0053. Acts That Merit Reward
Acts That Merit Reward
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2Co_5:10).
1. There are some who seem to think that rewards lie wholly in the realm of Christian service, but the Bible clearly teaches that believers are to be rewarded for the way they live as well as for what they do.
The Christian who fails to add to his faith, the blessed graces of Christian living, suggested in 2Pe_1:5-7, will certainly fail to have the reward of an abundant entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord.
2. "Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it. * * If any man’s work abide * * he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss" (1Co_3:13-15).
The believer is to be rewarded according to his works, whether he builds wood, hay, stubble, or gold, silver, and precious stones.
The service which is rendered unto God in the energy of the flesh is the former; the service in the Spirit, is the latter.
How important that we should serve aright. We should be careful both as to how we build and as to what we build.
"We are building every day
A temple the world may not see;
Building, building, every day,
Building for eternity."
3. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day" (2Ti_4:7-8).
The Lord will reward His servants accordingly as they are faithful in the fight, as they keep the faith, and as they complete their God-given tasks. The value of these three primal requirements, cannot be overestimated.
4. "I know thy works, and love (charity), and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; * * I will give to every one of you according to your works" (Rev_2:19, Rev_2:23).
The believer is to be rewarded for works and love and service and faith and patience. Let us see that we excel in all of these things.
5. "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1Co_9:27).
The believer is to be rewarded accordingly as he subjects his flesh. He must buffet his body and bring it into subjection; he must so run and so fight that he may obtain the prize, and stand approved in the day of the Bema of Christ.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR