The Kingdom of God is not in meat and drink
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17, KJV)
Understanding the kingdom of God can be challenging for many believers. The Scriptures offer insights into what constitutes the kingdom of God and what it does not. In Romans 14:17, Paul clearly delineates what the kingdom of God is not: “the kingdom of God is not meat and drink.” But what does this mean?
Context is essential for deciphering the meaning of Scriptures like this one. What might seem trivial to us today was a serious point of contention among Christians in Rome. Debates raged over permissible foods and the observance of holidays. Quarrels about dietary choices or special days were common. As a result, some Christians condemned those who ate certain foods, while others criticized those who abstained. In essence, the type of food eaten was becoming central to their relationship with God, overshadowing the more profound aspects of the faith.
The Apostle Paul, with his characteristic divine wisdom, addresses an important issue in the verse above, stating, “the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17, KJV).
Paul sharply contrasts the external practices of Christianity with its core essence. He emphasizes that dietary habits or the observance of specific holidays do not enhance one’s acceptability to God compared to another who might not adhere to the same practices. Instead, God values righteousness, peace, and joy—qualities produced by His Spirit within us.
It is crucial to recognize that food and drink symbolize the physical and natural aspects of life, often referred to as the “flesh” (not in the sinful sense). God’s kingdom transcends these earthly concerns. As Jesus Himself declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36, KJV)
Unlike earthly kingdoms focused on material and transient matters, God’s kingdom is rooted in righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit. This differentiation is vital: the kingdom is not about our earthly realm but about a divine realm. It’s not concerned with our dietary choices but with how we live out righteousness, experience joy, and foster peace.
Astoundingly, while the kingdom is not of this world, it operates within it. God’s expectation is that our choices, including what we eat and drink, should reflect righteousness and promote peace among us, without contention. The kingdom’s influence is evident in every aspect of our lives—through our daily actions, interactions with others, our food, attire, occupations, and whether we are involved in government or ministry. The kingdom permeates every facet of our earthly existence, though it originates from a heavenly realm.
God isn’t concerned with whether you prefer steak or vegetables, but it matters to Him if your choices harm your body or offend others.
Kingdom men and women live righteously in their homes and communities, are filled with joy regardless of circumstances, and maintain peace with others wherever possible. Let God’s kingdom be evident through you today, wherever you are.
Meditate
Pause and reflect on the meaning of Romans 14:17 in the context of this devotional.
Apply the Word
Can you understand why the specifics of food and drink are insignificant, yet how they play a significant role? God is particularly attentive to the impact of our actions on others. He calls us to manifest His kingdom in every aspect of daily life—what we eat, drink, wear, where we work, and who our friends are. Let righteousness, joy, and peace prevail in your environment.
Pray
Ask the Father to help you embody the values of a kingdom believer, transcending mere religious observance.
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–Did Paul disagree with Jesus?:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-19 KJV
–Did the beloved disciple just not understand the “new covenant” like Paul did?:
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
1 John 5:2-3 KJV
…or maybe Paul has simply been terribly misunderstood (misrepresented)…just as he was even in his own time:
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
2 Peter 3:15-17 KJV
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 3:31 KJV
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Romans 7:22-23 KJV
… just something to consider. Blessings!
Anon, thanks for leaving those thoughtful comments!
The short answer to the question is: no, Paul did not disagree with Jesus!
I want to ensure I understand the context of your question correctly before proceeding….
What I get from your comment that Paul’s words used in this devotional that the kingdom of God is not in meat and drink appears to be in disagreement with what Jesus said that He did not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it. Is this corrupt? I want to ensure I am responding appropriately to your comments. Please let me know if I have understood you correctly. Thank you.Blessings there too!