We are commanded to pursue rewards! Last time…

To get rewards we need to live a rewardable life. Last time…

We are accountable for the way we live..

What makes this confusing?

Every one of the sixty-six books of the Bible has a purpose. Audience Every one of the sixty-six books of the Bible has a purpose. Not understanding who they were written to and/or why they were written can cause major issues. For example…

Leviticus 19:28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord. Written to Israel Probably dealt with Caananite practices The Church has died to the Law

The Value of John One of few books in which the purpose for writing the book is clearly stated. John 20:30-31

The Value of John Target audience = Unbelievers Often tells us how to have life When believers become audience (13-21), begins to discuss abiding and growth

Matthew, Mark, and Luke Target audience = Believers Almost never discusses how to get eternal life Discusses how to become disciples Focuses on rewards, as does other NT books!

For believers…

“And, behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with me, to give to every one according to his work.” Revelation 22:12

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (Bema Seat), that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

The Judgment Seat of Christ is for believers. It is where we are judged for our works in the body. It occurs before the Kingdom reign of Christ.

Our lives determine our eternal future. Today, we look at the simple idea of accountability before God.

Luke 12 Faithful Servant Unfaithful Servant Vs.

When we live for the Kingdom, we care about the Kingdom. Luke 12:32-34

Jesus may return at any time. When He comes, all opportunities are done! Therefore, live life prepared for His return! Luke 12:35-40

“Who is this message for?” Peter: “Who is this message for?” Jesus: “This message is for any believer willing to serve faithfully and be ready!” Luke 12:41-42

Wise and faithful servants are given rule in the Kingdom. Faithful believers are happy when Jesus returns. 1 John 2:28 A helpful, little language lesson… Luke 12:42-44

“Unfaithful” is the same word as “unbeliever”. Luke 12:41-48 In the original language, the word “faithful” is the same word as “believer”. “Unfaithful” is the same word as “unbeliever”. The context makes the difference. That reality becomes important soon!

The same person who was faithful becomes unfaithful. “That servant” The same person who was faithful becomes unfaithful. He mistreats other believers! He gets caught off-guard! Luke 12:45-46

“Cut him in two” Not an angelic Samurai judgment!

The idea is one of “severe discipline” and loss(1 Cor. 3:15) “Cut him in two” The idea is one of “severe discipline” and loss(1 Cor. 3:15) Remember: “Unbelievers” is the identical word for “unfaithful”. Our lives impact our eternity! Luke 12:45-46

Faithfulness has been the theme from the beginning. Unfaithful Christians have a different share in the Kingdom than faithful Christians. Many ignore accountability, yet instead claim these lost, or never had, eternal life. Luke 12:45-46

Similar to hyperboles we use, these are simply figures of speech to teach us that there are degrees of consequences for sin. “Cut him in two” “Beaten with many stripes” “Beaten with a few” Luke 12:45-46

“You’ll wish you’d never been born” “I’ll beat you within an inch of your life” “You’re going to poke your eye out!” “I’ll knock you into next week!”

When we don’t do what we know we’re supposed to do, we are held accountable. Luke 12:47-48

In eternity, ignorance is an excuse. However, now we are not ignorant! Luke 12:47-48

The clear idea is that we are accountable to God for the way we live. Eternal life is not in view. Eternal rewards is. Look at a portion of what we’ve been given… Luke 12:47-48

Eternal life The Holy Spirit Forgiveness Perfect inner self Opportunity to rule Fellowship with God The family of God Chance to enhance our future (rewards)

To whom much given, Much is required.

We are accountable for the way we live..