Plain Talk Vol.19, No.3, Pg.5 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

Vol. 19, No. 3	May, 1982
*USE YOUR BIBLE*

THE GREAT REWARD (Matt. 5:10-12)

I. IT IS CERTAIN

A. Christ has promised

1. Text: "great is your reward in heaven" 2. John 14:1-3 3. Mark 9:41 "he shall not lose his reward"

B. Apostles spoke of its certainty

l. 2 Cor. 5:1 "We know ... we have a building of God..." 2. 2 Pet. 3:13 "According to his promise, we look for new heavens..." 3. 1 John 2:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 2:10

II. IT IS FUTURE

A. Earthly circumstances no indication of eternal (no "heaven on earth")

1. The Psalmist's dilemma, Ps. 73:12-17 2. God is more concerned with our eternal welfare than earthly comfort 3. Sin has certain consequences in this life & we have certain blessings in this life, but God's accounts are not settled here!

B. Seeking earthly reward risks losing the eternal

1. As hypocrites of Matt. 6 ("they have their reward") 2. Moses passed up earthly reward for heavenly, Heb. 11:25, 26 3. Rich young ruler passed up heavenly reward for earthly, Matt. 19 4. God's reward is certain, but it is future

III. IT IS IN HEAVEN

A. Contrary to Premillennial view

1. Claim most saved will be in an earthly paradise 2. Armstrongism spoofs idea of anyone "going to heaven"

B. But Jesus says, "Great is your reward in heaven"

1. 1 Pet. 1:4 tells of an inheritance reserved in heaven for you" 2. Col. 1:5

IV. IT IS GREAT

A. "great is your reward"

1. Because eternal in nature, Rom. 6:23; Matt. 25:46 2. In presence of God, Rev. 21:3,4, etc.

V. IT IS CONDITIONAL

A. Must serve God faithfully

1. Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:8,9; 10:36; Rev. 2:10; Mark 13:13

Dan S. Shipley

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