Rewards are very important in the eyes of God, and He doesn't overlook the good things we do for others. Dr. Stanley explains the two categories to put rewards in, according to the Word of God. Learn what the Bible says about serving God with the right motives.
Sermon Outline
The Lord calls all believers to serve and makes remarkable promises to those who do—which has a significant impact on how we live out our faith. This week, Dr. Stanley explains the truth that God never overlooks a single act of faithful service.
Key Passage: Hebrews 6:10
Supporting Passages: Matthew 6:1; Matthew 6:5; Matthew 6:16; Luke 14:14; Romans 14:12; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 22:12
While salvation isn’t a reward for services rendered, that doesn’t mean God considers service to be unimportant.
“God has not forgotten our labors. He doesn’t overlook the good things we do for others.”
God’s character assures us of our reward (Heb. 6:10):
He is just—If the Lord ever violated a promise or broke His own law, we would have reason to doubt. But He is always true to His word.
He remembers everything perfectly—He is omniscient. That means nothing goes unnoticed, no matter how small the act of kindness may be (Rev. 22:12).
Service done with selfish motives ...
Will yield a reward that is ultimately neither fulfilling nor lasting (Matt. 6:5; Matt. 6:16).
Gains a person only human applause (Matt. 6:1).
However, service done with godly motives ...
May evoke praise from others but—more importantly—always results in praise from God.
Brings eternal rewards (Luke 14:14; Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10).
“Whether you’re giving someone a cold drink of water or reaching down to help a person who’s fallen, no act of service goes unheeded by God.”
Salvation is the gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. For our service, however, God rewards us with …
The incorruptible crown, granted to those who exercise self-control, pursue spiritual disciplines, and run the Christian race well (1 Cor. 9:25).
The crown of life, given to those who endure troubles and trials without giving up or losing heart (James 1:12).
The crown of righteousness, awarded to those who eagerly await the Lord’s return and live Christlike lives (2 Tim. 4:8).
The crown of glory, reserved for those who share the Word of God with others and feed them spiritually (1 Pet. 5:4).
When we stand before God, we will be judged based on three things:
The light of truth that we knew—God reveals Himself to us throughout our life, and we’re responsible to live according to what we’ve learned from Him.
The opportunities God gave us—Every believer has spiritual gifts, and we are meant to use them in service to God.
Our response to each opportunity—No two believers have the same calling, and we’ll be judged according to what we did with what we were given.
After Watching
This week, look around you for people who are serving others in quiet or seemingly unremarkable ways—holding the door open, making a stranger feel welcome, or cleaning up after a social event at church. How do these things impact others? How did they make you feel as you watched? Remember, acts like these bring God joy.
When doing tasks you’d rather avoid, such as washing the dishes, taking out the trash, or mowing the lawn, remind yourself that, when done in love, even a small job is a way to glorify God. Before you begin a chore, say this prayer: Lord, I offer You this labor. Be with me in it, and let it be done out of love for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
