What is the meaning of Romans 14:17? For the kingdom of God • “For the kingdom of God” speaks of God’s rule now experienced through Christ and ultimately fulfilled when Jesus returns (Matthew 6:33; Mark 1:15). • Luke 17:20-21 reminds us, “the kingdom of God is in your midst,” underscoring that this reign is already active in believers. • The verse plants our feet firmly in God’s realm rather than human traditions; everything that follows describes its true character. Is not a matter of eating and drinking • External rituals—what we put on the table or leave off—cannot define life under God’s rule (Colossians 2:16-17; 1 Corinthians 8:8). • Paul had just addressed believers judging one another over food scruples; here he lifts their eyes above the menu to the Master. • Hebrews 13:9 warns, “It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods,” echoing the same heartbeat. But of righteousness • In the kingdom, right standing with God comes first. “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • This righteousness is received by faith, not earned by diet (Philippians 3:9). • It is also lived out—Matthew 5:20 calls us to a righteousness that surpasses religious performance and flows from a transformed heart. Peace • Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). His kingdom delivers freedom from guilt before God and unity with fellow believers (Ephesians 2:14). • When righteousness is settled, peace follows: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). • Peace here is both vertical (reconciliation with God) and horizontal (harmony with others over debatable matters). And joy in the Holy Spirit • Joy crowns the kingdom life. It is Spirit-produced, not circumstance-dependent (Galatians 5:22). • Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). • Even in trials, believers “rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8) because the Spirit continually testifies that we belong to God. • Notice the trio: righteousness (foundation), peace (result), joy (overflow)—all energized “in the Holy Spirit,” not human effort. summary Romans 14:17 lifts the debate about food to a higher plane: God’s kingdom is defined not by dietary rules but by the Spirit-empowered realities of righteousness, peace, and joy. When these qualities govern our relationships, secondary issues lose their power to divide, and the reign of Christ becomes visible among His people. |
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