Heavenly Rewards: Faithfulness, Humility, and Eternal Joy

 

Summary

In this week's talk, we explored the profound concept of rewards in heaven, a topic that often stirs curiosity and debate among believers. The journey began with a reflection on the original reward God bestowed upon humanity: intimate fellowship with Him in the Garden of Eden. This relationship was fractured by sin, leading to humanity's banishment from God's presence. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, the ultimate reward of eternal life and restored fellowship with God is made available to us.

The discussion delved into the nature of rewards, emphasizing that while salvation is a gift of grace, there are additional rewards in heaven based on our earthly lives. These rewards are not about earning salvation but are a reflection of our faithfulness and humility in serving God and others. The analogy of living in the days of Noah illustrated the desperation for salvation and the gratitude for any place in God's kingdom, even if it means being in the humblest position.

Scripture passages such as Matthew 5:11-12 and Luke 12:33 were highlighted to show that our actions and sacrifices for Christ's sake are recognized and rewarded in heaven. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 further illustrated that God rewards those who faithfully use their gifts for His kingdom. The concept of humility was underscored as a key to receiving these rewards, with a reminder that true humility is about thinking of ourselves less and serving others more.

The talk concluded with a metaphor of different-sized jars representing the rewards each believer will receive in heaven. Each jar, filled to the brim, symbolizes the unique and just rewards God will bestow upon us, tailored to our lives and service. This imagery serves as a reminder that while our jars may differ in size, the fullness of God's reward will bring us joy and contentment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Restoration Through Christ: Humanity's original reward of fellowship with God was lost due to sin, but through Jesus' sacrifice, we are restored to this relationship. This ultimate reward of eternal life is a gift of grace, not earned by works, but by faith in Christ's redemptive act. [03:06]

2. The Nature of Heavenly Rewards: While salvation is a gift, additional rewards in heaven are based on our faithfulness and service. These rewards are not about earning salvation but reflect our humility and dedication to God's kingdom. [06:44]

3. Humility as a Path to Reward: True humility involves thinking of ourselves less and serving others more. This selflessness is key to receiving heavenly rewards, as it aligns our hearts with God's will and purpose. [14:09]

4. The Parable of the Talents: The parable illustrates that God rewards those who faithfully use their gifts for His kingdom. Our actions on earth have eternal significance, and God recognizes and rewards our faithfulness. [12:44]

5. Unique and Just Rewards: The metaphor of different-sized jars filled to the brim represents the unique and just rewards each believer will receive in heaven. God's rewards are tailored to our lives and service, bringing us joy and contentment. [17:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to the Series
- [00:31] - The Concept of Rewards
- [01:15] - Original Reward in Eden
- [02:13] - The Fall and Loss of Reward
- [03:06] - Restoration Through Jesus
- [04:25] - Analogy of Noah's Time
- [05:41] - Better to Be in God's Kingdom
- [06:27] - Rewards Beyond Salvation
- [07:14] - Planting and Watering
- [08:03] - Grace vs. Works
- [09:06] - The Bronze Serpent Story
- [10:28] - Jesus' Teachings on Rewards
- [12:13] - Parable of the Talents
- [14:09] - True Humility
- [15:05] - Taking the Last Place
- [16:13] - The Metaphor of the Jars
- [18:33] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:11-12
2. Luke 12:33
3. Matthew 25:14-30

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Matthew 5:11-12 say about the rewards for those who are persecuted for Christ's sake? How does this relate to the concept of heavenly rewards discussed in the sermon? [10:43]

2. In Luke 12:33, Jesus talks about an "inexhaustible treasure in heaven." What actions does He encourage to store up this treasure, and how does this connect to the sermon’s message about rewards? [11:35]

3. How does the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 illustrate the idea of being rewarded for faithfulness? What were the different outcomes for the servants based on their actions? [12:13]

4. The sermon mentioned a metaphor of different-sized jars representing rewards in heaven. How does this imagery help us understand the nature of heavenly rewards? [16:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of humility, as described in the sermon, align with the teachings of Jesus in Luke 14:8-10 about taking the last place at a feast? What does this suggest about the nature of true humility? [15:05]

2. The sermon emphasized that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works. How does this understanding impact the way believers view their actions and service on earth? [08:18]

3. In what ways does the parable of the talents challenge believers to use their gifts for God's kingdom? How does this relate to the idea of eternal significance mentioned in the sermon? [12:44]

4. The sermon used the analogy of living in the days of Noah to illustrate desperation for salvation. How does this analogy help believers appreciate their place in God's kingdom, even in humble positions? [04:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt persecuted or misunderstood for your faith. How can the promise of a great reward in heaven, as mentioned in Matthew 5:11-12, encourage you in similar situations? [10:43]

2. Jesus encourages selling possessions and giving to charity in Luke 12:33. What is one practical step you can take this week to store up treasure in heaven by serving others? [11:35]

3. Consider the gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use them more effectively for His kingdom, as illustrated in the parable of the talents? What specific action can you take this week? [12:13]

4. The sermon highlighted the importance of humility. Identify an area in your life where you can practice thinking of yourself less and serving others more. What changes can you make to cultivate true humility? [14:09]

5. The metaphor of different-sized jars suggests that God's rewards are unique and just. How does this perspective change the way you view your service and contributions to God's kingdom? [16:13]

6. Reflect on the analogy of living in the days of Noah. How does this story inspire gratitude for your place in God's kingdom, regardless of your position? What can you do to express this gratitude in your daily life? [04:25]

7. The sermon mentioned the importance of pushing away selfish mindsets. What is one specific mindset or attitude you want to change to align more closely with God's will and purpose? [18:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Restoration Through Christ
Through Jesus' sacrifice, humanity's original reward of intimate fellowship with God is restored. In the Garden of Eden, humanity enjoyed a perfect relationship with God, which was lost due to sin. However, Jesus' redemptive act on the cross offers us the ultimate reward of eternal life and restored fellowship with God. This gift of grace is not something we can earn through our works but is received through faith in Christ. As believers, we are called to embrace this restored relationship and live in the light of His grace. [03:06]

"For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and celebrate the restored relationship with God in your daily life today?


Day 2: The Nature of Heavenly Rewards
While salvation is a gift of grace, additional rewards in heaven are based on our faithfulness and service. These rewards are not about earning salvation but reflect our humility and dedication to God's kingdom. Our actions and sacrifices for Christ's sake are recognized and rewarded in heaven, as illustrated in passages like Matthew 5:11-12 and Luke 12:33. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 further emphasizes that God rewards those who faithfully use their gifts for His kingdom. [06:44]

"Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done." (1 Corinthians 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: What specific gifts or talents has God given you, and how can you use them to serve His kingdom today?


Day 3: Humility as a Path to Reward
True humility involves thinking of ourselves less and serving others more. This selflessness is key to receiving heavenly rewards, as it aligns our hearts with God's will and purpose. Humility is not about diminishing our worth but about recognizing the value of others and serving them with love and grace. By embodying humility, we reflect Christ's character and open ourselves to the rewards God has prepared for us in heaven. [14:09]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility today by putting others' needs before your own?


Day 4: The Parable of the Talents
The parable of the talents illustrates that God rewards those who faithfully use their gifts for His kingdom. Our actions on earth have eternal significance, and God recognizes and rewards our faithfulness. This parable encourages us to be diligent and proactive in using the resources and opportunities God has given us to further His kingdom. It reminds us that our faithfulness in small things can lead to greater responsibilities and rewards in God's eternal plan. [12:44]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small step you can take today to be a faithful steward of the gifts God has entrusted to you?


Day 5: Unique and Just Rewards
The metaphor of different-sized jars filled to the brim represents the unique and just rewards each believer will receive in heaven. God's rewards are tailored to our lives and service, bringing us joy and contentment. This imagery serves as a reminder that while our jars may differ in size, the fullness of God's reward will bring us joy and contentment. It encourages us to focus on our personal journey with God, trusting that He knows and rewards our efforts in His perfect way. [17:11]

"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." (Hebrews 6:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you find contentment in the unique path and rewards God has set for you, rather than comparing yourself to others?

Quotes

"Jesus suffered the wrath of God to take away your punishment and He restored your reward, your original reward which God gave you out of the goodness of his own heart to have fellowship with you to be for you to be his child in in in the world and so this ultimate reward when we when we talk about rewards we cannot miss this part right here because the ultimate reward is to have eternal life with him forever God restored you back to the kingdom back to the Garden." [00:03:03]

"So what is it that brings us into this reward of eternal life with God it is Jesus' sacrifice on the cross period end of story so when we talk about rewards that is the ultimate reward um this may or may not be a good example I'm just going to throw it out there I think it's interesting to think about so let's say you lived in the days of Noah." [00:04:02]

"The idea here being that it is better to be a door holder in the Kingdom of Heaven than to be a governor in the in the world of wickedness you understand so my point is the ultimate reward that all of us are going to obtain is to be in fellowship with God to be reunited with him to be part of his kingdom in this place called heaven but the question then becomes well are there more rewards than that like is that it is it like socialism from there on uh forth I like to say you know are we all just playing Harps and everybody just equal and we're all just sitting around eating Bon bonss or whatever." [00:05:47]

"Neither the one who plants nor the one who Waters is anything but God who causes the growth so we can plant we can water but God's responsible for the growth I've said this all the time like science doesn't actually know the force by which an inanimate seed in the ground actually what what's the life-giving thing that activates that you can say well it's water it's nutrients I know but what is what decides when that seed actually comes to life into a plant they don't really know they just know it goes from inanimate to living somehow but they don't know the force." [00:06:29]

"True humility is not thinking less of yourself it is thinking of yourself less think about that see I've been talking about this since the beginning of July when I did the absolute surrender series surrendering my will which is my desire my needs what I think I deserve and living your life by serving God and how do we serve God by putting ourselves second and serving others ahead of ourselves this is ultimately the key to you don't do the work of the Kingdom in order to get rewards you do it out of humility out of love out of appreciation for the master for the king for what he has done for you." [00:14:09]

"Jesus says this whenever you are invited by someone to a wedding Feast do not take the place of honor for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him and the one who invited you both will come and say to you give your place to this person and then in disgrace you will proceed to occupy occupy the last place but whenever you are invited go and take the last place so that when the one who has invited you comes he will say to you friend move up higher then you will have honor in the sight of all who are dining at the table with you." [00:15:05]

"Matthew 5: 11-12 blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you um your reward in heaven is great well if it's great it's not good it's not mediocre it's not it sounds like when these things happen to you for jesus' sake you can be encouraged because God has some things for you because you've endured here." [00:10:43]

"Luke 12:33 he says sell your possessions and give to charity make yourselves money belts that do not wear out an inexhaustible treasure in heaven where no thief comes near nor does a moth destroy inexhaustible treasure in heaven I can't help but think about a treasure chest there are things being stored up for us Jesus himself says I go and prepare a place for you let's continue on Matthew chap 25: 211 his master said to him this is um okay this is a a parable that Jesus tells about these three workers that are each given a certain amount of coins basically talents one's given uh five one's given three and one's given one and then the master goes away and he sees what each one does with the talents he gave him." [00:11:27]

"The concept here that you need to get is that the rewards that you get are based on this concept of humility and this idea of humility doesn't come from ourselves because we are selfish by nature and when we have that circumcision of our heart when we we have that time of conviction by the holy spirit that we really need the spirit of Jesus in us we ask God for forgiveness and we ask for the Holy Spirit to then live in our hearts we get this thing called humility." [00:13:29]

"Well done good and faithful slave you were faithful with a few things I will put you in charge of many things in enter the joy of your master so clearly when we're talking about a kingdom and Jesus uses the word many many times there are going to be different things in that Kingdom because kingdoms are things where there is ruling and reigning going on right it's not this boring life it's this amazing life in the kingdom of God." [00:12:44]

"When you come into the Kingdom of Heaven God is going to you're going to be uh your reward of Salvation and being with him is going to be enough but then it talks about in um Paul talks about how all of your things all of the things that you have stored up on this Earth are going to be put on this like threshing floor to be burned up and the things of gold and silver the precious things are going to remain well I like to look at it like if you were were were given this container you didn't expect anything and this container was given to you by God and he filled it with all these good things he says here's amazing good things for you well done my faithful servant come on in and here's here are your rewards right you're happy because your jar is completely full." [00:16:19]

"When God gives us our rewards and we understand that he is a just God legal system of God that he judged righteously we will know that I deserved this or I didn't even deserve this but he judged rightly and gave me what I should have he gave me what I should have he gave me what I should have so we don't strive to do rewards we don't try to earn things in the Kingdom of Heaven but certainly we should try and push away our selfish mindsets and our selfish attitudes and our perverted ways and and strive for this thing called Purity in the Holy Spirit whereby naturally we go and serve the kingdom and we're storing up all these Treasures in Heaven this is what it means to have rewards in heaven and each one of us are going to receive a jar and you're going to be so Overjoyed at the jar that God gives you because it will be unique and special just for you." [00:17:51]

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Transcript
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