Robbed or Rewarded

A Biblical Counseling Series #3

Have you ever been left home by your parents with a list of chores to do before they return? I remember one Saturday morning when my parents went grocery shopping. Each of my siblings and I had a room to clean, but we knew we had several hours. We spent some time horsing around, and since I was the oldest, I was the instigator. Launching my brother off my feet was fun until he hit the dresser and possibly blacked out for a second. I thought he was dead! I was so scared. Thankfully he got up, so I begged him not to tell Mom. When my parents pulled into the driveway we scrambled to start cleaning, but the jig was up. We were in big trouble and my brother was never good at keeping secrets. I was in the worst hot water. We did not get rewarded that day.

As I researched for my final paper of my undergraduate degree this week, I was reminded of the Judgment Seat of Christ for each believer. That Judgment will be wonderful news for those who did well at following the instructions given in God’s Word. A little like the upcoming College Graduation I am looking forward to, rewards will be given to those who “fight the good fight, finish their course, and keep the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul described this Judgment to the Corinthians arguing about whose salvation was better, those who were saved by the preaching of Apollos or those who were saved because of Paul’s preaching. Paul assured them that it was only because of Jesus that anyone is saved, and it is Jesus who gives the increase to every Gospel seed planted. Then he directed their gaze to the moment each would stand before Jesus. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 describes the scene. Before Jesus, every single work of each believer will be piled atop the altar. Some will be gold, silver, and precious stones. Some will be wood, hay, and stubble. The fire will be lit and anything that cannot stand the purifying fire of Christ’s holiness will turn to ashes.

At this Judgment, each person will stand alone. A child will not stand before Jesus with her parents. Parents will not be able to advocate for their children. Wives will not stand with husbands; husbands will not stand with wives. Friends or siblings will not stand together. Each person will give an account of what they did with the Word of God.  The Righteous Judge will cast His piercing eyes into the heart and motives of a lifetime of actions and He will reward what remains.

• Sin will rob some of our rewards. No justifications or excuses will make a difference then. Paul said, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:3-5

Even a complaining, unthankful spirit can rob us of the rewards Christ wants to give us.

• But what do these rewards entail? This was the fascinating part for me when I began studying.

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:14

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:23 (This whole passage in context is eye-opening considering the Judgment Seat of Christ!)

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:8-9

• Not only will our actions result in crowns to throw at Jesus’s feet in Heaven, but they will directly impact the responsibility we will be given for eternity. If you have ever thought Heaven was a time of floating on clouds with harps in our hands, the Bible states otherwise. How amazing is our God who not only gives us eternity with Him in His Heaven but also gives us the responsibility to reign with Him?!?

In light of this, how we respond to those who are hateful, unkind, difficult, and downright rude matters for eternity. Every motive, thought, and reaction will be placed upon that fiery altar. The love of Jesus pouring through us makes gold, silver, and precious stones. Responding with sinful anger, complaint, unkindness, or rudeness will turn to ashes that day.

Robbed or Rewarded? The choice is made right now.

Blessings, my friends!