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— Vincent James (@davincentjames) December 9, 2024
Daily Archives: December 8, 2024
08 Believer’s Rewards
Summary
The sermon discusses the concept of rewards for believers as presented in the Bible, particularly focusing on the judgment seat of Christ. It emphasizes that this judgment is not about sin but rather about evaluating the faithfulness and stewardship of believers’ lives. The text outlines various crowns that believers can earn, such as the incorruptible crown and the crown of righteousness, and stresses the importance of building one’s life on a solid foundation of faith. The sermon also highlights the need for self-discipline and accountability in the Christian life, encouraging believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and works in anticipation of receiving rewards in heaven.
Test Your Knowledge
Scrolling down slowly will hide the answer until you can make your choice.
Multiple-Choice Questions
1.What is the primary focus of the judgment seat of Christ?
A) Punishment for sins
B) Evaluation of faithfulness and works
C) Determining salvation
D) Assigning roles in heaven
Answer: B)
2.Which of the following is NOT one of the crowns mentioned in the sermon?
A) Crown of righteousness
B) Crown of life
C) Crown of knowledge
D) Crown of glory
Answer: C)
3.According to the sermon, what is the foundation upon which believers should build their lives?
A) Their own understanding
B) The teachings of the church
C) Jesus Christ
D) The law of Moses
Answer: C)
4.What metaphor is used to describe the evaluation of a believer’s works?
A) A race
B) A garden
C) A fire
D) A building
Answer: C)
5.What does the sermon suggest is necessary for a believer to receive a full reward?
A) Wealth and success
B) Self-discipline and prioritization
C) Public recognition
D) Knowledge of Scripture
Answer: B)
6.What event immediately precedes the Judgment Seat of Christ?
A) The Great White Throne Judgment
B) The Rapture
C) The Second Coming
D) The Tribulation
Answer: B)
7.What does the term “bema” refer to in the context of the sermon?
A) A place of punishment
B) A raised platform for honor
C) A judicial bench
D) A location for prayer
Answer: B)
8.According to 2 Corinthians 5:10, what will happen at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
A) Believers will be punished for their sins.
B) Believers will receive rewards based on their deeds.
C) Only non-believers will be judged.
D) All believers will be sent to hell.
Answer: B)
9.Which scripture indicates that Jesus will bring rewards with Him?
A) John 3:16
B) Revelation 22:12
C) Matthew 28:19
D) Romans 8:1
Answer: B)
10.How does the sermon suggest believers should view their upcoming judgment?
A) With fear and trepidation
B) As a time for celebration and recognition
C) As irrelevant to their faith
D) As a moment of shame
Answer: B)
Listen & Read Along
See the full transcript and listen to this sermon here:
Study Guide
08-Believers-RewardsIn this lesson, the following questions will be addressed:
Outline
I.Introduction to Believer’s Rewards
A.Definition of the judgment seat of Christ
B.Distinction from judgment of sin
II.Types of Rewards
A.Overview of the five crowns
1.Incorruptible crown
2.Crown of righteousness
3.Crown of rejoicing
4.Crown of glory
5.Crown of life
III.Stewardship and Accountability
A.The concept of life as stewardship
B.Importance of self-discipline and priorities
IV.The Evaluation Process
A.Building on the foundation of Christ
B.The testing of works by fire
V.Conclusion
A.Encouragement to live faithfully
B.Anticipation of rewards in heaven
Outline 2
I.Introduction
A.Overview of the Judgment Seat of Christ
B.Importance of understanding rewards for believers
II.Scriptural Basis
A.Revelation 22:12
B.2 Timothy 4:7-8
C.2 Corinthians 5:10
III.Timing and Place
A.Occurs immediately after the rapture
B.Location in heaven
IV.Nature of the Judgment
A.Distinction from other judgments (e.g., sin judgments)
B.Focus on works and faithfulness
V.Understanding “Bema”
A.Definition and significance of the term
B.Cultural context from Greek athletics
VI.Conclusion
A.Encouragement for believers regarding anticipation of rewards
Study Questions
What are the five crowns mentioned in the sermon, and what does each represent?
The sermon mentions five crowns that believers can earn, each representing different aspects of faithfulness and service in the Christian life:
1.Incorruptible Crown: This crown is awarded to those who have obeyed the Lord’s commands and have made self-sacrifices, demonstrating discipline in their lives to live for God.
2.Crown of Righteousness: This crown is given to all those who love the appearing of Jesus Christ, indicating a life that is dominated by the anticipation of His return.
3.Crown of Rejoicing: Also known as the soul winner’s crown, this is for those who actively share their faith and lead others to Christ.
4.Crown of Glory: This crown is referred to as the shepherd’s crown, awarded to elders and pastor-teachers who faithfully lead and care for their congregations.
5.Crown of Life: This crown is for those who endure persecution and trials, particularly for their faith in Jesus, including those who may be martyred for their beliefs.
Each crown symbolizes a specific reward for the believer’s faithfulness and dedication to God’s work throughout their lives.
How does the sermon differentiate between the judgment of sin and the judgment seat of Christ?
The sermon differentiates between the judgment of sin and the judgment seat of Christ by emphasizing their distinct purposes and contexts.
1.Judgment of Sin: This judgment refers to the evaluation of sin that occurred at Calvary, where Jesus Christ bore the sins of humanity. It is a historical event that took place around 30 AD, where God judged sin fully and finally through the death of Jesus. This judgment is about redemption and the consequences of sin, and it is not something that believers will face again.
2.Judgment Seat of Christ: In contrast, the judgment seat of Christ is not about sin but rather about the evaluation of a believer’s life and works after salvation. It focuses on how believers have lived out their faith, their faithfulness, and their stewardship of the gifts and talents given to them by God. This judgment is seen as a time for rewards based on the quality of their works, rather than punishment for sin. The sermon stresses that this judgment is an opportunity for believers to receive praise and rewards from God for their faithfulness, rather than facing condemnation for their sins.
Overall, the judgment of sin deals with the issue of salvation and the consequences of sin, while the judgment seat of Christ is about assessing the believer’s life and rewarding them for their faithfulness and service.
In what ways does the concept of stewardship influence a believer’s daily life and decisions?
The concept of stewardship significantly influences a believer’s daily life and decisions in several key ways:
1.Accountability: Believers understand that they are accountable to God for how they manage their lives, resources, and gifts. This awareness encourages them to make choices that align with their faith and values, knowing they will ultimately give an account of their actions.
2.Purposeful Living: Stewardship instills a sense of purpose in a believer’s life. They are motivated to live intentionally, using their time, talents, and treasures to serve God and others. This can lead to involvement in ministry, charitable work, and community service, as believers seek to fulfill their responsibilities as stewards.
3.Resource Management: The concept of stewardship encourages believers to manage their resources wisely. This includes financial stewardship, where they are called to be responsible with their finances, practice generosity, and support the work of the church and missions. It also extends to managing their time and energy effectively, prioritizing activities that honor God.
4.Moral and Ethical Decision-Making: Stewardship influences how believers approach moral and ethical dilemmas. They are guided by biblical principles and the desire to honor God in their decisions, leading them to consider the impact of their choices on themselves, others, and their relationship with God.
5.Spiritual Growth: Engaging in stewardship fosters spiritual growth as believers seek to develop their gifts and talents for God’s glory. This can involve participating in church activities, studying Scripture, and engaging in prayer, all of which contribute to their spiritual maturity and understanding of their role as stewards.
Overall, the concept of stewardship shapes a believer’s worldview, guiding their actions and decisions in a way that reflects their commitment to God and their desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Why is self-discipline emphasized as crucial for Christians in their pursuit of rewards?
Self-discipline is emphasized as crucial for Christians in their pursuit of rewards for several reasons:
1.Focus on Priorities: Self-discipline helps Christians prioritize their spiritual growth and responsibilities. By maintaining focus on what truly matters—such as their relationship with God, service to others, and living out their faith—they can avoid distractions that lead to a life filled with worthless activities.
2.Building a Strong Foundation: The sermon highlights that Christians are called to build their lives on the foundation of Christ using valuable materials (gold, silver, precious stones) rather than worthless ones (wood, hay, stubble). Self-discipline is necessary to ensure that they are making choices that contribute to a strong spiritual foundation, which will withstand the test at the judgment seat of Christ.
3.Preparation for Rewards: The pursuit of rewards in heaven requires intentional effort and discipline in daily life. Christians are encouraged to run the race of faith with purpose, which involves training themselves spiritually, much like an athlete prepares for competition. This preparation includes studying Scripture, prayer, and engaging in acts of service.
4.Overcoming Temptations: Self-discipline equips Christians to resist temptations and sinful behaviors that can lead to a loss of rewards. By exercising self-control, they can make choices that align with their faith and avoid actions that would be deemed worthless at the judgment seat.
5.Demonstrating Faithfulness: Self-discipline is a reflection of a believer’s commitment to being a good steward of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to them by God. It shows that they are serious about their faith and are actively working to fulfill their calling, which is essential for receiving praise and rewards from God.
In summary, self-discipline is crucial for Christians as it enables them to live purposefully, build a strong spiritual foundation, prepare for eternal rewards, resist temptations, and demonstrate faithfulness in their stewardship of life.
How does the testing of works by fire serve as a metaphor for evaluating a believer’s life?
The testing of works by fire serves as a powerful metaphor for evaluating a believer’s life in several significant ways:
1.Purification Process: Just as fire is used to refine metals, removing impurities and revealing the true quality of the material, the metaphor illustrates how God will evaluate the works of believers to determine their value. This process signifies that only those actions and deeds that are genuine and of eternal significance will endure, while those that are superficial or self-serving will be burned away.
2.Revealing True Intentions: The fire metaphor emphasizes that the true nature of a believer’s works will be revealed. It signifies that God will not only assess the actions themselves but also the motives behind those actions. Works done with pure intentions and for God’s glory will withstand the test, while those done out of selfishness or legalism will not.
3.Eternal Value: The testing by fire highlights the distinction between works that have eternal value (gold, silver, precious stones) and those that are worthless (wood, hay, stubble). This serves as a reminder to believers to focus on activities that contribute to their spiritual growth and the advancement of God’s kingdom, rather than engaging in pursuits that lack lasting significance.
4.Accountability: The metaphor underscores the concept of accountability in a believer’s life. It reinforces the idea that every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their life and works. This accountability encourages believers to live with intention and purpose, knowing that their actions will be evaluated.
5.Encouragement for Faithfulness: The imagery of testing by fire serves as both a warning and an encouragement. It warns believers to be mindful of how they live and the quality of their works, while also encouraging them to strive for faithfulness in their service to God. The promise of rewards for those whose works endure serves as motivation for believers to invest in their spiritual lives.
In summary, the testing of works by fire metaphorically represents the evaluation of a believer’s life by God, focusing on the purity, intentions, eternal value, accountability, and the encouragement to live faithfully in accordance with God’s will.
What is the significance of the Judgment Seat of Christ in relation to believers’ works?
The Judgment Seat of Christ is significant for believers as it represents a time of reward based on their works during their earthly lives, rather than a punitive judgment for sins. This event occurs immediately after the rapture, as indicated in Revelation 22:12, where Jesus states that He will bring rewards to give to each person according to their deeds. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this concept in 2 Corinthians 5:10, noting that all believers will appear before this judgment seat to receive what they have done, whether good or bad.
The term “bema,” which refers to a raised platform, underscores the nature of this judgment as one of honor and recognition. Unlike other judgments in scripture that focus on sin, the Judgment Seat of Christ is primarily about acknowledging faithful service and rewarding believers for their efforts in advancing God’s kingdom. This understanding encourages believers to live purposefully and faithfully, knowing that their actions will be recognized and rewarded by Christ.
Key Points
1.Timing: The Judgment Seat of Christ occurs immediately after the rapture.
2.Nature of Judgment: It is not a judgment for sin but a reward for works.
3.Scriptural Basis: References include Revelation 22:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
4.Concept of “Bema”: The term signifies a platform of honor rather than a place of condemnation.
5.Encouragement for Believers: This event motivates believers to serve faithfully, anticipating recognition from Christ.
This perspective fosters hope and anticipation among Christians, reinforcing the idea that all believers will ultimately receive praise from God for their faithfulness and service.
How does the concept of “bema” alter the understanding of judgment for Christians?
The concept of “bema” significantly alters the understanding of judgment for Christians by shifting the focus from a traditional view of judgment as punitive to one that emphasizes honor and reward. In the context of the Judgment Seat of Christ, the term “bema,” which literally means a raised platform, is used to signify a place where believers will be recognized for their works rather than judged for their sins. This understanding is rooted in the cultural context of ancient Greek athletic competitions, where winners were celebrated on a bema, receiving crowns or garlands as symbols of their achievements. Therefore, the Judgment Seat is not about condemning believers for wrongdoing; instead, it represents an opportunity for believers to receive praise and rewards from Christ based on their faithfulness and service during their earthly lives. This perspective encourages Christians to anticipate this event positively, as it is characterized by recognition rather than fear.
Key Points
1.Bema Defined: The term “bema” refers to a raised platform associated with honor and dignity, contrasting with punitive connotations commonly associated with judgment.
2.Cultural Context: The concept draws from Greek athletic traditions where victors were celebrated on a bema, reinforcing the idea of reward rather than condemnation.
3.Focus on Rewards: The Judgment Seat of Christ is primarily about rewarding believers for their faithful service, as emphasized in scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:10.
4.Encouragement for Believers: Understanding “bema” fosters a positive anticipation for believers regarding their works and recognition in heaven.
This redefinition of judgment helps alleviate fears surrounding the Judgment Seat, promoting an understanding that all believers will ultimately receive praise from God, making it a hopeful and encouraging aspect of Christian faith.
In what ways does the sermon differentiate between various judgments mentioned in scripture?
The sermon differentiates between various judgments mentioned in scripture by categorizing them based on their timing, purpose, and context. Here are the key distinctions made:
1.Judgment of Sin: This judgment occurred historically at Calvary around 30 AD, where Jesus bore the sins of humanity. It is a one-time event that signifies God’s final judgment on sin through Christ’s sacrifice.
2.Judgment of Self: This ongoing judgment takes place during the believer’s life on earth. It involves self-evaluation and repentance to avoid divine discipline. The believer is responsible for judging their own actions to maintain spiritual integrity.
3.Judgment of Believers’ Works: This judgment occurs after the rapture and is specifically for believers. It evaluates their works to determine rewards in heaven, rather than punishment for sin. The focus is on recognizing faithful service.
4.Judgment of Israel: This judgment pertains to Israel and will occur at the end of the tribulation period when Christ returns to judge the nation, separating the faithful from the rebels.
5.Judgment of Gentiles: Also known as the judgment of nations, this occurs at the end of the tribulation when Christ separates believing Gentiles from unbelievers.
6.Judgment of Satan and Demons: This judgment is reserved for Satan and his fallen angels and will take place at the end of the millennial kingdom.
7.Great White Throne Judgment: This judgment is for all unsaved individuals throughout history and occurs after the millennial reign of Christ, where they are judged based on their deeds and ultimately cast into the lake of fire.
The sermon emphasizes that each judgment has a specific time and place, highlighting that they should not be conflated with one another. The Judgment Seat of Christ (bema) is particularly noted for being a place of honor rather than condemnation, focusing on rewarding believers for their faithful works rather than judging them for sin. This distinction serves to provide clarity on the nature of God’s judgments and reassures believers about their standing in Christ.
Why is it important for believers to anticipate their rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
Anticipating rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ is essential for believers for several reasons:
1.Motivation for Faithful Service: Understanding that there will be a time of reward encourages believers to live out their faith actively and serve God wholeheartedly. The anticipation of receiving rewards based on their works can inspire Christians to engage in acts of love, service, and obedience to God’s commands, knowing that their efforts will be recognized.
2.Clarification of Judgment Nature: The Judgment Seat of Christ is not a punitive judgment for sins but a rewarding experience. This distinction alleviates fears associated with traditional notions of judgment, allowing believers to approach the event with hope and excitement rather than anxiety. As highlighted in the sermon, the term “bema” signifies a place of honor where believers will receive recognition for their faithful service.
3.Encouragement from Scripture: Scriptures such as Revelation 22:12 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8 affirm that Jesus will bring rewards for believers based on their deeds. This scriptural assurance reinforces the importance of living a life aligned with God’s purpose, as it emphasizes that every action has eternal significance.
4.Expectation of Praise: The anticipation of receiving praise from God is a powerful motivator. The sermon mentions that every believer will have praise from God at this judgment, reinforcing the idea that all Christians can look forward to being honored for their faithfulness, which fosters a sense of belonging and purpose within the body of Christ.
5.Hope for Eternal Perspective: Anticipating rewards at the Judgment Seat helps believers maintain an eternal perspective. It encourages them to focus on spiritual growth and the impact of their lives on others, knowing that their earthly actions contribute to their eternal standing in heaven.
In summary, anticipating rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ is crucial as it motivates believers to serve faithfully, clarifies the nature of judgment as one of honor rather than condemnation, and provides hope and encouragement through scriptural promises. This anticipation ultimately shapes how believers live out their faith in anticipation of eternal rewards.
How do the referenced scriptures support the idea that this judgment is not about punishment?
The referenced scriptures support the idea that the Judgment Seat of Christ is not about punishment by emphasizing themes of reward, recognition, and the nature of believers’ standing before God. Here are key points from the scriptures that highlight this perspective:
1.2 Corinthians 5:10: This verse states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” The focus here is on receiving what is due for one’s actions, suggesting a system of rewards rather than punishment. The emphasis on “what is due” implies that believers will be rewarded for their good works rather than judged for their sins.
2.Revelation 22:12: In this verse, Jesus declares, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” The term “recompense” indicates a rewarding action, reinforcing the idea that believers will receive rewards based on their deeds. This further illustrates that the judgment is about recognizing and rewarding faithful service rather than punishing wrongdoing.
3.1 Corinthians 3:12-15: This passage discusses how each person’s work will be tested by fire to reveal its quality. It states that if someone’s work survives, they will receive a reward; if it is burned up, they will suffer loss but still be saved. The notion that believers may experience loss but are ultimately saved underscores that this judgment does not lead to condemnation but rather serves as an evaluation of their works.
4.Romans 8:1: Although not directly addressing the Judgment Seat of Christ, this verse affirms that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This foundational truth reassures believers that they are not subject to punishment for their sins because Christ has already paid the penalty.
5.2 Timothy 4:7-8: Paul expresses confidence in receiving a “crown of righteousness” from the Lord at His appearing. This promise of a crown indicates a reward for faithful service and reinforces the idea that the judgment focuses on commendation rather than condemnation.
These scriptures collectively emphasize that the Judgment Seat of Christ is characterized by reward and recognition for believers’ faithful service rather than punishment for sin. They provide a clear theological foundation that encourages believers to live righteously in anticipation of receiving rewards from God.
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