Romans 14:17

 

Romans 14:17

The Kingdom of God

 

Rom 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 

        1.      The Kingdom of God is not a Physical Kingdom

a.       What is the Kingdom of God?

                                                              i.      If the Kingdom of God were physical in its nature Christianity would be no different than any other religion – simply a new ethic, in a new package.

1.      The Kingdom of God is:

a.       Not comprehendible by the world

                                                                                                                                      i.      John 1:10 

b.      Is only attainable by a new birth

                                                                                                                                      i.      John 3:5 

c.       Is not accessible by the unsaved

                                                                                                                                      i.      Matthew 5:20 

d.      Has no connection to the kingdoms of the earth

                                                                                                                                      i.      John 18:36 

e.       Is advanced by the proclamation of the truth

                                                                                                                                      i.      Mark 1:14-15 

f.        Is only for the humble

                                                                                                                                      i.      Matthew 5:3 

b.      Your entrance into the Kingdom of God is not dependent on your dietary habits.

                                                              i.      While I am not going to tell what you should decide regarding wine, here are some things to think about

1.      Jesus turned water into wine

a.       John 2:10 

2.      Jesus served wine for communion

a.       Matthew 26:27 

3.      Wine is a picture of our salvation

a.       Isaiah 55:1 

4.      Wine is a picture of God blessings

a.       Joel 3:18 

5.      Wine will be served at the marriage supper of the Lamb

a.       Matthew 26:29 

                                                            ii.      Does this mean you should partake?

1.      Drunkenness is forbidden

a.       Ephesians 5:18 

2.      Elders should practice moderation

a.       1 Timothy 3:3 

3.      Deacons should practice moderation

a.       1 Timothy 3:8 

4.      Abstinence is a personal conviction

a.       The Nazarite Vow

                                                                                                                                      i.      Luke 1:15 

b.      Daniel

                                                                                                                                      i.      Daniel 1:8 

           2.      The Kingdom of God is Spiritual Kingdom

a.       Righteousness

                                                              i.      Righteousness is a gift from God

1.      Romans 3:22 

                                                            ii.      Which should create a pursuit of righteousness in the life of the believer

1.      You must flee youthful lust

a.       2 Timothy 2:22 

2.      You must yield to the fruit of righteousness

a.       Hebrews 12:11 

3.      You must sow righteousness

a.       Galatians 6:8 

4.      You must be filled with Christ

a.       Philippians 1:11 

b.      Peace

                                                              i.      You have been given peace with God

1.      Romans 5:1 

                                                            ii.      Which produces the peace of God

1.      Philippians 4:6-7 

c.       Joy      

                                                              i.      Does your salvation move you? If there is no emotion when you think of what Christ did for you, one must wonder if you truly understand what He has done.

1.      1 Peter 1:8 

d.      In the power of the Holy Spirit

                                                              i.      Galatians 5:22-25