Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Bible Study on Rewards


This is from a document that I started almost 8 years ago. As you can see, I haven't quite finished it.

Sorry the formatting is a little screwy for now and some of this appears as block caps... not by intent.

Use it for whatever it's worth and let me know if it blesses you. I might be inspired to turn it into a book!

 

1.1        Introduction – You Mean There Are Rewards?


Genesis 15: 1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” (NKJV)

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (NKJV)

John 3:16 – not perish but might have everlasting life.  What is this everlasting life?  Why is it better than living forever?  What are the perks in this life?
The goal of salvation is not to escape hell.  It is to have this eternal life, intimacy with God.  This is the reward.

As a Christian, do you ever ponder what it will be like in Heaven?  Do you ever think that it might not be the same for everyone, that the precious eternity in Heaven might be different experiences from person to person?  Well, if you believe this to be true, would it not then be logical to try to find out what would make a difference, given that life is so short and eternity forever?
How then would we make sure that we make the most of this life?  One part of this I would submit for your consideration is the topic of Rewards.
I have broached this topic with quite a few Christians who will chastise me for thinking about this topic.  “We don’t work that way, as Christians we do the Lord’s will and obey His commands because we love Him”.  It often comes across somehow as demeaning or less than honorable for Christians to want to be rewarded for their labors.  However, as I read scriptures, I cannot but come across many, many verses which speak on this topic of Rewards.  Beyond making it into Heaven, the word “reward” appears too many times in the Bible for us to ignore. 
I am sure you love the Lord and His Word to be reading this article.  Anything that is mentioned in the Word enough times is something we ignore at our own loss, bearing in mind that these affect eternal things.  That is why I believe this topic is one that warrants us having a close look at, hence this study.
Personally, this study was instrumental in spurring me even more into the things of the eternal.  My hope is that it does the same and more for you, that you start to enjoy an ever increasing revelation of God’s love for you, that like Paul, you press on, to “lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of” (from Phillipians 3:12) for you.
I will submit to you humbly that I do not know everything about rewards.  I’ll contend that I have not even put my foot in the door of this understanding.  I have simply classified and added a few short comments here and there, using  my God-given skill of weaving scriptures together to form a picture.

1.2        There IS A Reward to Be Had

1.2.1      Jesus Spoke Much About Rewards

In the Gospels and in the Book of Revelation, we see Jesus speaking about rewards many times.  It is very clear that a lot of what we do here as His disciples is tied to rewards.  We simply cannot ignore what the Lord himself had said.
Consider the following verses, which we will discuss further in the article:
Matthew 5: 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?(NKJV)

Matthew 6: 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (NKJV)

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (NKJV)

Matthew 6: 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (NKJV)

Matthew 10:41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward. (NKJV)

Matthew 16: 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. (NKJV)

Matthew 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. (NKJV)

Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘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. (NKJV)

Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. (NKJV)

Mark 9:41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. (NKJV)

Luke 6: 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. (NKJV)

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. (NKJV)

Luke 12:33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. (NKJV)

Luke 19:17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ (NKJV)

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (NKJV)

Revelation 22: 12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. (NKJV)

1.2.2      Other Verses Teeling Us About Rewards

Apart from what we have just seen above, the Bible goes further to mention that there IS a reward for each of us.  Consider the following verses:

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (NKJV)

James 1: 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (NKJV)

1 Peter 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (NKJV)

Revelation 11:18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.” (NKJV)

1.3        Things the Bible Says About Rewards

1.3.1      Our Reward is According to Our Works

It is important to note that we are rewarded according to our works.  We do not receive salvation from works.  This has often been confused by some who think that the reward is salvation, everlasting life.  If this was the case, then Christ died for nothing and we are saved by our works.  Salvation is a gift.  Rewards are for the works of the believers.
It is interesting to me that the famous verse 26 is actually the context of rewards also, for in the next verse, we see Jesus mentioning that the Father would reward each according to his own works!
Matthew 16: 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. (NKJV)

This is said again here:
Revelation 22: 12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. (NKJV)

Paul says a very similar thing in this verse below:
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (NKJV)

1.3.2      The Reward is Big Compared to Our Work

We will never be shortchanged.  According to scriptures, what we stand to receive summarily outstrips whatever effort we put in.  The rewards seem disproportionately larger than the works done.  Consider the following:
Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘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. (NKJV)
Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. (NKJV)

The “few things” were counted in talents.  A talent is thought to be about a workman’s wages for a month.  I don’t think Jesus was so much interested in the actual amount as He was in the proportions.  See again in Luke:

Luke 19:17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ (NKJV)

1.3.3      Knowing About the Reward Brings Rejoicing, Hope

If we don’t know, fail to see or give little regard to what is taught in the Bible about rewards, we will miss a great source of motivation.  We see here how Jesus encouraged His disciples by telling them about the reward they would receive when persecuted for His sake.  The “that day” in verse 23 is talking about the day of persecution.
Luke 6: 20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. (NKJV)

Paul talks about how the Colossian church had faith in Jesus and loved all the saints because they saw the hope laid up for them in Heaven.  It can be argued that this hope was a general hope, not specific to rewards, but I choose to think they heard more in the word of the truth of the gospel.  We ourselves should look forward eagerly to our rewards, that we might similarly have faith in Our Lord and love for the saints.
Colossians 1: 3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, (NKJV)

Jesus himself did what He did for the joy set before Him:
Hebrews 12: 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)

1.3.4      Work Towards It, Don’t Lose It

We see in the next 2 verses how Jesus Himself exhorts us to “lay up treasures in heaven”.  This automatically brings to light a few thoughts:
1.              There are treasures of differing amounts for each of us in Heaven.
2.              We can do something about these differing amounts while here on earth.  It is almost as if we can lay up treasures as investment of sorts.
3.              Whatever we lay up there cannot be destroyed.
It is also important to note that where our treasure is, there our heart will also be.  If we seek rewards that are this side of Heaven, here on earth, then our heart, our priority, will be there.  If we seek earthly wealth, we will put priority to working for this.  If we seek Heavenly treasures, then our heart will seek the thing of heaven.  Paul exhorts us in Colossians 3:2 to set our minds on the things above, not the things on earth.
Matthew 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)

Luke 12:29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)

In the passage below, we again see the same pattern. 
1.              We are built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.  We are saved.
2.              We build on from here.  It is up to us to choose daily how we live, what we do.
3.              There will be a time of reckoning, where we will receive rewards for our treasures in Heaven or
4.              Get into Heaven smelling of smoke, without rewards.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (NKJV)

Later in the same epistle, Paul further re-iterates, likening life to be a race, that we should run to receive the prize.  If we are already saved, what prize is there to run if there were no rewards or if these were unimportant in the sight of Paul?
1 Corinthians 9: 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (NKJV)

Here are a few things which Paul mentions in Colossians that can rob us of our rewards – false humility, worship of angels, essentially false religiosity.  Key to this is the fleshly mind, as opposed to one walking in the spirit.  Verse 19 tells us how - we must hold fast to the Head to be nourished. Stay with God's Word.  Even so, as we become stronger in our walk with the Lord and the knowledge of His Word, we must never allow pride to set foot in the door of our lives. The Word must bear fruit, else it is a clear sign that something is wrong.
Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. (NKJV)

John in the passage below reminds us very clearly that we should be careful not to lose the things we worked for, but to go for the full reward.
2 John 1: 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. (NKJV)

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (NKJV)

1.3.5      Paul Himself Went After the Reward

Central in Paul’s vision is to eschew, to ignore earthly comforts, that he could maximize his reward, his prize.  We see this in many verses, including the one below: 
Romans 8: 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (NKJV)

I do not think his efforts to discount his earthly life were about self-denial (as opposed to denial of self – that is different) so much as ensuring that he remained completely focused, not distracted, from the prize.  We see this in how in many scriptures, Paul likens himself to an athlete training or competing hard in a race, or a soldier enlisted for war.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (NKJV)
If we take that into our own context, applying it to ourselves, it means that over and beyond getting saved, clearly Paul went after a reward, an end, which was beyond this.  It would be great just to be saved, but to sit in the pews thereafter waiting for this is clearly missing it.  We have a race to finish and we must gear to finish it with joy!

Paul took this seriously.  To him, attaining this reward was not an option, not a side dish to salvation.  It was the penultimate purpose after having been saved by grace.  It is clear that the goal he was working was finite and tangible to him, like the prize in a race, that he worked hard and purposefully towards it with certainty, making sure that all his members were headed in the same direction, that all his purposes narrowed onto one goal.  There is even mention of disqualification, as if rewards or prizes he was entitled to would not be gotten, even in the position of his that we see as being so vaunted in the kingdom. 
How much more us?
► 1 Co 9: 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (NKJV)

Paul was willing to forego much in this world for the furtherance of the Gospel because he realized one truth, a great kingdom principle, the one who desires to be first must be the slave, that the last shall be first.
► Mt 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (NKJV)

► Mt 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (NKJV)

 It is not as if Paul did this coldly only for the rewards either, for it was this same great man who said
► 1 Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (NKJV)

Paul hit the nail on the head – this race we are in is a race won by helping others win, and doing so in the love that God first loved us with! 
► Jn 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (NKJV)

Running the race refers closely to the areas Paul has already mentioned:
his rights and his willingness to give it up for the gospel
his compulsion to preach the Gospel
his readiness to be all things to all men that some might be saved
See Philippians 2:14-16 , 1 Cor 9:24-26 , Heb 12:1 , Gal 2:2
Updated 22 Feb 09
14 Mar 09
Paul's exhortation here is that we should
1. Realise that we are working towards a very tangible goal
2. Like athletes, we thus should be disciplined in this process
What we will attain is eternal, so we should take heed constantly to discipline our lives towards this.
10 Nov 2009
This is a race in which it works only if we work hard at makiing others win the race!











Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. (NKJV)

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (NKJV)

Philippians 3: 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

2 Timothy 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (NKJV)

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (NKJV)

Paul's exhortation here is that we should
1.              Realise that we are working towards a very tangible goal
2.              Like athletes, we thus should be disciplined in this process
What we will attain is eternal, so we should take heed constantly to discipline our lives towards this.
Running the race refers closely to the areas Paul has already mentioned:
·       his rights and his willingness to give it up for the gospel
·       his compulsion to preach the Gospel
·       his readiness to be all things to all men that some might be saved

See Philippians 2:14-16 , 1 Cor 9:24-26 , Heb 12:1 , Gal 2:2

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (NKJV)

1.4        What is the Reward?

I would be doing you a great disservice if I could write in a few paragraphs what I think the reward will be or be like.  The fact of the matter I believe, is that it cannot be put in a box, fathomed in human knowledge.  Already, we are told that God’s love surpasses our fleshly mind’s ability to grasp.
Having said that, let me encourage you with a list of verses that would give you a glimpse of what it is, that by faith the Lord would reveal to you individually the depth and majesty of what awaits you upon entering heaven.

The first two verses you saw in this study give me a glimpse of what the Reward is about.  I believe it has a lot to do with sweet intimacy with the Creator, which would far exceed any material or immaterial rewards.

1.4.1      God Himself

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (NKJV)

Genesis 15: 1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” (NKJV)

1.4.2      Being in His Presence

There is great pleasure when we are in His presence.  This is intrinsically linked with rewards.
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (NKJV)
[There are different levels of closeness in heaven – see revelation]
Matthew 20:23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” (NKJV)
[There are positions to be had]

Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (NKJV)

1.4.3      Crown of Life

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 9:25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (NKJV)

James 1: 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (NKJV)

2 Timothy 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (NKJV)
Those of us who earnestly love His appearing will fulfill the rest!

1 Peter 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (NKJV)

1.5        Going After the Rewards

1.5.1      The Key to the Rewards

Love – all of God’s love for us, put on others
If you are looking for 10 things you can do to get the rewards, I am sorry, but I don’t have them!

The behaviour that gives rewards are fruits resulting from attitudes, not activities.

1.5.2      Love and Rewards

Key and central to attaining rewards is having love.  Every time I see the word “love” in the Word, I see the word “God”, because 1 John 4:8 puts it plainly that “God is love”.  We can only love to the measure that we understand God’s love for us.  There is a profit, Paul notes, but the moment we do anything for any reason other than this, it deprives us of this.  We need a good dose of understanding of God’s love like it says in Ephesians 3:18-19, to understand the “width and length and depth and height” of the love of Christ’s which “passes knowledge” that we might be “filled with all the fullness of God”.
We need first to understand God’s love.
1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (NKJV)

The other attitude, again a response to God’s love, is to do all as unto God, not to men.
Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (NKJV)

Peter puts it this way:  that we as Christians should have compassion and love, to be tenderhearted and courteous, not rude or vicious or vindictive, for there is a blessing to be inherited at the end of this.  While I am not clear if this blessing is now or in eternity (I would like to think both), I would take it nonetheless.
1 Peter 3: 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. (NKJV)

Ancillary to our success as a whole, I believe, are these 3 verses, which we should meditate on:
Galatians 5: 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. (NKJV)

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)

1.5.3      Seeking the Lord

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV)

Matthew 13: 44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (NKJV)

Matthew 13: 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (NKJV)

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV)

God wants me to believe that as I seek Him, I shall be rewarded!  Actually, He considers it faith when I believe that He is a rewarder.

[As we seek more, we will find more of His love and we will love more and in it there is more rewards etc.]

1.5.4      Faith in the Lord

Hebrews 10:35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (NKJV)

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV)

Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (NKJV)

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (NKJV)

Luke 19:17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ (NKJV)

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (NKJV)

1.5.5      Serving the Lord/Labouring in the Word

Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (NKJV)

1.5.6      Love for the Brethren

Loving and receiving brethren, especially prophets.
Mark 9:41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. (NKJV)
His instructions are clear: receive prophets, other Christians and believers and receive a due reward for them.  Receiving a prophet as who he is makes us entitled to the prophet’s reward!  How we should make haste to do this!
Matthew 10:40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward. (NKJV)

1.5.7      Compassion for the Poor

Giving to the poor is one of the things that God rewards us for.  Compassion.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (NKJV)

Mark 10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (NKJV)

Luke 18:22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. (NKJV)

Where your priority is is where your heart will be.  Put your money where your mouth is.
Matthew 6: 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)

Luke 12:32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)


1.5.8      Charitable Deeds Done in Secret

There are rewards for charitable deeds done from the heart, for the right cause.  If we do these for our own glory, there will not be any reward.

He tells us to give in secret so we will have a reward from the Father openly.

Matthew 6: 1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (NKJV)

1.5.9      Loving Enemies, Doing Good

There is a reward for loving your enemies.
He exhorts us to love our enemies, so that unlike those who love only those who love them, they would have a reward.

Matthew 5: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? (NKJV)

Luke 6: 27 “But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who are cruel to you. 29 If anyone slaps you on one cheek, offer him the other cheek, too. If someone takes your coat, do not stop him from taking your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and when someone takes something that is yours, don’t ask for it back. 31 Do to others what you would want them to do to you. 32 If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? Even sinners love the people who love them. 33 If you do good only to those who do good to you, what praise should you get? Even sinners do that! 34 If you lend things to people, always hoping to get something back, what praise should you get? Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount! 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. 36 Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (NCV)

This whole passage is referring closely to the attitude of mercy towards those who don't like you, people whom one might consider to be at enmity with.

1.5.10   Leaving World Behind to Follow Jesus

Matthew 19: 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (NKJV)

Mark 10:29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (NKJV)

1.5.11   Enduring Temptation

James 1: 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (NKJV)

1.5.12   Praying In Private

There is a reward for praying in secret!
He tells us to pray in secret, to spend time with Him, again in the thought that we will be rewarded openly by the Father.

Matthew 6: 5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (NKJV)

1.5.13   Fasting in Private

Matthew 6: 16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (NKJV)

There is a reward for fasting!  But what is the purpose of fasting?

1.5.14   Stewardship

Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘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.’ (NKJV)

Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (NKJV)

Luke 19:17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ (NKJV)

Revelation 22: 12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. (NKJV)

Done with love
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (NKJV)

Revelation 22: 12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 9: 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (NKJV)

1.5.15   Falsely Reviled for Jesus’ Sake

Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NKJV)

When we have faith in God's Word, and we are persecuted for God's sake, the Word says plainly that we should find cause to "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad".  It is almost as if we should look forward to be persecuted for the Lord's sake, knowing full well that there is a great reward awaiting us.

1.5.16   Receiving the Crown of Life for Tribulation

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)
Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (NKJV)

1.6        Going in the Right Direction – Fruitfulness


1.7        Other Mention of Rewards

2 Samuel 22:21 “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. (NKJV)

2 Chronicles 15:7 But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” (NKJV)

Job 34:11 For He repays man according to his work, And makes man to find a reward according to his way. (NKJV)

Psalm 18:20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. (NKJV)

Psalm 19:9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. (NKJV)

Psalm 58:11 So that men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth.” (NKJV)

Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. (NKJV)

Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. (NKJV)

Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you. (NKJV)

Ecclesiastes 4: 9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. (NKJV)

Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. (NKJV)

Isaiah 49:4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, And my work with my God.’ ” (NKJV)

Isaiah 62:11 Indeed the Lord has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’ ” (NKJV)

Jeremiah 31:16 Thus says the Lord: “Refrain your voice from weeping, And your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, And they shall come back from the land of the enemy. (NKJV)
 

1.8        About the author

Chris Tan is just a regular Joe Blow Christian who enjoys God’s Word and His fellowship.  He does not come backed by a big ministry name, does not pastor any church, nor does he have a string of credentials against his own.  All that sort of stuff can be great, but he has none of them.
Chris merely realised from the Word of God a simple truth – that he is God’s very own son, loved and empowered by Him to do great things for the Kingdom.
If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you too, have that same power already.