RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND ASSURANCE
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17)
In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul discusses issues of conscience and how Christians should handle differences in personal convictions, particularly concerning dietary practices and observing special days. He emphasized that Christians should not judge or cause others to stumble over matters of food and drink, which are secondary, compared to the more important aspects of the Kingdom of God.
No wonder he concluded in Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” This is remarkable; it tells us what the Kingdom is about— righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! This is what your life should be like every day; the effusion and manifestation of His righteousness, peace and joy.
It reminds of something beautiful that the Bible says in Isaiah 32:17, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” This is wonderful! So, first, the work of righteousness is peace; peace in your life, such that no matter what happens, you’re unperturbed, full of confidence, eternal joy, comfort, prosperity and rest.
Also, observe that it doesn’t say that the effect of this righteousness from the Kingdom of God is quietness and assurance for just two weeks, no; it’s forever! The 18th verse says, “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” While this prophecy points to what Israel will fully experience in the millennial reign of Christ, this is a present-hour reality for us in Christ today. We dwell in Christ; that is our peaceable habitation, our sure dwelling and quiet resting place. You have quietness, safety and security forever because of the righteousness of God given to us in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of righteousness, which brings peace, quietness and assurance forever. I walk in the light as a child of light, lambent and luminous. I dwell in a peaceable habitation, secure, safe and at rest forever. Thank you for the eternal joy I have in the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 85:9-10, Isaiah 32:16-18 NIV, Romans 5:1
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:53-72, Numbers 29-31
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 22:1-14, Exodus 20
