Bible Study

Receiving Our Rewards

Colossians instructs us to “set [our] hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1 NIV). One way to do that is to focus our attention on eternity and heavenly priorities. Everything we accomplish for the sake of God’s kingdom will be rewarded one day. In this study, you will learn more about how believers will be honored at the judgment seat of Christ.

A. How can we be judged for our works if we are saved by grace?

Although salvation is a gift, the believer’s judgment is based on his or her works. Second Corinthians 5:10 says that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

• How does the concept of rewards relate to the principle of sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7-9)?

   

We serve God through His grace and the empowering of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 15:10). But we still have a responsibility to obey Him by choice, and to persist in the calling He has for us (Matt 16:27).

B. Will believers be rewarded equally?

Salvation is offered freely to all who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our “reward” is eternity with God (Matt. 25:46). But does that mean all believers will experience the same degree of heavenly honors?

• On what basis will we be rewarded (1 Cor. 3:8; Rev. 22:12)?

   

• Why should Christians rejoice when they are persecuted (Luke 6:22-23, 35)?

   

• Do you think all followers of Christ will be equally honored (1 Cor. 3:11-15)?

Notice that rewards can also be lost (Matt. 10:42).

• The apostle John cautions his fellow believers (2 John 8). Rewrite his warning in your own words.

   

C. If we can forfeit our eternal rewards, does that mean we can lose our salvation?

Passages that refer to the loss of heavenly rewards are sometimes wrongly taken to mean that a believer can lose salvation.

• Do you think we can forfeit eternal life by what we do or fail to do (Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 2:16)? Why or why not?

   

• If someone’s works don’t meet with the Lord’s approval, what will happen to those deeds? What will happen to the believer (1 Cor. 3:14-15)?

   

D. How will rewards affect our heavenly existence?

The Bible doesn’t give many details about the way our eternal rewards will affect us in heaven. However, a number of passages indicate that faithful believers will be granted special responsibilities or authority, either in heaven or during the millennial reign of Christ (1 Cor. 4:8).

• Write a brief description of each:
  
  Matthew 24:45-47
  
  
  Matthew 25:21
  
  
  Luke 19:17-19
  
  
  2 Timothy 2:12
  
  
  Revelation 2:26
  
  
  
• According to 1 Cor. 6:2-3, who or what will believers judge?

   

In addition, sacrifices made here on earth for the sake of Christ and the gospel will be rewarded generously in heaven.

• Describe the promise in Mark 10:29-30.

   

• Jesus told His disciples to “store up . . . treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” rather than focus on building worldly wealth (Matt. 6:20). In what ways do you invest in eternal treasures?

   

The Bible mentions a number of crowns that will be awarded for special service to the Lord (1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:2-4; Rev. 2:10).

• What do the elders do with their crowns (Rev. 4:10-11)?

   

E. Should eternal rewards motivate us to obey God?

Love for the Father and gratitude for His blessings should be our primary reasons for serving the Lord. But, as you have seen from this study, the Bible frequently promises that individuals will be rewarded for righteous living, and that temporal loss for the sake of Christ will be repaid with eternal gain. Therefore, we can assume that God intends for rewards to motivate believers—at least to some extent.

• How can we be sure that we earn heavenly honors (Heb. 10:35-36)?

   

• Do you need to change anything in your life so you can walk in the good works God has prepared for you (Eph. 2:10)?

   

Conclusion: Jesus told His disciples they could expect an eternal return on the investments they made in His kingdom. Let that promise motivate you to keep earthly troubles in perspective, focus on heavenly priorities, and obey God’s will wholeheartedly.

Prayer: Father, thank You for promising that every one of our righteous choices will be rewarded on the day of judgment. Enable us to discover Your specific will for our lives and obey You in all we do. Help us live in light of eternity. Amen.