Great Is Your Reward in Heaven!
The sermon emphasizes that enduring suffering for Christ leads to greater rewards in heaven, encouraging believers to maintain faith amidst trials.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the promise of divine rewards for believers, urging them to focus on the eternal glory that awaits them in heaven. He explains that while God does not reward based solely on merit, He acknowledges the works of His people, encouraging them to live righteously and endure hardships with joy. Brooks highlights the example of Moses, who chose suffering for Christ over temporary pleasures, and reassures Christians that their trials will enhance their future glory. He concludes with the assurance that every suffering for Christ will be rewarded, making it a source of joy and hope.
Text
"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me,
and I will give to everyone according to what he
has done." Revelation 22:12
Though God does not reward men simply for their
works, namely, for the merit of them--yet He rewards
according to their works.
"He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God
rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater
value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was
looking ahead to his reward." Hebrews 11:25-26.
Keep your eye upon the recompense of reward, as
Moses did. This will work you--
(1.) To walk more holily, humbly, thankfully;
(2.) To live more cheerfully and comfortably;
(3.) To suffer more patiently, freely, resolutely;
(4.) To fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil more valiantly;
(5.) To withstand temptations more steadfastly and strongly;
(6.) To be contented with a little;
(7.) To leave the world, relations, and friends more willingly;
(8.) And to embrace death more joyfully.
A Christian will never repent of all the hard things that
he has suffered for Christ or His truth. Every one of his
sufferings shall be a sparkling jewel to give a luster to
his crown of glory.
"Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude
you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because
of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy,
because great is your reward in heaven!" Luke 6:22-23
O Christians, all your sufferings will certainly increase your
future glory! Every affliction, every persecution, will add
to your heavenly glory! God will richly reward you for every
tear, for every sigh, for every groan, for every hazard, and
for every hardship that you have met with, in the way of
your duty.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to God's promise of reward - Understanding the nature of divine rewards - The significance of works in relation to rewards
- II points: - 'Examples from Scripture: Moses'' choice' - The value of suffering for Christ - The eternal perspective on earthly trials
- III points: - Encouragement to live a holy life - The joy of enduring hardships - The call to fight against sin and temptation
- IV points: - The assurance of future glory - The impact of suffering on heavenly rewards - Rejoicing in persecution for Christ's sake
Key Quotes
“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” — Thomas Brooks
“Every one of his sufferings shall be a sparkling jewel to give a luster to his crown of glory.” — Thomas Brooks
“O Christians, all your sufferings will certainly increase your future glory!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on how your current struggles can contribute to your future glory.
- Embrace hardships as opportunities to deepen your faith and reliance on God.
- Encourage others to remain steadfast in their faith during difficult times.