The Reward
James 1:12 and 17
July 31, 2006
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Christians will never be judged with regard to their eternal Salvation, But, every Christian will someday be judged according to their works. Salvation itself is a gift of God, not according to one’s works - Eph.2:8,9 = For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
This is why every believer needs to know for certain the day that He or She accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We remember all other important dates – Birthdays, Anniversaries, and graduation dates. But do you know your salvation date? If you don’t you need to!!! Do it today!!!!!! My Salvation date is February 23, 1990.
The believer’s sins were judged at the cross of Christ; the believer’s works will be judged as to how one has utilized his gifts/talents/resources for the Lord.
We are commended to be ready, so that " When He shall appear, we may be confident, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming" (I John 2:28).
I like that word in that scripture “confident” - means to know for certain or without a doubt.
The Time of the Reward - In Matthew 16:27 we see that it will come on the day when Christ shall return, and "Then shall He reward everyone according to his works". This is emphasized again in Revelation 22:12.
The Nature of the Reward - The Bible envisions the rewards as "Crowns" to be bestowed on the victor. Our responsibility today is to run the race of life, keeping our eye on Jesus Christ, and trusting Him for our eternal reward. Look Hebrews 12:1-2 = Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
• Lay aside the weight & sin 1. Anything that hinders your relationship with God – Needs to be removed. David said it the best when he said “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 2. Christ is coming back for a Church this is ready and is without spot or wrinkle he is coming back for his Bride!
o Fixing our eyes on Jesus 1. If our concentration is solely on Christ, then the pleasure of sin will not intise us, therefore we will stay pure! 2. There is an old song we used to sing at my home church as a child and it goes like this: Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look into his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. How true that song is!!! Here are the crowns available to the believer
1. An Incorruptible Crown (I Cor. 9:25-27). This is God’s reward to those who strive for knowledge in the Christian faith. Since God’s primary desire for His children is to become more Christ like in character, it should move us to keep our eyes on Him, and mold our character and our thinking after the Lord. As we meditate daily on the Word of God. * What are the top three things I invest my time in after our job?
A Crown of Rejoicing - (I Thess. 2:19). This reward is for souls we win to the Lord. We are to let the light of the Gospel of Christ shine through us to others, so that they may see Christ in us Remember its God who does the saving part. We are commanded to be witnesses for God. Some people find it hard to share their faith. Use your testimony as an ice breaker to get a conversation started.
2. A Crown of Glory - (I Peter 5:4). This reward is to the shepherds of the flock, who have oversight, but are also to be examples. Though this primarily refers to the spiritual leaders in the family of God, I believe it also pertains to parents who raise children to fear God.
The greatest thing in life is not obtaining wealth or praises of man – But it is to show the next generation about the goodness of God!
3. The Crown of Life - To those who endure the testings of life and are faithful, God will give a reward.
Tests are in our life are for the solo reason to see how we are going to respond.
4. The Crown of Righteousness - (II Tim. 4:8). Given to Christians who anticipate Christ’s return. To those who long for and anxiously await His coming, God promises this reward. The anticipation of Christ’s return, in this day of increasing wickedness becomes even greater in the lives of those who know Him and love His Word.
II Timothy 4:8 = in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Our crowns that we may obtain will be our gift back to Christ for what he has done for us – Look at Rev 4:10-11 = the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.
