WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.200
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness,

2
00:00:05.200 --> 00:00:07.600
peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

3
00:00:07.600 --> 00:00:09.600
Romans 14.7

4
00:00:09.600 --> 00:00:13.320
Paul wrote this in the middle of settling an argument about food.

5
00:00:13.320 --> 00:00:16.880
The church was fighting over what people could eat and couldn't eat, and he stopped them

6
00:00:16.880 --> 00:00:20.840
with a reminder that the kingdom is bigger than their rules.

7
00:00:20.840 --> 00:00:25.200
Then look at what he lists—righteousness, peace, and joy.

8
00:00:25.200 --> 00:00:29.620
Joy made the short list of what God's kingdom actually consists of.

9
00:00:29.620 --> 00:00:34.300
Most of us treat joy like it's a bonus feature, something that shows up when the rest of life

10
00:00:34.300 --> 00:00:35.300
cooperates.

11
00:00:35.300 --> 00:00:39.100
But Paul treats it like it's a load-bearing wall.

12
00:00:39.100 --> 00:00:45.100
It belongs to life under God's rule, right alongside being made right with Him and being

13
00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:47.040
at peace with Him.

14
00:00:47.040 --> 00:00:51.040
And catch those last words—in the Holy Spirit.

15
00:00:51.040 --> 00:00:57.260
The Holy Spirit grows joy in you, and your part is just staying close to Him.

16
00:00:57.260 --> 00:01:02.260
Here's what I want you to do today—ask the Holy Spirit to grow joy in you this week.

17
00:01:02.260 --> 00:01:03.260
Let's see what happens.