The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace and joy
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17 KJV).
What is the kingdom of God? The scripture above defines it for us: it is the reign of God’s righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit! The word “reign” means to exercise kingly power, to rule, dominate and control. The kingdom of God is the territory where His divine virtues, such as righteousness, joy, and peace, are in absolute control, and visibly manifested in their fullness.
Think about that for a few moments. Imagine a nation where there is not a trace of wrong-doing, because righteousness is in absolute control. No one is depressed, or overwhelmed by sorrow or anxiety, because peace and joy are in dominion. How marvelous that nation will be! That nation exists right now. Peter described it when he said “but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Pet. 2:9 KJV). That nation is the people of God- you and me!
God has designed your life to be the manifestation of sovereign righteousness, love, peace, and joy. When Jesus returns, after the church is raptured, He will establish His physical reign from Jerusalem, in Israel, in righteousness. How cool will that be! However, the Church reigns right now in the spiritual kingdom.
MEDITATE
Who- or what- is currently reigning in the world right now? Declare that “The kingdom of God is within me, and I refuse to be subject to the sin, sickness, fear, and oppression that are reigning in the world today!”
APPLY THE WORD
You are in the kingdom of God right now. Learn to enjoy your kingdom benefits. Learn to rule and exercise kingly authority over your circumstances.
PRAY
Thank the Lord for making you a priest and a king. Pray that the Spirit will help you subdue, and have dominion over every circumstance in your life.
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