Romans 8:15-17 MSG
“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance!…”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
* And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. *
Jesus said God would reward us if we diligently seek Him.
Our reward is a relationship with God; knowing God in an intimate way. It’s not more money, not bigger car; those things are good. MY REWARD IS HIM!
Genesis 15:1 NKJV
*“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”” *
We need to remember this. Especially when things are going hard: God says, “Look at me, lock eyes with me, I AM YOUR EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD!!!”
What is Jesus reward?
Ephesians 1:16-19 NIV
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Revelation 3:14-16 NKJV
*”And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘’These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. *
His reward is affection burning in the hearts of his people every day!!!
Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
*Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Duet. 4:29
You will find Him if you seek for Him with ALL YOUR HEART!
Deut. 6:5
Love Him with ALL YOUR HEART!
Deut. 10:12
Serve Him with ALL YOUR HEART!
I want their heart!! That’s what I want, that’s what I died for, I want all their heart! Not a half hearted devotion, not a half hearted love, not a lukewarm love. I want it all!
2 Kings 23:25 NIV
Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did-with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength… 2 Kings 23:25 (NIV)
What lifted him above all other kings? He had a burning heart! HE gave God his whole heart!
He is not an add-on!
There is Incredible Danger in trying to add God to your existing life.
1. *This is beyond us. In our own strength we cannot make this happen. *
Jer 24:7
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2. Take action to circumcise your heart; to rend your heart that is might be prepared as a reward for your Lord.**
Joel 2:12-13 Amplified
*“Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored.] rend your hearts and not your garments.”
*
Discussion Questions:
1- What is one area of your past that you are struggling to let go of or focus on? How can you begin to catch God’s reward for your life today, so that you will no longer focus on the things of the past that God is calling you to no longer focus on?
2- Discuss the idea that our hearts burning passionately for Him is part of Jesus’ reward? How does this concept change your view and passion for Him?
3- Read the Following scriptures; Duet. 4:29, Deut. 6:5 & Deut. 10:12. Out of the 3(seek, serve and Love) which one comes easiest to you? Which one comes most difficult? Why?
4- What happens when people are saved and set free by God; but learn to live satisfied apart from His presence?
5- What puts out a burning fire for The Lord in our heart?
6- What ignites a fire in our heart for Jesus?