The Law of Rewards

Part 4

Gaining what you can’t lose

My faith in Jesus determines my eternal destination but

my behavior determines my eternal rewards.

Law # 1: Giving brings a greater blessing than receiving.

Law # 2: When I invest now in God’s kingdom, I will receive great rewards in heaven.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Former missionary Jim Elliot

“He is a fool who keeps what he could given to lose what he could have keep.” (World’s most awesome pastor, Bryan Day)

John Wesley said, “Money never stays with me. It would burn me if it did. I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find its way into my heart.”

God offers us rewards that are…

1. Eternal – I will have it forever.

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Rev 22:12

• We provide tangible assets for ourselves in heaven by giving away tangible assets on earth.

The currency of this world will be worthless at our death or Christ’s return. All remaining money and possessions will burn, like work, hay and straw, when it could have been given in exchange for gold, silver, and precious stones.

Money that could have been used to feed the hungry and fulfill the Great Commission will go up in smoke.

2. Imperishable – It will never disappear

“Establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

The law of rewards, which God has built into the universe, requires that every act of kindness and obedience be rewarded. But not only will there be rewards in heaven for the cup off water given on earth, those rewards will never disappear.

The act of kindness will be remembered forever and its reward will always last.

3. Inexhaustible – I will use it but never use it up.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:32-34

Making deposits into your heavenly account

1. Give

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men…

I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:2

2. Prayer

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

3. Fast

So that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matt 6:18

4. Welcome others

“Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.” Mt 10:41

5. Meet a need for someone

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Mt 10:42

6. Obey

“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;        they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Pr 19:10-11

Law # 3:

God offers us rewards that are eternal, imperishable, and inexhaustible.