REWARDING FAITHFULNESS AND FRUITFULNESS

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:10

2 Cor 5:10 (KJV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

• The phrase “Judgment Seat” is translated from the Greek word bema.
• It is a good translation but it brings forth a negative connotation. The word bema really isn’t about judgment to dole out
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  ; it’s about judgment to determine
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  . In order to award a reward, judgment must take place.

1. The Judge (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10; cf. Heb. 4:15)

• It is the judgment seat of
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  . And that is a good thing because He is a righteous judge, a perfect judge. (2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 4:15)

2. The Process (1 Cor. 3:12-13)

1) Reveals our

• Note the words “manifest,” “declare,” and “shall be revealed,” in verse 13.
• On judgement day, Jesus will reveal all that we have done for him while living life.
• 2 Cor. 5:10 – we must all give an account – Everything we’ve done for the Lord will be brought to light.

2) Tests our works

• The test will reveal our works to like gold, silver, precious stones, or like wood, hay, or stubble. (Priceless vs. worthless) (Treasure vs. rubbish)
• The test will reveal What we did and also How and Why we did it.

3. The Purpose (1 Cor. 3:14-15)

• The purpose is to grant reward or loss

  1)

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  reward (2 Cor. 5:10)

  2)

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  loss (1 Cor. 13:14-15; cf. 2 John 8)
  • Question: How could I lose in heaven?
  • It is possible for Christians (us) to suffer loss – not the loss of salvation. The Bema doesn’t deal with salvation. The cross has judged our sins.
  • However, it will be possible for Christians to step into eternity with few truly good works to show for a lifetime of service.

Bottom line: Faithful and fruitful

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who will receive eternal and valuable

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.