5. THE BELIEVER’S REWARDS

5. THE BELIEVER’S REWARDS

Romans 8:1 promises that there is “no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” We do not need to fear punishment for our sins, because Christ has paid the price for them. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, those who have accepted His gift of salvation will spend eternity in heaven, and not in hell.

While we will not be judged for our sins (a judgment Christ already took for us), immediately after the rapture, we will face a judgment in which we will be rewarded according to our works on earth. Are you ready for this?

1. In 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, verse 11 tells us that the foundation we are to build on is Jesus Christ.

2. The different building materials listed in 1 Corinthians 3:12 are “gold, silver, precious stones” and “wood, hay, straw.”

3. According to 1 Corinthians 3:13 “the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.”

4. According to 1 Corinthians 3:14 “If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.”

5. The warning given in 1 Corinthians 3:15 is “If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

6. The works that will receive rewards are called “good works.” We find many examples of good works all through the Bible, but there are some specific passages well worth paying attention to.

7. The good works that we find mentioned in Romans 12:9-18 are “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

8. According to Ephesians 4:29-32 we are not to “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” We are to “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

9. The encouragement that we are given about doing good in Galatians 6:9 is that “in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

10. The knowledge that we will one day be rewarded should influence us in the highest capacity to serve Christ and share the Gospel to whomever we come in contact with.

 

All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of the Bible, © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.