Christians in Action

We know salvation comes by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ; we become righteous in God’s sight when we accept the gift He gives us –Jesus. The suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord makes us justified (just as I never sinned).  Our justification and righteousness comes only through the faith in Jesus, we can’t do anything else to gain salvation.  But, what about the works we do for God and His people, and the so-called sacrifices we give up for Him. Do they count at all?

We will see that God’s Word is clear on this subject, and it is very exciting. I know there are some that feel we should do things for God because we love Him, and not get rewarded for it. But, we will see that God rewards us for our service and our sacrifices. We will see how we also get rewarded for overcoming temptations and obstacles in our life.

We will start in Matthew 6:1-4 and 19, 20.

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 the trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory from men.  Assuredly, I say unto 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.

Let’s face it, when we do something nice or heroic for someone, we want to be recognized and appreciated- it is human nature, but we should want to please God above man and receive His praise instead of man’s praise for the good we do.

Now let’s look at verses 19 -21

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 thieves do not break in and steal.  21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Looking at the context of these verses we see that Jesus was talking about fasting and how the hypocrites (16-18) want to be seen by men but Jesus tells us that what we do secretly (meaning not showing off or getting praised for it) God will reward us openly.

The Greek word for treasure means to store up, gather, or reserve.  This could mean storing up material things, being prideful, or getting favors in return for what we do for others. But God wants us not to expect things when we do good for others because our rewards are in heaven.  God will reward us openly; how God will openly reward us, is not explained, but it could be assumed that it would take place in heaven. 

Now, let’s look at the Greek word for reward; it has several meanings – wage, what is paid back, give, and recompense, give away, worthy or deserving. In the above verses –it means what is paid back.  Now let’s look at some other verses in relationship with being paid back.  Let’s look in Matthew 19:27-30

Matthew 19:27-30

Then Peter answered and said to Him “See, we have left all and followed You, Therefore, what shall we have?”

So, Jesus said unto them, “Assuredly I say unto 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.  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. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Here we see that we shall get back what we give up in this world for the name of Jesus; we will get a hundredfold return.  That’s a good return for our investment!!  Also, notice that it states ” the first shall be last and the last first”  a note here- does this not infer position?

Luke 18: 28-30 gives more detailed-

Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.

We see from the context, Jesus is talking about treasure (storing up) material possessions-(he told the rich man to sell everything and give to the poor (verses 22-27).  We also see that whatever we give up for God we get back more not only in this life but eternal life.  What would you rather get –eternal rewards or temporal rewards here in this life?

Next, we will look at some eternal rewards that are mentioned in the Word.

 Your questions and comments are always welcomed.