MEMORY VERSE: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give everyone according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 1:3-5
INTRODUCTION
Most of us like to be recognised for our accomplishments. We appreciate receiving “rewards” for our productive work. Sometimes, we like to reward ourselves when we achieve a personal goal in life. However, the bible admonishes that Christians should put more premium on heavenly rewards Matthew 6:19-21. Heavenly rewards are God’s compensation for our labour on earth which is to be received in heaven. This lesson attempts to compare between earthly and heavenly rewards and give insights to how we can get heavenly rewards.
OUTLINE
- EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS
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HOW TO EARN HEAVENLY REWARDS
1. EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS
The Earthly rewards referred to here are those given in recognition for diverse accomplishments. They are distinct in the following ways:
They are sometimes good motivation for hard work and success. They boost morale and provide a sense of belonging. They can act as catalyst for better performance and promote healthy competition 1 Corinthians 9:24. Naturally, they bring satisfaction and sense of fulfilment. However, earthly rewards will fade away (decay), be corrupted and eventually lose their lustre 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 1:4. They can be a source of pride in yourself or your achievements Daniel 4:30. They are temporal Ecclesiastes 5:15; Psalm 49:17. They can misdirect one’s heart to a point where one no longer sees the need for God Luke 12:16-21 Earthly rewards are not necessarily a pointer to the end of our earthly story, and We may not have enough of it. On the other hand, heavenly rewards are incorruptible, undefiled and do not fade 1 Peter 1:4 i.e. they are eternal, not subject to decay or theft Matthew 620. They are pointers to the quality of our work here on earth and how genuine we followed God Matthew 16:27; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 14- 15.They are precious rewards to be anticipated because they carry the weight and meaning of our relationship with God Philippians 3:13-15a We shall receive heavenly rewards at the completion of our earthly journey, and we shall be eternally satisfied 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 22:12. It must be noted that making it to Heaven attracts a reward for believers who faithfully persevere till the end Revelation 2:26.
2. HOW TO EARN HEAVENLY REWARDS
Earthly rewards by their nature are not eternal and as a result are very limited in prestige. They may look incredibly good and make us feel happy, but do not have enduring value. There’s therefore a need for us to consider how to earn heavenly rewards.
1. Motivation for kingdom work should be driven by genuine love for Christ Colossians 3:23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 6:5-7.
2 Sacrificial living and giving Romans 16: 3-4; Acts 2:44-45; 2 Corinthians 8:4. 3. Use of talents and spiritual gifts like singing, teaching, playing of instruments etc. to the glory of God 1 Peter 4:10-11 and not for self-glory or praise of men. Ephesians 6:6-7
4.Commitment to soul winning and other kingdom services Luke 9:62, Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 3:8.
5.Staying steadfast in the face of persecution, trouble, and inconvenience Romans 8:18; Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58.
6. Avoid being deceitful so as not to lose heavenly rewards 2 John 1:7-8.
CONCLUSION
Earthly rewards are good but heavenly rewards are far better. Be wise and pursue eternal rewards.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Genesis 15:1.
MON: Deuteronomy 27:25.
TUES: Ruth 12:2.
WED: 2 Chronicles 20:11.
THURS: Psalm 15:5.
FRI: Psalm 58:11.
SAT: Proverbs 24:14.