There are no religious substitutes for the reality of this order of life. As Paul wrote here, he was laboring with a problem, for everywhere he turned he found opponents to the message of Christ’s kingdom joys. His most ardent enemies weren’t Roman soldiers or the Roman government, but a strange breed of religious die-hards. They knew the true God but hated the refreshing liberty of Holy Spirit-filled living Paul was preaching.
They kept imposing ritual requirements related to the Mosaic code—issues concerning certain ”eating and drinking“ stipulations. Paul wasn’t arguing for undisciplined living but simply for unsaddled souls! In effect, he says, ”God’s kingdom isn’t in the trappings of tradition, but His rule brings His right ways (righteousness), His mighty ways (peace) and His bright ways (joy). Let’s all open fully to such fullness—and to His kingdom’s expansion in our souls.
The kingdom of God is … righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
- Taken from http://www.jackhayford.org/teaching/devotional/-