that the world cannot give." Don't let your faith get characterized by do's and don'ts. Rather, focus on the King and the fruit that His Spirit produces in you.
































































































