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 We decide which judgment we will face We must decide if we are ready to face the Lord Good works clothe us for the Kingdom celebration An enduring love means an enduring reward

Rewards are personal A rewardable life deals with all the issues we face An uncompromising person is given great honor Recognition and vindication await the faithful, while an invitation awaits those who are not

Recognition

Sardis v. 1 Great in the past, not the present. Same with the church. Jesus sees what’s going on. Great reputation, but not a great reality. Sardis v. 1

They needed to be ready for His coming… Very common language used of the return of Christ (Mt. 24:42-43; 25:13; Lk. 12:37-39; 1 Thess. 5:6). They needed to be ready for His coming… …as we do! Sardis v. 2-3

Ascension Rapture Return Biblical Time Line Ascension Rapture Return Parenthesis Eternal The Law (Church Age) Trib. Kingdom State OT NT 7 years 1,000 years Day of the Lord

Sardis had allowed themselves to slip spiritually and they were in danger of letting the slide continue. The ones who would deal with their issues and stay faithful would be publicly distinguished by their clothing, their acknowledgement, and their assurance given them. Sardis v. 4-5

Philadelphia 3:7 “Key of David” Authority and responsibility of the Davidic House Isa. 22:22 2 Sam. 7 Royal authority: Gives opportunities and reward! Philadelphia 3:7

Philadelphia 3:8-10a No criticism; they had stayed faithful. God has special love for those who suffer unjustly and stay faithful. John 14:21-23; Prov. 15:8-9 Vindication! Isa. 43:4; 49:23; 60:14 Philadelphia 3:8-10a

Probably a period of time the Roman Empire was about to undergo. “Hour of testing” Probably a period of time the Roman Empire was about to undergo. God’s special love is involved in limiting what they would have to endure! 1 Cor. 10:13 Philadelphia 3:10b

Rewards are not automatic for all believers, but works or merit based. “Quickly” From His standpoint 2 Peter 3:9 “Hold fast” Rewards are not automatic for all believers, but works or merit based. 2 Cor. 5:10-11 Philadelphia 3:11

…“That no one may take your crown”… “Don’t allow anyone to ruin your chance to enjoy joint-heirship with Jesus Christ!” 2 Tim. 2:12 Philadelphia 3:11

Philadelphia 3:12 Reward Pillar = Stability “Go out no more” = Closeness “Write on him” = Possession “They said you are wrong. I say you are Mine. You are God’s possession, this is your home, you are special to Me. They were wrong and I want everyone to know it!” Philadelphia 3:12 Reward

Invitation

Laodicea 3:14 Last church, not condemned. This church, not commended. Jesus presented as the Sovereign Lord of Creation. Laodicea 3:14

They are neither cold and refreshing nor hot and soothing. Their tepid nature reflects their hypocrisy, indifference, and their spiritual temperature. The issue is not eternal life, but their spiritual condition That attitude is sickening to God and He ceases to use their church. Laodicea 3:15-16

They bragged about their material wealth, but they were spiritually poor. Sadly, this is a picture of many contemporary churches. God often measures churches differently than we do. Laodicea 3:17

The solutions involve: Living by faith in the midst of trials – 1 Pet. 1:7. A proper response is gold. Genuine, heart-felt good works - Rev. 19:8; 3:4; 16:15; 1 John 2:28 Ask God to give us eyes that really see - Proverbs 20:12; 1 John 3:6 Laodicea 3:18

Laodicea 3:19 We need a proper view of God’s child-training. Heb. 12:3-11; Job 5:17-18 We also need a proper response to it. We don’t just “go along” with it, but enthusiastically, passionately deal with sin. Do I want what God wants? Do I want to do things God’s way? Laodicea 3:19

Laodicea 3:20 One of the most butchered verses in the NT. The “door” is likely the church’s door. Jesus wants to fellowship with His local church, but they have to open up to Him (1 Cor. 3:16). Any individual willing to respond can enjoy fellowship with Him. Laodicea 3:20

This verse is not a Gospel invitation. It’s written to believers and does not give any indication of how one gets life. If one takes it that way anyway, the way the writer (John) would have understood “opening the door” would have been by believing (John 20:30-31). Laodicea 3:20

We don’t get eternal life by overcoming, we overcome first when we get life (1 John 5:4-5) and then stay faithful (Rev. 2-3). Notice again, our overcoming in this context is compared to His. And we sit with Him on His throne! Laodicea 3:21

Recognition and vindication await the faithful. And, an invitation awaits those who are not.