Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher Jim Rickard Sunday, May 18, 2008

1 John Series 1 John 4:4 Rewards for the Overcomer

Rewards are associated with brightness and shining, Dan 12:3; Mat 13:43; 1 Cor 15:40-41, 49, but also give the believer capacity to manifest the glory of Christ throughout eternity.

Dan 12:3, “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

1 Cor 15:41, “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory….

…. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthly, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.”

Rewards for Overcomers. Rev 2:7, 10-11, 17, 26-28; 3:4-5, 12, 21; and 21:7.

1) Rev 2:7 A member of the Paradise club forever. The eternal heavenly “Garden of Eden” where we are fed eternal spiritual sustenance, the Word of God.

2) Rev 2:10 The Crown of Life is given for living the spiritual life inside GPS bringing maximum glorification to God and persevering under trial.

James 1:12, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Four Crowns can be awarded at the BEMA. Each is indestructible and linked with living for the gospel of Christ. 1 Cor 9:23-26

a) The Crown of Rejoicing, for the soul winners. 1 Thes 2:19

b) The Crown of Righteousness for those who loved His appearing which means attainment, perpetuation, and activity of spiritual maturity. 2 Tim 4:8

2 Tim 4:8, “In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

c) The Crown of Glory for being willing to feed the flock of God. 1 Peter 5:1-4

3) Rev 2:11 Spared from the second death - the Eternal Lake of Fire reserved for Satan and all unbelievers. Rev 20:6, 14; 21:8

4) Rev 2:17

4) Rev 2:17 a) Spiritual sustenance,

4) Rev 2:17 a) Spiritual sustenance, b) Special accesses in heaven,

4) Rev 2:17 a) Spiritual sustenance, b) Special accesses in heaven, c) A new order of knighthood with rank and privilege.

5) Rev 2:26-28; 20:4 The highest decoration for living the Christian life. Jesus is called, “The Morning Star” Num 24:17; 2 Peter 1:19

6) Rev 3:4-5

6) Rev 3:4-5 a) Uniform of glory, Rev 3:18

6) Rev 3:4-5 a) Uniform of glory, Rev 3:18 b) Honors list in the Book of Life, Rev 20:15

6) Rev 3:4-5 a) Uniform of glory, Rev 3:18 b) Honors list in the Book of Life, Rev 20:15 c) Presented to God the Father in the court of heaven.

7) Rev 3:12 Noted in the historical record section of heaven. He will also receive a coat of arms, which allows him to enter the New Jerusalem.

8) Rev 3:21 Seated with Christ on His Throne sharing in eternal authority.

9) Rev 21:7 Inherit the New Heavens and New Earth.

Offering

Grace Fellowship Church Sunday, May 18, 2008 Tape # 08S-020 Rewards for the Overcomer, Part 2 1 John Series 1 John 4:4; Rev 2-3; Dan 12:3; 1 Cor 15:41 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2008