Rewards That We Can Earn (Part 1)

In this lesson we will look at some of the rewards that can be earned by a saved person for faithfully serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Many think that salvation itself is an earned reward or that a person must work to keep salvation, but in the Church Age works are not required for salvation or to keep salvation. We work for the Lord because we are saved but not for salvation.

In 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 Paul is giving us some information concerning the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is the place where saved people are judged regarding the works that were done after they were saved. Note in verse 13 that every man’s work will be made manifest at this judgment. The works are judged by fire to reveal what sort they are. The judgment process is simple if the work makes it through the fire, then you get a reward if they are burned up then you lose that reward.

Salvation itself:

In Ephesians 2:8-10 we see that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works. Note verse 9 specifically says “Not of works, lest any man should boast”.  Therefore, it is plain to see that Salvation is not earned in any way. By the way if a person could earn salvation, then why would Jesus Christ have to die? Also in Romans 11:6 Paul makes it plain that grace and works are not the same.

Even though we are not saved by works we should work for God as a saved person. This is clearly shown in Ephesians 2:10. Note that the verse says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” The key word is should. A saved person may or may not work for God, but they should do things that both please God and bring him glory.

What are some rewards that we can earn? In the word of God there are five crowns mentioned. There is also an inheritance that can be earned for faith service, the inheritance will be covered in part 2 of this lesson.

5 Crowns in the Bible:

1)  The Incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9:25)

• Seems to be connected with how we run our race.

2)  The Crown of Rejoicing (1Thessalonians 2:19)

• Seems to be connected with those who have been led to the Lord.

3)  The Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)

• Connected with those who love his appearing.

4)  The Crown of Life (James 1:12)

• Connected with overcoming temptations.

5)  The Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:1-4)

• Connected with being a faithful pastor.

Remember it not quantity of these works nor the visible results that we see but the motive behind them that is judged and rewarded.

Rewards That We Can Earn (Part 1)

Handout

1)  What is the event being described in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15?

2)  What is significant for us regarding this passage and the subject of works?

3)  What is a good passage for showing us that we should work after we are saved?

4)  What is a good passage for showing us that works, and grace are not the same?

5)  Make a list of the crowns that we can win and show what each one is connected with.