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I. THE IDEAL CHARACTER.

1. Righteousness. This is characteristic of the man who is right —

(1) With God.

(a)  Through justifying faith.

(b)  By a sanctified experience.

(2) With man through a dutiful fulfilment of the obligations of every human relationship.

(3)  With both in thought, resolve, word, deed.

2. Peace. This marks the man who —

(1)  Has made his peace with God.

(2)  Is at peace with man.

(3)  Has a peaceful mind.

3. Joy. This —

(1)  Flows from the other two.

(2)  Wells up from a grateful heart.

(3)  Streams over in a glad and beneficent life.

II. THE IDEAL SERVICE.

1. In these things we serve Christ. Christ's work is to make us righteous, etc. "We are His workman. ship created in Christ Jesus." When we work out what He works in we are workers together with Him and so serve Him. What shall we say about the man who professes to be the servant of Christ, and is unrighteous, quarrelsome, or morose? These characteristics defeat Christ's end in the world, and bring dishonour on his Master's name and cause.

2. In these things we are —

(1) Acceptable to God. Because —

(a) They are conformable to His own nature. He is the righteous Father, the God of Peace, the blessed God.

(b) They accomplish His design in creation, providence, and grace.

(2) Approved of men, even when unacceptable in the case of bad men. The natural conscience is compelled even when depraved to silently applaud what is righteous, etc.

(J. W. Burn.)

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

WEB: for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.