Embracing Heavenly Rewards: Our Ultimate Inheritance in God

In our journey as believers, the concept of future rewards often stirs mixed emotions. Some may feel it's selfish or inappropriate to focus on heavenly rewards, yet Scripture is clear that God is not hesitant to speak of them. Our heavenly Father uses the promise of rewards to motivate us, as seen throughout the Bible. From the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the theme of reward is prevalent. Isaiah speaks of God's reward coming with Him, and Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, frequently mentions heavenly rewards to encourage perseverance through trials.

Jesus assures us that even the smallest acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water, will not go unrewarded. This promise extends to the end of the age, where our works will be evaluated at the judgment seat of Christ. This is not a judgment of salvation but of reward, where our service will be tested by fire to reveal its true value. Our motives and the purity of our service will determine what remains.

Rewards in heaven are multifaceted. They include what remains after our works are tested, responsibilities in the age to come, and crowns of victory and royalty. These rewards are not just for personal glory but are ultimately for the glory of God. We are encouraged to guard our rewards, ensuring that nothing robs us of the crown that awaits us.

The greatest reward, however, is God Himself. Our ultimate inheritance is the unhindered fellowship with our Creator, the joy of His presence, and the fulfillment of our deepest spiritual desires. In a profound mystery, we are also God's inheritance, His reward. Despite our spiritual poverty, God invests in us, making us rich in love, wisdom, and glory.

As we serve, let us keep our focus on the eternal, knowing that our labor is not in vain. We are building a heavenly reward, and our service is a testament to God's amazing work in us. Let us continue to serve with zeal, storing up treasures in heaven, and looking forward to the day when we will fully experience the joy of our reward in God's presence.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Heavenly Rewards as Motivation: God uses the promise of heavenly rewards to motivate us to endure trials and serve faithfully. This is not selfish but a biblical encouragement to focus on eternal outcomes rather than earthly recognition. [06:12]
• 2. Judgment Seat of Christ: Our works will be evaluated at the judgment seat of Christ, where the true value of our service will be revealed. This judgment is not about salvation but about the reward, emphasizing the importance of pure motives and genuine service. [19:27]
• 3. Diverse Aspects of Reward: Rewards in heaven include what remains after testing, responsibilities in the age to come, and crowns of victory. These rewards are not for personal glory but for the glory of God, encouraging us to serve with humility and dedication. [28:44]
• 4. God as Our Greatest Reward: The ultimate reward is God Himself, our inheritance and portion. This unhindered fellowship with God fulfills our deepest spiritual desires and is the true essence of heaven. [34:28]
• 5. We Are God's Inheritance: In a profound mystery, we are also God's inheritance, His reward. Despite our spiritual poverty, God invests in us, making us rich in love, wisdom, and glory, highlighting His amazing work in us. [39:11]
  ** [39:11]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - Opening Remarks
• [00:50] - Request for Prayer
• [02:49] - Introduction to Future Rewards
• [03:04] - Mixed Feelings About Rewards
• [04:23] - Biblical Promises of Reward
• [05:54] - Jesus on Heavenly Rewards
• [07:38] - Assurance of Reward
• [08:23] - Full Reward Concept
• [10:32] - Playing for Eternity
• [12:45] - Serving Heartily for the Lord
• [14:00] - Avoiding Man-Pleasing
• [15:09] - Individual Rewards
• [18:08] - Aspects of Reward
• [19:27] - Judgment Seat of Christ
• [23:39] - Responsibility in the Age to Come
• [28:44] - Crown as a Reward
• [32:59] - Guarding Our Reward
• [34:28] - The Greatest Reward: God Himself
• [39:11] - We Are God's Inheritance
• [41:14] - Encouragement to Keep Serving

1. Isaiah 40:10 - "Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him."
2. Matthew 5:11-12 - "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
3. Revelation 22:12 - "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."

1. According to Isaiah 40:10, what does the passage say about God's reward and His work? How does this relate to the concept of recompense mentioned in the sermon? [05:24]
2. In Matthew 5:11-12, what does Jesus promise to those who are persecuted for His sake? How does this promise serve as motivation for believers? [06:12]
3. Revelation 22:12 speaks of Jesus coming quickly with His reward. How does this passage emphasize the urgency and certainty of heavenly rewards? [07:38]
4. How does the sermon describe the judgment seat of Christ, and what is its purpose according to 1 Corinthians 3:12-15? [19:27]

1. How does the promise of heavenly rewards in Matthew 5:11-12 encourage believers to endure trials and persecution? What might this look like in a believer's life today? [06:12]
2. The sermon mentions that our works will be tested by fire at the judgment seat of Christ. What does this mean for the quality and motives of our service? [19:27]
3. In what ways does the concept of God as our greatest reward, as mentioned in Genesis 15:1, shape our understanding of what it means to live a life focused on eternity? [34:28]
4. How does the idea that we are also God's inheritance, as mentioned in Ephesians 1:18, impact our view of our relationship with God and our value in His eyes? [39:11]

1. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did the promise of heavenly rewards influence your response, if at all? How might it change your perspective in future situations? [06:12]
2. Consider your current service or ministry. Are there areas where your motives might not align with the pure intentions described in the sermon? How can you address this? [21:34]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding our rewards. What practical steps can you take to ensure that nothing robs you of the crown that awaits you? [32:59]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for God as your ultimate reward in your daily life? What specific practices or habits could help you focus more on His presence? [34:28]
5. In what ways can you remind yourself that you are God's inheritance and that He finds value in you? How does this truth affect your self-worth and identity? [39:11]
6. Identify one area of your life where you feel unappreciated. How can the assurance of eternal reward help you persevere and find joy in serving despite this feeling? [17:33]
7. Think of a small act of kindness you can do this week, like giving a cup of cold water. How can you do this with the mindset that even the smallest acts are remembered by God? [06:56]