Living for Eternal Rewards: A Call to Commitment
Summary
Living in light of the future is a call to orient our lives towards eternal rewards rather than temporary gains. Just as a college student chooses a major with a future career in mind, we are encouraged to make decisions that align with our ultimate goal of heavenly rewards. Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us to store up treasures in heaven, emphasizing the importance of living for eternal rewards. This future-oriented mindset is a mark of maturity, distinguishing it from the immediate gratification often sought by children. As we mature, we understand the necessity of planning for the future, whether through education or financial savings, and this principle applies to our spiritual lives as well.
God desires for us to pursue the reward of inheritance, which is a part of His will for every believer. Just as airlines offer incentives for frequent flyers, God offers rewards for those who are committed to Him. Salvation is a free gift, but rewards are earned through our actions and dedication. Revelation 22:12 and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 highlight the importance of living in a way that honors God, as every action will be judged. Our service to Christ will bring honor from God, and those who rise to a high level of commitment will receive public recognition in heaven.
The rewards for a life dedicated to Christ include divine approval and celebrity recognition in heaven. John 12:26 assures us that those who serve Christ will be honored by God. This honor is not for every believer but for those who have consistently served and followed Christ. The ultimate recognition will be when Jesus calls our name, acknowledging our relationship with Him. This public recognition is a testament to the depth of our relationship with Christ and our commitment to His service.
Key Takeaways:
- Living with a future orientation is a sign of spiritual maturity. Just as we plan for our earthly future through education and savings, we must also plan for our eternal future by storing up treasures in heaven. This mindset shifts our focus from immediate gratification to long-term spiritual rewards. [00:52]
- God has an inheritance for every believer, and He wants us to pursue it with dedication. Salvation is a gift, but rewards are earned through our actions and commitment to God's will. This pursuit of reward is a reflection of our love for God and our desire to honor Him. [03:21]
- Our relationship with God determines the level of reward we receive. Just as frequent flyers receive more perks, those who are committed to God will receive greater rewards. This relationship is built through consistent service and dedication to Christ. [04:09]
- Public recognition in heaven is a reward for those who have served Christ faithfully. This recognition is not for every believer but for those who have consistently followed and served Christ. It is a testament to the depth of our relationship with Him. [09:42]
- Jesus' acknowledgment of our service is the ultimate reward. Just as a public figure's recognition brings honor, Jesus calling our name in heaven is the highest form of recognition. This honor is a reflection of our commitment and relationship with Christ. [11:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Living for the Future
- [00:52] - Maturity and Future Orientation
- [01:24] - Encouragement for Future Planning
- [01:55] - The Concept of Inheritance
- [03:21] - God's Will and Incentives
- [04:09] - Relationship and Rewards
- [05:18] - Salvation and Rewards
- [05:56] - Living in Light of Eternity
- [07:19] - Casual vs. Radical Christianity
- [08:13] - Rewards of Commitment
- [09:42] - Public Recognition in Heaven
- [11:08] - Personal Recognition by Jesus
- [12:21] - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:19-21
- Revelation 22:12
- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 6:19-21, what does it mean to "store up treasures in heaven"? How does this relate to the concept of living for eternal rewards? [00:27]
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor compare the maturity of a child to that of a parent in terms of future orientation? [00:52]
3. What analogy does the pastor use to describe the different levels of rewards for believers, and how does this relate to our relationship with God? [03:56]
4. How does the pastor describe the concept of public recognition in heaven for those who have served Christ faithfully? [09:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of storing up treasures in heaven challenge the common pursuit of immediate gratification in today's society? [00:52]
2. What does the pastor mean when he says that salvation is a gift, but rewards must be earned? How does this distinction affect a believer's motivation to serve Christ? [05:18]
3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that our earthly actions and commitments can impact our eternal rewards? [05:56]
4. How does the concept of public recognition in heaven reflect the depth of one's relationship with Christ, according to the sermon? [09:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking immediate gratification rather than focusing on eternal rewards? How can you shift your mindset to be more future-oriented? [00:52]
2. Consider the analogy of frequent flyer rewards. How can you deepen your relationship with God to "earn" greater rewards in heaven? What specific actions can you take this week to strengthen this relationship? [03:56]
3. The pastor mentions the importance of having a will to control one's inheritance. How can you apply this principle to your spiritual life by being intentional about your spiritual legacy? [02:28]
4. Think about a time when you felt recognized or honored for your service. How did that experience motivate you to continue serving? How can the promise of public recognition in heaven inspire you to serve Christ more faithfully? [09:42]
5. The pastor talks about the ultimate recognition being Jesus calling our name in heaven. What steps can you take to ensure that your relationship with Christ is strong enough to receive this honor? [11:45]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to live with a future orientation, focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary gains? What role can you play in fostering this mindset within your small group? [01:24]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can demonstrate a higher level of commitment to Christ. What practical steps will you take this week to pursue this commitment? [07:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Maturity through Future Orientation
Living with a future orientation is a sign of spiritual maturity. Just as we plan for our earthly future through education and savings, we must also plan for our eternal future by storing up treasures in heaven. This mindset shifts our focus from immediate gratification to long-term spiritual rewards. By prioritizing eternal rewards, we align our lives with God's purpose and demonstrate a mature faith that looks beyond the present moment. This maturity is reflected in our daily choices and actions, as we seek to honor God and invest in our heavenly inheritance. [00:52]
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one immediate gratification you can sacrifice today to invest in your eternal future? How can this decision reflect spiritual maturity in your life?
Day 2: Pursuing God's Inheritance with Dedication
God has an inheritance for every believer, and He wants us to pursue it with dedication. Salvation is a gift, but rewards are earned through our actions and commitment to God's will. This pursuit of reward is a reflection of our love for God and our desire to honor Him. Just as frequent flyers earn rewards through their loyalty, believers are called to demonstrate their commitment to God through consistent service and dedication. This dedication is not about earning salvation but about expressing our gratitude and love for the gift we have received. [03:21]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can increase your dedication to God's will. What specific action can you take today to pursue your spiritual inheritance?
Day 3: Building a Rewarding Relationship with God
Our relationship with God determines the level of reward we receive. Just as frequent flyers receive more perks, those who are committed to God will receive greater rewards. This relationship is built through consistent service and dedication to Christ. By nurturing our relationship with God, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of His blessings and rewards. This requires intentionality and a willingness to prioritize our spiritual growth and service to others. [04:09]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to deepen your relationship with God? How can this step lead to greater spiritual rewards?
Day 4: The Honor of Public Recognition in Heaven
Public recognition in heaven is a reward for those who have served Christ faithfully. This recognition is not for every believer but for those who have consistently followed and served Christ. It is a testament to the depth of our relationship with Him. The honor of being publicly acknowledged by God is a powerful motivation to live a life of faithful service and commitment. This recognition is not about seeking glory for ourselves but about glorifying God through our lives. [09:42]
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’" (Matthew 25:23, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current level of service to Christ. What changes can you make to ensure that your life is worthy of public recognition in heaven?
Day 5: The Ultimate Reward of Jesus' Acknowledgment
Jesus' acknowledgment of our service is the ultimate reward. Just as a public figure's recognition brings honor, Jesus calling our name in heaven is the highest form of recognition. This honor is a reflection of our commitment and relationship with Christ. The joy of hearing Jesus acknowledge our service is a powerful incentive to live a life of dedication and faithfulness. It reminds us that our efforts are not in vain and that our relationship with Christ is of utmost importance. [11:45]
"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." (John 12:26, ESV)
Reflection: Imagine Jesus calling your name in heaven. What specific actions can you take today to ensure that your life is worthy of His acknowledgment?
Quotes
what God is wanting you and me and us to do is to live in light of the future not only in light of the now when you go to college they ask you what is your major that's going to affect the length of time you invest it's going to affect things once you make that long-term decision once you decide you want maximum reward and Glory it's going to affect choices in time Matthew 6: 19- 21 it tells us to store up Treasures in Heaven [00:00:03]
you can know the difference between the maturity or immaturity of a child and the maturity of a parent because children only live for the now all they're concerned about is now any if you have children that think money grows on trees they don't talk to you about saving they don't talk to you about investing they don't talk to you about 401s or 403bs and they don't they don't get into all of that because they want what they want now [00:45:48]
but as you mature as you grow in understanding of life you understand that a good portion of Life must be future oriented that's why you encourage them to go to school you you're encouraging them to be future oriented whether or not they like studying now you have a retirement fund or savings account because there is some part of your life that you understand must be future oriented [01:16:32]
he says I want to motivate you to live your life with a future orientation for the reward and here is the phrase of inheritance it is my hope that every head of household here has a will the reason you want a will is you want to control what you have accumulated and where it goes when you are no longer here because if you don't decide that somebody else will decide it for you or some system will decide it for you [01:47:64]
Paul calls God having an inheritance he calls it the reward of inheritance and he wants to incentivize you and me to get all that is in his will for you every believer is in God's Will and he wants to incentivize us to get the maximum reward that he has willed for every believer he wants to incentivize that uh Airlines want to incentivize travel so what do they have they have different levels of uh recognition for your relationship [03:10:84]
so God wants us to love him yes because of the price paid but he also wants us to pursue reward salvation is free rewards must be earned salvation is a gift but reward comes from work and so he speaks to Christians about pursuing their inheritance pursuing the reward Revelation 22:12 Jesus says I'm coming back and I am bringing my reward with me to reward every man according to what he has done [05:13:88]
so what God is wanting you and me and us to do is to live in light of the future not only in light of the now but to live now in light of the future when you go to college they ask you what is your major what do you want your major to be they're asking you a question about your future because once you say I want to be let's say a doctor you can't then say but I'm only going to go to school for four years [06:17:88]
once you decide you want maximum reward and Glory it's going to affect choices in time but if you don't have a great love and a high incentive for reward then you'll be satisfied to be a casual Christian to be a a nerdy well Christian you're going to just be satisfied to get to heaven but not get the benefits of heaven so what are some of these rewards what is God going to give you by way of reward [07:12:24]
those Christians who rise to the high level of commitment who gave God their all not perfectly because none of us is perfect but consistently wanted to serve Christ love Christ follow Christ and even when they fell short they bounce back to get in syn back with Christ these will be the celebrities of Heaven these will be the ones you recognize [08:20:03]
those Christians who have exceeded the norm will have a name and all the other Christians will point to oh did you see him did you see him did you see her look look look at that because God is going to give them Divine approval and celebrity recognition in John chapter 12 verse 26 Jesus says these words he says in John 12 verse 26 if anyone serves me he must follow me and where I am there my servant will be also [09:19:32]
if anyone serves me my father will honor him so your service to Christ will bring honor from God this is not something every believer gets this is something some Believers get because of their service for Christ there will become recognition I remember an incident when when I was at the National Religious broadcasters where people meet or do television or radio and we were at this annual event [10:05:76]
what would it look like in heaven if the king of the universe calls your name if Jesus says look at Jane or look at butch or look at bill or look at Betty CUA I know them y'all all here but I know them now he called my name because I had a relationship with him as Governor here in Texas he had been to the church numbers of times we had eaten dinner together numbers of times and so that relationship gave us a familiarity [11:37:56]
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