Romans 14:17-19

A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 102 Chapter 14:1 – 15:13

“The Believers relationship one toward another.” - Part 5 14:17 - 19

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Verse 17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
1. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink…”

a. I would to God that some Christians would understand that the Kingdom of God is not about all these minor differences that we have.

b. I will be judged for my belief and actions and all other will be judged like wise.

c. Our biggest concern should be the salvation of the lost, not external ordnances

d. Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

e. Some Christians let the smallest things separate them from fellowship; In heaven we will all believe the same doctrine, there will be no difference.

2. “…but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” These are gifts of the Holy Spirit; therefore we will carry them with us to Heaven. These little differences we will leave behind.

a. Thank God in Heaven we will not have to argue about every little detail. Some folks want to argue about every thing not believed or supported their way, beloved there are things that simply are not worth the time to argue about.

b. How can we enjoy unity in Christ if we let every detail separate us. Thank God we will one day understand these gifts of the Holy Sprit.

c. Isaiah 45:24 "Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed." The word “incensed” means – blazed up or angered against.

2. Verse 18 “For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.”
1. The most important thing for a Christian is to serve Christ, we do not serve men therefore it truly does not matter what men thinks, they are not our judge.

a. This is why I do not let too many men get under my skin, their just men and I am not serving them. They will not be my judge, therefore if they want to break fellowship because my life or worship does not suit them then so be it.

b. It is these fruits that cause us to worship Jesus Christ, righteousness, peace, and joy, if we have these fruits then we are worshiping Christ and our worship is acceptable to God.

c. Romans 6:22 "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."

d. 1 Peter 2:19 - 20 "For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. (20.) For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

2. “…and approved of men.” We should not concern ourselves with men but rather God. If we do the right things for Christ men will accept them as righteous, we sometimes worry too much what men think, don’t serve the Lord and man’s praise will follow.
3. 2 Corinthians 8:21 “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”
2. Verse 19 “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
1. “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace…”

a. Let us find common ground with our brother and sisters in Christ, instead of looking for something to disagree about let us find things we agree on. In other words nit picking is not allowed.

b. We are all brethren in Christ let us search for peace and harmony among the brethren.

c. Psalms 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

d. Psalms 34:13-15 "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. (14.) Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. (15.) The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."

2. "...and things wherewith one may edify another.”

a. This should be every Christians goal toward another, look for things to edify one another. Sounds better than trying to cut each other apart.

b. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (12.) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (13.) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. (14.) Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."