Romans 14:17

Introduction

“Joy is found in Jesus and what he has done for us,

not found in our circumstances.”

1. The Kingdom of God

v.17 – “The Kingdom of God is…”

The kingdom of God is the sphere of salvation where God rules as King in the hearts of those He has saved.

What really counts in the kingdom of God is not EXTERNAL REGULATIONS but ETERNAL REALITIES.

Righteousness - here is not referring so much to our righteous standing (justification) but our righteous walking (sanctification).

Peace – Not just peace with God, but peace with your brother and sister

Joy in the Holy Spirit -  Dependence on the Holy Spirit is the only way we can enjoy righteousness, peace and joy in this fallen world. 

“Someone who is right with God and at peace with his brother will have joy. It's the personal joy of knowing God and experiencing forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love. It's the happy life of salvation that rejoices in everything. We want the watching world to see Christians as those who are righteous, at peace, and filled with joy.” John McArthur

1. Joy in The Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Joy – chara – a delight in God for the sheer beauty and worth of who He is and what He has done for us.

Our joy is never ending because our joy is the One who never ends.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 ESV

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11 ESV

• Joy In All Circumstances

Joy is a deep confidence that was rooted in God’s sovereign control of the universe, His unchanging divine promises and eternal spiritual realities including the assurance of ultimate victory for those in Christ.

Christʼs joy outside of circumstances:

“...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17,18

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…” James 1:2

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

1. Conclusion