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)

An enduring love means an enduring reward

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.’

The Overcomer: By Faith Part Two The Overcomer: By Faith

Victory! Everybody wants in on the idea.

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!

Part Three Revelation 2-3 Overcomers By being faithful

Part Three Revelation 2-3 How churches with common problems can respond to receive eternal rewards.

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

Knowledge alone can make us proud. They were to… Remember The initial passion we had for Jesus, both as individuals and a church, was a good thing Why did we have it? Why did we lose it? Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

They had left their first love. A disciple has to have priorities – Matt. 10:37-38 This is the most important command - Matt. 22:36-40 We can’t learn any other way! We remain slaves – Luke 14:25-27 This problem is sin! Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Overcomers Knowledge alone can make us proud. They were to… Remember Repent Not loving the Lord above all else is sin. When the Greatest Commandment is violated, it’s a great sin. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

When we neglect our life’s Priority, we need to get right with God. 2 Timothy 2:4 As a church and as individuals, failing to remember what’s truly important risks losing a chance to be used of God and lose His approval at the Judgment Seat. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Our emotions follow our actions. Then, we need to act on what is true. They were to… Remember Repent Do what they used to do Our emotions follow our actions. In our thinking, we need to embrace what is true, regardless of how we feel. Then, we need to act on what is true. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Overcomers How do I cultivate a relationship with Christ? For one thing, I need to act on it. I need to treat it as the priority relationship in life. Time in the Word. A humble responsive heart as I learn His will from His word. Time battling in prayer. Time given to priorities that the Word gives. Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Overcomers This is the best way to develop relationships! We are commanded to love our spouses. We are commanded to love our children. We are commanded to obey our authorities. We are commanded to treat those under our care knowing we have Someone over us. We are commanded to forgive. Emotion is not to govern our lives; Jesus Christ is! Rev. 2:1-7 Overcomers

Failure to deal with this issue would destroy their testimony (lampstand taken away). 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

To really experience life, we must abide in the Lifegiver. 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

An enduring love means an enduring reward