The Key Virtues Of The Lord's Kingdom

In comparing Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 11:6-9, Micah 4:1-4, we see the coming kingdom of the Lord dramatically portrayed, as a kingdom of peace. In Romans 14:17, Paul adds two other key virtues of the kingdom, righteousness and joy.

1) The first essential virtue of the Lord’s kingdom is “righteousness.” All the commandments of God are “righteousness” (Psalm 119:172 KJV), and thus are the basis for righteousness. If folks would obey the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39), it would eliminate all lying, stealing, adultery, hatred, etc., and true biblical love would then exist (Romans 15:1-3; Colossians 3:1-15).

2) The second essential virtue of the kingdom is “peace.” Christ calls us to be “peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). As Christians, we serve the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and the “God of peace” (Romans 16:20). Christians proclaim the “gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15 KJV).

3) The third essential virtue of the kingdom is “joy.” When sincere brotherly love is displayed, there is joy among brethren (Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 1:22).

Additionally, Paul states that all three of the essential virtues are “in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 ESV), or in the teachings of the Holy Spirit (Galations 5:22; Ephesians 5:9,18; Colossians 3:16). Paul goes on to say in Romans 14:18, that when one serves Christ emphasizing the three above essential virtues, he is “acceptable to God, and approved of men.”

Not only does God accept Christians who display these virtues, but these virtues are also generally held in high esteem by folks who lead good moral lives (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:18-21). What a beautiful word portrait Paul paints for us regarding the kingdom (church) of our Lord, illustrating the beautiful peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7; cf. Colossians 3:15) through Christ, our Lord.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets