The Judgement Seat Of Christ
Foundation Scripture: Rev. 19:7-8
I. What preceeds the marriage supper of the lamb?
Jesus has already taken to Himself a bride which He has cleansed by His Word and His shed blood (Eph. 5:25-29).
"His wife has made herself ready" - This is not talking about salvation. There is nothing we can do to earn that. It is given by grace (Eph. 2:8-9). These are talking about the works that we do in the body after conversion.
II. The Judgement Seat
We will ALL appear before the judgement seat of Christ.
Rom. 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10
A judgement without partiality; a judgement for our labors - 1 Pet. 1:17
This judgement will begin as soon as we meet Jesus. It will be a reward for works - Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12.
This judgement is not to determine whether we make it into heaven or not. HEAVEN ALREADY BELONGS TO YOU if you are born again. A born again person is already a CITIZEN of heaven - Eph. 2:19; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 12:22-23.
We are no longer of the world though we are in it -John 17:11, 14-16
This is not to answer for past sins that are covered under the blood of Jesus. There will be no condemnation or bringing up of sins (Isa. 43:25; 44:22; Jer. 31:34; 50:20; Micah 7:19).
We will be judged, however, for how we deal with the flesh - 1 Cor. 9:25-27.
This judgement will bring to light the counsels of the heart - 1 Cor. 4:4-5.
What is our motive for doing what we do? Are we doing it because we want to or are we being Spirit led? - 1 Cor. 1:29; Luke 14:11-14.
Works of the flesh may look good outwardly but will be burned.
The work that we do must not be done in the flesh but through the ability of Christ - 1 John 4:17.
III. Areas to be taken into consideration at this judgement.
What have we done with what the Lord has given us?
Our money - Luke 19:11-27; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Matt. 6:19-21.
Our Gifts and abilities - Matt. 25:14-30; 1 Pet. 4:10;
Our ministries - Heb. 13:17; James 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:2-4; 1 Tim. 4:1-5.
How have we treated others?
Our own brothers and sisters in the Lord - Heb. 6:10
How have we treated others - Matt. 10:42; 25:31-46.
What have we done with our time?
Have we been using our time to pray others into the kingdom or have we been sitting in front of the TV?
1 Tim. 2:1-6; Luke 10:2
Have we been witnessing to others or are we too busy doing our own thing? - John 4:35-38; 1 Cor. 3:5-14; Matt. 28:18-20.
Our attitude towards Jesus.
Are we longing for His coming or are we hoping he’d delay for our own selfish reasons? - 1 Tim. 4:8-9.
Are we willing to suffer for our Lord or do we compromise in times of testing? - Matt. 5:11-12; Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12-13; Rev. 2:10.
IV. Some rewards mentioned in the Bible.
Crowns - James 1:12; Rev. 2:10; 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4; 1 Thess. 2:19-20.
Authority during the millenial reign - Luke 19:16-19.
Greater stewardship in the next life - Matt. 25:23.
All the rewards mention in Revelation 2-3.
Eating from the tree of life.
Not being hurt by the second death.
A white stone with a new name on it.
Power over the nations.
The morning star.
White garments.
Name kept in the book of life.
A pillar in the temple of God.
Sitting with Jesus on the throne.
Eat of the hidden manna.
