KINGDOM RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND POWER
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” — Romans 14:17 (KJV)
The Kingdom of God is a present spiritual reality into which every believer has been brought through Christ. This Kingdom is not defined by outward rituals, natural appearances, or material things. It is the realm where God’s rule is established in the heart and life of the believer. According to Romans 14:17, this Kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. These are not mere ideas; they are living realities that define the believer’s life under the government of God. Let us take each carefully…
First, the Kingdom of God is righteousness. Through the finished work of Christ, the born-again believer has been made right with God. This righteousness is not earned by human effort or sustained by personal performance; it is a gift received by FAITH (Ephesians 2:8-9). Because of this righteousness, we stand accepted before God, free from condemnation, and empowered to live in fellowship with Him every day of our lives. In this sense, Kingdom righteousness gives us the confidence in approaching God and the boldness to work out His will.
The Kingdom of God is also peace. This peace is more than the mere absence of trouble. Rather, it is the inward rest that flows from being reconciled to God and trusting in His sovereign care. The peace of the Kingdom steadies us in the midst of trials, uncertainties, and pressures. Whilst the world is filled with fear and instability, we can live with calm assurance because the government of God oversees our affairs. It makes me remember a dream my wife had about my positive disposition many years ago. Till this day, that dream continues to serve as a seed towards our God-ordained destination. Kingdom peace guards our heart and mind and keeps us anchored in the promises of God.
The Kingdom is likewise marked by joy and thanksgiving. Joy in the Holy Ghost is not just a happy feeling; it’s the supernatural strength of the Kingdom bubbling up from deep within our soul. This joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It is a holy defiance that says, “I will be joyful regardless of the situation,” because our heart is anchored in something much bigger than our problems. Ha! I know this feeling… When the Holy Spirit fills you, He gives you the divine ability to keep your joy even when life gets heavy, turning your heart into a wellspring of thanksgiving. This kind of life is the very life of God manifesting in you,
Beloved, the Kingdom of God is in you. Walk in the consciousness of your righteousness in Christ. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. Yield yourself to the power of joy in the Holy Spirit. As you do, the reality of the Kingdom will be seen in your life, and God’s nature will be manifested through you.