Heavenly Rewards: Serving with Purpose and Anticipation

As we gather on this final day of 2020, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the year ahead. Despite the challenges and unpredictability of the past year, I firmly believe that God has good things in store for us in 2021. This belief is rooted in the understanding that God is inherently good, and we can trust Him to guide us through whatever comes our way. I encourage you to watch our recent video, "All Things New," on our YouTube channel, which aims to inspire you as we step into the new year.

Today, we explored the concept of heavenly rewards, prompted by Marcia's insightful question about whether all believers receive the same reward in heaven. The New Testament provides a nuanced view of rewards, indicating that while eternal life is a gift for all believers, there are varying degrees of reward based on our earthly actions and service. Jesus and Paul both speak of rewards in heaven, emphasizing that our works will be tested and rewarded accordingly. This is not about the quantity of work but the quality and the heart behind it.

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul illustrates that our works will be tested by fire, revealing their true nature. Some will receive great rewards, while others may find their works lacking, yet they will still be saved. This passage challenges us to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ with worthy materials—gold, silver, and precious stones—rather than wood, hay, and straw. It is a call to serve God faithfully and with pure motives, knowing that our efforts have eternal significance.

As we reflect on these truths, let us be motivated by the promise of heavenly rewards, not as a competition but as an opportunity to expand our capacity to glorify God. Ultimately, all glory belongs to Jesus, and whatever rewards we receive will be laid at His feet in worship.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The concept of heavenly rewards is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where Jesus and Paul speak of varying degrees of reward based on our earthly actions and service. This challenges us to consider the quality and motives behind our works for God. [06:55]
• 2. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul emphasizes that our works will be tested by fire, revealing their true nature. This passage encourages us to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ with worthy materials, ensuring our efforts have eternal significance. [09:22]
• 3. The idea of heavenly rewards should motivate us to serve God faithfully, not as a competition but as an opportunity to expand our capacity to glorify Him. In heaven, everyone's cup will be full, but rewards may determine the size of our cup. [14:00]
• 4. Despite the differences in rewards, all glory ultimately belongs to Jesus. Whatever rewards we receive will be laid at His feet in worship, as depicted in Revelation 4:10, where the 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne. [14:40]
• 5. The past year has tested our faith and flexibility, reminding us of God's unchanging sovereignty. As we move into 2021, let us rest in His care, allowing Him to be our Good Shepherd who leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. [17:27]
  ** [17:27]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:24] - Introduction to Q&A
• [02:39] - Lead Question: Rewards in Heaven
• [03:42] - Biblical References on Rewards
• [07:05] - 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 Explained
• [09:33] - Quality of Work and Eternal Significance
• [12:45] - Four Principles of Heavenly Rewards
• [15:19] - Special Guest: Inga Lil
• [17:00] - Reflections on 2020 and God's Sovereignty
• [23:39] - Entering God's Rest Practically
• [26:37] - Psalm 23: The Good Shepherd
• [28:24] - God's Attitude Towards Satan
• [30:21] - The Chosen Series and Recommendations
• [37:14] - Saints Raised at Jesus' Resurrection
• [41:06] - Adam and Eve: Literal and Metaphorical
• [47:35] - Closing Remarks and New Year Blessings

1. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
2. Matthew 5:12
3. Revelation 4:10

1. According to 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, what materials does Paul mention for building on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and what happens to these materials when tested by fire? [07:05]
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the quality versus the quantity of our works for God? [10:28]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of heavenly rewards, and what biblical references are used to support this idea? [06:55]
4. What is the significance of the 24 elders casting their crowns before the throne in Revelation 4:10, as mentioned in the sermon? [14:40]

1. How does the idea of heavenly rewards challenge the common perception that eternal life is the only reward for believers? [03:31]
2. What does it mean to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ with "worthy materials," and how can this be applied to our daily lives? [09:22]
3. The sermon suggests that heavenly rewards are not about competition but about expanding our capacity to glorify God. How can this perspective change the way we serve God? [14:00]
4. Reflecting on the past year, how can the understanding of God's unchanging sovereignty help us face future challenges with faith and hope? [17:27]

1. Reflect on your current service to God. Are there areas where you might be building with "wood, hay, and straw" instead of "gold, silver, and precious stones"? What changes can you make to ensure your efforts have eternal significance? [09:22]
2. The sermon emphasizes serving God with pure motives. Identify a recent action you took for God. What was your motivation behind it, and how can you ensure your future actions are driven by genuine love and faithfulness? [04:23]
3. How can the promise of heavenly rewards motivate you to serve God more faithfully in your community or church? What specific steps can you take this week to act on this motivation? [13:24]
4. The sermon mentions that everyone's "cup" will be full in heaven, but rewards may determine the size of our cup. How does this metaphor influence your understanding of heavenly rewards, and how can it inspire you to expand your capacity to glorify God? [14:00]
5. Reflect on a time when your faith was tested in the past year. How did you respond, and what did you learn about God's sovereignty through that experience? How can this lesson guide you as you enter the new year? [17:27]
6. The sermon encourages us to lay our rewards at Jesus' feet in worship. How can you practice this attitude of surrender and worship in your daily life, especially when you receive recognition or success? [14:40]
7. As you anticipate the new year, what specific area of your life do you need to trust God more fully as your Good Shepherd? What practical steps can you take to rest in His care and guidance? [26:37]