The Rewards of a Christian

         I don’t think we should do things just so we can get rewards in heaven. That is being selfish! Well, that would be true if we were going to “show off” our rewards, and brag about them. The Bible tells us one reason for rejoicing, is the thought of great rewards in heaven. Matt 5:12, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you”. So brothers and sisters in Christ, if you are being persecuted for Christ you should rejoice because Jesus said your rewards will be great in Heaven. As we go through God’s word again and we are exhorted to be faithful to God, for the sake of our rewards in Heaven. What are these rewards, and how do we receive them. We will receive these rewards at the judgment seat of Christ. He not only gives us eternal life, but our rewards in Heaven also. We see from God’s word that these rewards will be in the form of crowns or trophies and will be an imperishable wreath we are also warned against losing our crown ( Rev 3:11) ”Behold I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown”. Bro and Sisters, God warns us against the possibility of losing  our crown. With this in mind let us take a closer look at God’s word to see how we will receive these crowns.

1.      Our first crown that Christians can receive is “The Crown of life”. (James 1:12),”Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hat promised to them that love Him”. Bro. and Sisters this crown of life is for those who stands strong against temptation. Trials in “ones” life is not , to cause one to fall into sin, but to make one stronger against the wilds of Satan. Here we see that enduring trials, is stated in terms both of the present and of the future. The man who endures temptation is a much happier person, happy, because they didn’t fall into sin. Brothers when a Christians falls into sin they are not happy because a Christian can’t enjoy sin. You see when a person becomes born again he gets a new heart or a new want to. When a person gets saved they can longer live the same way they did, because God puts new desires in their hearts. This doesn’t say a Christian can’t be happy in it. Yes, every true born-again believer that has ever fail into sin know this to be true, that the most unhappiest person on earth is a back slid den Christian. If you  want to be happy, stand strong against temptation and you shall receive the crown of life, if you love our Lord, and I know if you are saved, you love the Lord, because you could not be saved and not love the Lord. Remember this crown is only a promise to those who overcome temptation and remain obedient to God. Just remember, when you give in to temptation, and sin, you are losing a crown.

2.     The next crown we want to look at is  The Crown of Glory ( I pet 5:4) “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” This crown is one where most Christian fall short , yes! They miss the  mark of  our high calling. All Christians calling, is to testify of Jesus, to do their part in the body of Christ. This crown is related to shepherding. Friends Jesus is the God Shepherd and Christians are  the under shepherds of Jesus. He gave us charge of his flock but I am afraid we are not doing the job we should. 

illus You see the life of the Eastern shepherd, as described in the Bible was attended with much troubles, and dangers, he was exposed to the extremes of heat and cold. His food many times consisted of much uncertainty because his supplies was given to him by nature. He had to encounter the attacks of wild beasts, and occasionally the large species, such as lions, wolves, and bears. He was not even free from the risk of being robbed. In most cases he only had his clothes and  a sling to protect himself and his sheep. We are told a good shepherd would even give his life for his sheep. Are you a good shepherd, do you do the work God has left you with? Bro. You need to be Shepherding, taking care of the flock of God. When we teach others, and help them grown in the lord, we are being a shepherd. If you want this crown of glory, disciple others, help your brother to grow in the Lord.

3.      Our third crown is the crown of rejoicing ( I Thess 2:19-20) “ For what is  our hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing! Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming – for ye are our Glory and Joy.” Friends, brothers, and sisters, this should be the most desired crown of them all. This is the crown that the Lord will give to his soul winners. A soul winner is one  who tells another about Jesus, and they repent and turn to Him. Yes friends there is joy and rejoicing in heaven over one soul that repent. (Luke 15:7) "I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repented, more than over ninety and nine righteous person, who need no repentance". When a Christian tells some one about Jesus and they repent you will gain joy, joy unspeakable joy, to know that you have seen a soul come into the family of God. Don’t you think it will be joy to know you were responsible for joy in heaven? Brother if you want this crown of righteous then tell some of the lost at your work about Jesus. Tell someone how much God loves them and care for them and you shall receive the crown of righteous.

4.      ( II Tim 4:8 ) says, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing". This crown is given to

         Those who love His second coming by being faithful and prepared. Friends when the Apostle Paul wrote this he was awaiting death but the blessed hope for him was undimmed by it. Instead of being depressed, Paul is only the more confident. Friends the greater the trial the clearer the promise will shine through, it did for Paul, and it should for us. This crown which is the prize is described in various ways: it is the crown of righteousness to all because Paul said not to me only. Paul’s thoughts is not of himself alone (it never was), but of all the brethren, all the redeemed of the Lord. Those who has set their love upon the appearing of the Lord. What about you, do you long for the return of the Lord? Are you looking for Him? I pray that you are and you to will receive this crown or righteousness when you all Him.

5.      Our last crown is the incorruptible ( I Cor 9:25) "and every man that striveth for the mastery in temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown but we, an incorruptible". In this verse Paul is giving us a picture of two different types of People. In the beginning of this verse he is referring to the athletic who runs races to win the prize. After the illustration in verse 24 in verse 25 he begins to apply what he is talking about. Paul point is “That athletes who expect win must train hard. Athletes discipline themselves to win an insignificant prize. How much one ought we Christians to win an incorruptible give one which will last forever, that is a Christians crown. Our rewards will last forever this crown is awaiting all Christians who are victorious. In living the Christians life victorious over Satan and works of darkness.

         Now we have gained our crowns what do you think we will do with them. Looking at God’s word we can see that we will cast them at the feet of  Him. (Rev 4:10) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that lived forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the thrown. Isn’t that worth learning all the crowns so we want be embarrassed by not having any crowns.

         Let Us run this race of life standing firm for Jesus. Let us lift up Him in all that we say and do this life is not our own. If you are a child of God your life belong to Him, He paid for it with His life ( I Corin 6:20) for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God’s .PAUL challenge you to day run this race to win like and athletes. Train hard by studying God word and going to church to grow strong for the finish, if you are listening to this program and have never repented of your sins then do so today and you to can join this race for Jesus.