Awards And Rewards In The Kingdom Of God

AWARDS AND REWARDS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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OUTLINE

1. THE CROWN OF REJOICING - FOR WINNING SOULS

2. THE CROWN OF LIFE - FOR ENDURING TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

3. THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS - FOR FINISHING OUR RACE IN HOLINESS

4. THE CROWN OF GLORY - FOR FAITHFULNESS IN MINISTRY

5. REWARDS FOR GIVING TO THE WORK OF GOD

6. REWARDS FOR HELPING THE POOR

7. REWARDS FOR USING OUR GIFTS AND TALENTS

INTRODUCTION

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There are great and wonderful awards and rewards in the kingdom of God. Salvation is free but the awards and rewards in the kingdom God must be earned. The Lord does not want us to live an aimless life . Nor does he wants us to trust in Christ only for earthly benefits. There is a glorious eternity waiting for every believer and the Lord wants us to use our life on earth as a priceless opportunity to earn eternal rewards. The scriptures reveal to us the pathway of gaining eternal rewards and lay our treasures in heaven.

I CORINTHIANS 15:19

" If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men."

REVELATION 3:11

" I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. "

THE MESSAGE

AWARDS AND REWARDS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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1. THE CROWN OF REJOICING - FOR WINNING SOULS

The crown of rejoicing is the soul winners crown. All those whom we have reached for the Lord and have discipled will be our crown. We should carefully watch over them lest the devil lead them astray and cause all our labour to be in vain.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

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I THESSALONIANS 2:19-20

" For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?

Indeed, you are our glory and joy "

PHILIPPIANS 4:1

" Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! "

DANIEL 12:3

" Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. "

HEBREWS 13:7

" Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."

GALATIANS 4:11

" I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. "

PHILIPPIANS 2:14-16

" Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."

I THESSALONIANS 3:5

" For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. "

2. THE CROWN OF LIFE - FOR ENDURING TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

The crown of life is for those who endure testings and trials and tribulations in this world .These trials will shape our character and prepare us for eternity. When we pass the tests victoriously ,the Lord will give us the crown of life. The Lord gives us the assurance of great glory and reward for all the sufferings we endure for the sake of Christ in this world. Therefore we should not get discouraged easily in the midst of conflicts and difficulties.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

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JAMES 1:12

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

REVELATION 2:10

" Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. "

MATTHEW 5:10-12

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "