Three Signs You Are Reigning in Christ (Pt 3)

Daily Devotion | Day 303

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17, NKJV).

The Holy Spirit is a spirit of joy. Where He goes, joy flows. Therefore, to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be filled with joy. Joy is life. Joy is an expression of the glory of God in our lives. Jesus wants us to have the fullness of life as well as the fullness of joy. He made this clear in the Gospel of John. About life, He said, “I have come that they [believers] may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (10:10). And regarding joy, He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (15:11). Fullness of joy is related to fullness of life, and Jesus wants us to have both.

Notice that Jesus talks about His joy. This refers to the joy He uniquely possesses as the Son of God. This tells us that the joy Jesus has in mind is no ordinary joy. His joy is of divine origin. In short, it is the joy of God. And, it is this joy that He imparts (as a gift) to us. That we possess and express this joy is important to Jesus. The reason is simple. Joy is evidence of dominion. It is a sign that we are abiding and reigning in Christ. It is an expression of the victorious resurrection life at work in us. Therefore, joy is a form of Christian witness. A joyless witness is no witness at all.

Furthermore, joy is a strong indicator that we are the tabernacle of the Holy Spirit. No wonder Paul wrote, “The kingdom of God is . . . joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).  As we noted earlier, the Holy Spirit is a spirit of joy. As He dwells in us, He ensures that we have a constant and abundant supply of Jesus’ joy. He, the Holy Spirit, is the river of joy flowing incessantly within us (John 7:37-39). As the river of joy flows through us, it renews our strength. It gives us power to endure affliction joyfully and to overcome every attack of satan. Our joy signals to the devil that we have overcome and he is defeated. Glory to the Father for giving us His Holy Spirit!

As we bring the current series to a close, let’s summarize the main points. Righteousness is everything. It is the essence of life in the Spirit. It is the defining attribute of the kingdom of God. By righteousness alone are we able to reign in Christ. And, peace and joy are the natural effects of righteousness (Isaiah 32:16-17). Let’s take our rightful place in God’s kingdom. Let us reign.

Blessing: May your life be a testimony of righteousness, lasting peace and fullness of joy. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

For further study: Psalm 98:1-9 and 1 Peter 1:1-9