Understanding Eternal Rewards: Living for God's Glory
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the doctrine of rewards, or "mythology," which is derived from the Greek word for rewards. This doctrine, often overlooked, is crucial for understanding the rewards that believers will receive from Christ. We explored various scriptures that emphasize the importance of living a life that honors God, not for salvation, but for the rewards that await us in heaven. The judgment seat of Christ, or the Bema seat, is where believers will be judged not for their sins, but for their works and the motives behind them. This judgment is about rewards, not salvation, which is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
We also discussed the difference between a gift and a reward. A gift, like salvation, is given freely without being earned, while a reward is given based on one's actions and faithfulness. Using examples from scripture and personal anecdotes, we illustrated how our works will be tested and rewarded by God. The rewards can include greater responsibility in the new heavens and new earth, commendation from Jesus, and a deeper capacity for joy and glory.
Furthermore, we examined how our motives matter in the eyes of God. Acts of righteousness done for human praise will not be rewarded, but those done in secret for God's glory will be. We also touched on the importance of using our time, talents, and treasures wisely for God's kingdom, and the special rewards for those who suffer and are persecuted for Christ's sake. Finally, we emphasized the importance of enduring in faith until the end, as Paul did, to receive the crown of righteousness.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Doctrine of Rewards: The judgment seat of Christ is not about salvation but about rewards for believers. Our works and the motives behind them will be tested and rewarded by God. This understanding encourages us to live faithfully and honorably, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [49:40]
2. Difference Between Gifts and Rewards: Salvation is a gift from God, freely given and not earned. In contrast, rewards are given based on our faithfulness and actions. This distinction helps us appreciate the grace of God while motivating us to live a life that pleases Him. [52:58]
3. Motives Matter: God rewards acts of righteousness done with pure motives. When we give, pray, or serve, it should be for God's glory, not for human praise. This principle challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure our actions align with our faith. [55:24]
4. Using Time, Talents, and Treasures: We are called to make the most of the time, talents, and treasures God has given us. By investing these resources in God's kingdom, we store up rewards in heaven. This perspective encourages us to live purposefully and generously. [56:42]
5. Enduring in Faith: Faithful endurance until the end is highly valued by God. Despite challenges and temptations to quit, persevering in faith will lead to receiving the crown of righteousness. This promise inspires us to remain steadfast in our walk with Christ. [08:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:51] - Introduction to the Doctrine of Rewards
[38:29] - Prayer for Healing
[39:59] - Communion
[46:43] - Personal Testimonies and "The Day"
[49:06] - Judgment Seat of Christ Explained
[50:36] - Scriptures on Rewards
[52:58] - Difference Between Gifts and Rewards
[55:24] - Motives Matter
[56:42] - Using Time, Talents, and Treasures
[08:48] - Enduring in Faith
[01:09:52] - Story of William Broadhurst
[01:13:25] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:14:14] - Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 14:10-12: "Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10: "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."
3. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15: "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—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. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the primary focus of the judgment seat of Christ according to Romans 14:10-12? ([51:01])
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, what is the purpose of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ? ([51:32])
3. According to 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, what will happen to the works that are built on the foundation of Christ? ([54:58])
4. How does the sermon distinguish between a gift and a reward? ([52:58])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that the judgment seat of Christ is about rewards and not salvation? How does this understanding affect a believer's daily life? ([49:40])
2. How do the motives behind our actions influence the rewards we receive from God, as discussed in the sermon? ([55:24])
3. What does it mean to use our time, talents, and treasures wisely for God's kingdom, and how does this relate to the rewards mentioned in the sermon? ([56:42])
4. How does the promise of the crown of righteousness for enduring in faith until the end encourage believers to remain steadfast? ([08:48])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily actions and motives. Are there areas where you seek human praise rather than God's glory? How can you shift your focus to ensure your actions are for God's glory? ([55:24])
2. Consider the time, talents, and treasures God has given you. How can you invest these resources more effectively in God's kingdom this week? ([56:42])
3. Think about a recent challenge or temptation you faced. How did you respond, and what can you do to ensure you endure in faith during future challenges? ([08:48])
4. Identify one act of righteousness you can perform in secret this week. How will you ensure that your motives are pure and for God's glory alone? ([55:24])
5. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged in your faith journey. What steps can you take to remain steadfast and focused on the promise of the crown of righteousness? ([08:48])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group to use their gifts and resources for God's kingdom? Share one practical way you can support each other in this endeavor. ([56:42])
7. Think about someone you know who is suffering or being persecuted for their faith. How can you support and encourage them, knowing the special rewards that await those who endure such trials? ([06:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Living for Eternal Rewards
The judgment seat of Christ is not about salvation but about rewards for believers. Our works and the motives behind them will be tested and rewarded by God. This understanding encourages us to live faithfully and honorably, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. The Bema seat, as described in scripture, is where believers will be judged for their works and the intentions behind them. This judgment is not about condemning us for our sins, as salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, but about rewarding us for our faithfulness and actions.
Understanding this doctrine helps us to focus on living a life that honors God, not out of fear of punishment, but out of a desire to please Him and receive the rewards He has promised. It reminds us that our daily choices and actions have eternal consequences and that God sees and values our efforts to live righteously. This perspective can transform our approach to life, motivating us to serve God wholeheartedly and with pure motives. [49:40]
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."
Reflection: How does knowing that your actions have eternal significance change the way you approach your daily tasks and interactions with others?
Day 2: Understanding Gifts and Rewards
Salvation is a gift from God, freely given and not earned. In contrast, rewards are given based on our faithfulness and actions. This distinction helps us appreciate the grace of God while motivating us to live a life that pleases Him. Salvation is the foundation of our relationship with God, a gift that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not something we can earn through our works or efforts.
However, once we are saved, our actions and faithfulness do matter. God promises rewards for those who live according to His will and serve Him faithfully. These rewards are not about earning our way into heaven but about recognizing and honoring our commitment to living out our faith. This understanding helps us to appreciate the incredible grace of God in giving us salvation while also motivating us to live in a way that pleases Him and brings glory to His name. [52:58]
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your faith more intentionally, knowing that your actions are seen and valued by God?
Day 3: Pure Motives in Righteous Acts
God rewards acts of righteousness done with pure motives. When we give, pray, or serve, it should be for God's glory, not for human praise. This principle challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure our actions align with our faith. It is easy to fall into the trap of seeking recognition and approval from others, but God looks at the heart and the motives behind our actions.
Acts of righteousness done for human praise will not be rewarded by God, but those done in secret for His glory will be. This teaching encourages us to focus on pleasing God rather than seeking validation from people. It calls us to a higher standard of integrity and authenticity in our faith, ensuring that our actions are driven by a genuine desire to honor God and serve others. [55:24]
Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV): "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent acts of service or generosity. Were your motives pure, or were you seeking recognition? How can you shift your focus to glorifying God in your actions?
Day 4: Stewardship of Time, Talents, and Treasures
We are called to make the most of the time, talents, and treasures God has given us. By investing these resources in God's kingdom, we store up rewards in heaven. This perspective encourages us to live purposefully and generously. God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, abilities, and resources, and He expects us to use them wisely for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
This means being intentional about how we spend our time, how we use our talents, and how we manage our financial resources. It involves seeking opportunities to serve others, support the work of the church, and contribute to causes that align with God's heart. By doing so, we not only make a positive impact in this world but also store up eternal rewards in heaven. [56:42]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: How can you better steward your time, talents, and treasures for God's kingdom? What specific steps can you take this week to invest in eternal rewards?
Day 5: Enduring in Faith
Faithful endurance until the end is highly valued by God. Despite challenges and temptations to quit, persevering in faith will lead to receiving the crown of righteousness. This promise inspires us to remain steadfast in our walk with Christ. The Christian journey is not always easy, and there will be times when we face trials, temptations, and discouragement.
However, God calls us to endure and remain faithful to Him, even in the face of adversity. The apostle Paul is a powerful example of someone who endured to the end, despite numerous hardships, and received the crown of righteousness. This promise of reward for faithful endurance encourages us to keep pressing on, knowing that our perseverance is not in vain and that God will honor our commitment to Him. [08:48]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What challenges or temptations are you currently facing that make it difficult to remain faithful? How can you seek God's strength and encouragement to endure and stay committed to your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "This bread represents the body of Jesus, the one who lived the life that we should have lived and died the death that we should have died. As we receive of this bread this morning, we are giving testimony that we have transferred our trust. cup represents the new covenant, the covenant of Christ's blood. The Bible says there can be no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood. So Jesus shed his blood for us once and for all." [39:59] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I remember when I truly committed my life to Christ And I put my faith in Him I was almost 18 years old When I made a full commitment to Christ I remember the day The scripture talks a lot about the day We see that terminology in the Old Testament And in the New Testament Martin Luther said this He said, there's only two days on my calendar It's today and the day The day The day of judgment" [47:16] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So the Bema seat The judgment seat of Christ Is not about salvation It's about rewards So it's not for salvation It's for believers only And it's about rewards Now I want us to look at some scriptures That clearly tell us About the Bema seat That clearly tell us About this matter of rewards I know some struggle with it You know I've mentioned this before And I've had people say I don't think that's right I don't think that God's going to really judge us I don't think that's really going to reward us That just doesn't make sense to me And I understand It's a difficult concept But the scripture says it over and over again Paul says it Jesus says it" [50:06] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So responsibility Commendation And then also The greater joy The weight of glory As C.S. Lewis talks about As Paul talks about it As well And you see that In the book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 Matter of fact If we have that Let's put that on the screen 2 Corinthians chapter 4 Verse 17 For the light And momentary affliction Is preparing us for An eternal weight of glory Beyond all comparison" [59:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How much more For the believer In Christ Jesus Who's wanted to stop Who's wanted to quit Who Satan said You're disqualified You just need to stop now To keep going Because there is a savior Jesus Christ Who is waiting Not because you've earned it Or deserved it But who sees you Who sees your faithfulness Who will say Well done Thy good and faithful servant Enter in To the master's joy" [01:13:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "What does the Bible tell us About our salvation Well Paul says this It's for by grace You have been saved through faith And this is not of your own doing It's the gift of God It's the gift of God It's the gift You didn't earn it or deserve it There's nothing you can do to obtain it Other than receive the grace of God It's not a result of works Lest no man may boast" [50:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So we see that our works Are being judged Are being tested so to speak And the Bible says in verse 4 If the work that anyone has built On the foundation On the gospel survives He will receive a reward If anyone's work is burned up He will suffer loss Though he himself will be saved But only as through fire So what's Paul saying here You know he's talking about Partially about our motives Sometimes when we give Sometimes when we share Sometimes when we help It's about us We make it all about us" [54:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What are you doing With the time that God has given you He's given us all time He's given us all the opportunity To influence his kingdom To glorify him To pray To share of the hope that's within us To use our money To support missions and ministries And to show our devotion to him By loving others That's another way that I believe That we're rewarded by Jesus At the judgment seat of Christ" [01:05:20] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Next, being faithful with the gospel Being faithful to share the gospel Being ready to give an account For the hope that sent us In 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 Paul talks about how Those whom have come to Christ Those whom he shared the faith He says for what is our hope Or a joy or crown of boasting Before our Lord Jesus is coming Is it not you? Is it not those of you Who've received the gospel? Those whom he's preached to Those whom he's prayed for There's a reward" [01:07:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I have fought the good fight I have finished the race This is Paul speaking This is Paul writing I have finished the race And I have kept the faith You know so many Start off well Don't you know people That started off well But they quit Or they disqualified themselves But henceforth There is laid up for me The crown of righteousness With the Lord The righteous judge Will award to me On that day Not only to me But also to all Who loved his appearing" [01:08:48] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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