Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.… is — I. THE REIGN OF GOD IS THE SOUL. The reign — 1. Of reality, in contradistinction to that of appearance. 2. Of spirit, in contradistinction to that of matter. 3. Of love, in contradistinction to that of selfishness. 4. Of the absolute, in contradistinction to the reign of the contingent and fleeting. II. A SPIRITUAL SERVICE RENDERED TO CHRIST (ver. 18). Not in meat, drink, and mere ceremonies, but in spiritual exercises. "Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." To serve Christ is the grand end of being; to serve Christ is to serve in the highest sense your own interests, the good of the universe, and the will of God. III. THE HIGHEST GLORY OF MAN. It ensures two things — 1. The favour of God. "Acceptable to God." To please God — what is higher than this? To have His smile, to enjoy His friendship and fellowship. 2. The favour of men. "Approved of men." Christly goodness commands the involuntary homage of all consciences. (D. Thomas, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. |
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