What have we learned about rewards?

We are commanded to pursue rewards We are accountable for the way we live To get rewards we need to live a rewardable life Our Judge is just, but also merciful Those who show mercy will receive mercy We will be judged on how much we achieve our God-given potential

Faithful believers will rule with Christ forever Everyone will be evaluated before God You decide which judgment you will face We must decide if we are ready to face the Lord Good works clothe us for the Kingdom celebration

Our treatment of others in the church will result in great loss or great reward Greatness in eternity requires humility now. Persevering faith results in unending reward Pursuing rewards is following the example of Jesus (Heb. 12:1-2; Phil. 2:5-11)

Part One

John 6:47 – Four Major Truths Truth I Truth III “…he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” Truth II Truth IV

Four Fantastic Truths

“He who believes” Faith alone “in Me” Christ alone “has” Assurance “eternal life” Eternal Security

The saved are being saved to be saved! ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; ‘You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’

Part Two The Overcomer by Faith

Victory! Everybody wants in on the idea.

Of course, Satan does what he can to prevent that from happening. When we believe in Christ, the Satanically inspired system around us (the world) suffers a significant and permanent defeat. Of course, Satan does what he can to prevent that from happening. (Lk. 8:5, 12; 2 Cor. 4:3-4) 1 John 5:4-5 Saved!

Our new self within us gives us a key basis of victory. “Whatever” (instead of “whoever”) focuses on a “general quality” within every believer. Our new self within us gives us a key basis of victory. Sadly, as Revelation 2-3 makes clear, our initial and permanent overcoming doesn’t guarantee believers will automatically overcome in experience. 1 John 5:4-5 Saved!

Overcoming: One Permanent; One Experiential #2 earned by works! #2: Only faithful believers are experiential Overcomers The Faithful are rewarded! The Justified are also those glorified! #1: Believers are also Overcomers! (1 John 5:4-5) #1 by faith alone!

The reward for the Faithful Part Three Revelation 2-3 Overcomers The reward for the Faithful

Overcomers Actual churches in John’s day. Mirror problems we have seen over history. Often similar to different historical periods. For churches to be successful, they need to embrace the great truths, warnings, encouragements, and motivations found here! Rev. 2-3 Overcomers

They are commended for: good works hard work endurance in the faith, and their intolerance of evil. And… They are unwilling to tolerate false claims to gifts, especially apostolic gifts. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

1 Thess. 5:19-22; also 1 Cor. 14:27-33, 39-40; 2 Cor. 12:12 We sometimes are led to believe it is unspiritual to question, in particular when it comes to spiritual gifts or claims to the miraculous. That is simply not true. 1 Thess. 5:19-22; also 1 Cor. 14:27-33, 39-40; 2 Cor. 12:12 Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Overcomers They had left their first love. Matt. 10:37-38; 22:36-40 Years before, they had been commended for it! Eph. 1:15 Our past or present conditions do not guarantee not having a problem tomorrow! Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Overcomers Problems: “Nicolaitans” Connected with immorality and idolatry? 2:14-15 May have wrongly exalted leadership over laity. There are many things God hates. Dt. 12:31; Ps. 5:4-6; Pr. 6:16-19; Zech. 8: 16- 17; Mal. 2:16 Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Knowledge alone can make us proud. How we use it and how we view ourselves in relation to our brethren is critical! 1 Cor. 8:1-3;1 Tim. 1:5! They were to… Remember Repent Do what they used to do Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Failure to deal with this issue would destroy their testimony. They would cease to be used as a church. Am I teachable? No matter how great the person or church, there are often areas of weakness. If we will not address our issues, we risk losing our testimony. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Overcomers “He who has an ear…” Is anyone listening? This is a message to a church! Both collectively and individually, we need to respond! Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Overcomers “Tree of Life” It is in the midst of Paradise. Unbelievers can’t get to it! The promise seems to be an enhanced experience of life! Genesis = 2:9; 3:17, 22, 24 (4) Proverbs = 3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4 (4) Revelation = 2:7; 22:2 (2) Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

No one here has ever done anything to enjoy life more… Experiencing life in a greater way must sound terribly unappealing to us. No one here has ever done anything to enjoy life more… Like movies, television, books, thrill rides, shooting, riding motorcycles, sky diving, water skiing, playing sports, watching sports, taking vacations… Even GOLF! Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

This is not obtaining life, but living it. In particular, the context and the idea of fellowship being tied to eating, this seems to indicate the privilege of greater fellowship with the Lord in our eternal experience. Special honor and special fellowship await those who persevere in their faith to the end, even those who have left their first Love, but are willing to repent and come back to Him. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Also, Luke 24:28-35; Ephesians 3:14-19 Special love Proverbs 15:8-9 John 14:21-23 Also, Luke 24:28-35; Ephesians 3:14-19 “Orthodoxy and service are not enough. Christ wants believers’ hearts as well as their hands and heads.” Walvoord Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

It should not surprise us that those who love Jesus, even through difficulty now, will forever reap the benefits in eternity.

Imagine the One who created life telling you He knows how to make it better!! …forever! Next week, we continue to explore some of the unique and personal rewards God promises. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Part Two The Overcomer by Faith