Memory Verse: “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness) – Revelation 22:12(AMP).
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Spiritual Emphasis: Continuing living as a Christian is not in vain but will be rewarded greatly. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly salvation experience and those rewards will be eternally satisfying.
1. The Purpose for Rewards
* It is to fulfill the Lord’s glorious promise of making Christians joint-heirs with Christ – Rom.8:16-17; Gal.4:7.
* It is to appreciate Christian’s faithfulness and service to the Kingdom of God – Heb.6:10; 1 Cor.15:58.
* It is for the purpose of giving Christian the true and eternal rest they deserve – Matt.11:28-30; Heb.4:8-11.
* It is to reward Christians for their glorious effort in winning souls to the Kingdom of God – Pro.11:30; 1 Cor.3:8-9.
Question: Why do you think it is necessary to reward believers when the joy and blessings of making it to heaven alone seems good enough?
2. The Five Crowns in Heaven
* The crown of righteousness: It will be giving to Christians who chose to live a good and God pleasing life while living on earth – 2 Tim.4:7-8.
* The Incorruptible crown: It will be giving to Christians who lived a self-disciplined Christian life and persevered in all situations – 1 Cor. 9:24-25.
* The crown of life: It will be giving to Christians who endured temptation, sufferings, persecutions and hold on to their profession of faith as Christians. It’s also called the martyr’s crown – Rev. 2:10.
* The crown of rejoicing: It will be giving to Christians who makes getting unbelievers saved, and believers not to backslide, as a major part of their Christian responsibility – 1 Thess. 2:19-20.
* The crown of glory: It will be giving to Christians chosen, ordained, and Christians who would make it their responsibility to teach and feed the flock of God in the Lord’s teachings, tenets and commandments – 1 Pet.5:2-4.
Question: Some people believe all Christians that makes heaven will be rewarded. What is your opinion? Share with class.
Conclusion
“He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve” Job 34:11 (NLT)
God is interested in our deeds. Let’s begin to take into consideration our Lord’s counsel to lay up treasures in heaven. God is a rewarder, and He will not forget to recompense all our deeds. Live in such a way that God will reward you with heavenly rewards and crowns.
Shalom!
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