Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher - Jim Rickard Sunday, March 21, 2010

John 15:2 Rewards for Divine Good Production

H. The production of Divine Good results in Surpassing Grace blessings for the eternal state. 1 Cor 3:10-15, 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 2-3

All believers will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ, called the BEMA, 2 Cor 5:10.

2 Cor 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recom- pensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

Two general categories of good; Divine and Human.

Cat. #1, Gold, Silver, Precious Stones These are permanent things out of which to build something, indicating everlasting rewards. (Divine Good Rewards)

a) Gold represents Deity. Reward for all Divine Good that glorifies God by means of the Spirit-filled life. John 16:12-14

b) Silver speaks of redemption. Reward for witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit.

c) Precious stones are identification with the family of God via the High Priest. Reward for production of the believer priest as effecting the Royal Family of God.

Cat. # 2: Wood, Hay, Straw Temporary things, indicating loss as each is burned up and nothing remains when passed through fire. Human Good Production (Loss of Rewards)

a) Wood speaks of man and of good deeds performed from the flesh, (i.e. approbation lust).

b) Hay is an energy source for working animals. These are works from human energy that originates from the area of strength in the Sin Nature.

c) Straw is the leftover and useless byproduct. These are works done out of spite, envy, hostility, reluctantly or some form of compulsion; worthless works according to 2 Cor 9:7.

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

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.”

Details of our Rewards 1) Rev 2:7 - Paradise club, eating from the Tree of Life and access to the “Gazebo in the Garden”, a fantastic gathering place in heaven.

2) Rev 2:10 - The Crown of Life, for living the spiritual life, bringing maximum glorification to God. James 1:12

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.”

There are Three other Crowns for the believer that will last forever, 1 Cor 9:23-26.

a) Crown of Rejoicing – soul winners, 1 Thes 2:19.

a) Crown of Rejoicing – soul winners, 1 Thes 2:19. b) Crown of Righteousness - “loved His appearing”, (spiritual maturity), 2 Tim 4:8.

c) The Crown of Glory - feeding the flock of God, 1 Peter 5:1-4 cf. Prov 16:31

3) Rev 2:11 - Spared the second death; no Lake of Fire, Rev 20:6, 14; 21:8.

4) Rev 2:17 a) Hidden manna; eternal spiritual sustenance.

4) Rev 2:17 a) Hidden manna; eternal spiritual sustenance. b) White stone; an eternal credit card.

4) Rev 2:17 a) Hidden manna; eternal spiritual sustenance. b) White stone; an eternal credit card. c) New title on the stone; a new order of knighthood with rank and privilege.

5) Rev 2: The Order of the Morning Star, highest decoration for living the Christian life. Authority to rule in the Millennium. Rev 2:26-27; 20:4

6) Rev 3:4-5 – The uniform of glory.

6) Rev 3:4-5 – The uniform of glory. 7) Rev 3:12 - Pillar in the temple, the story of the Divine Good producer.

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

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.

This is all possible because of the strategic victory of the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ). Rev 3:21

Grace Offering

Grace Fellowship Church Sunday, March 21, 2010 Divine Good Production, Part 6 Rewards Upper Room Discourse, Part 351 Grace Fellowship Church Sunday, March 21, 2010 Tape # Divine Good Production, Part 6 Rewards Upper Room Discourse, Part 351 John 15:2-8, 1 Cor 3:10-16; Rev 2-3 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2010