God’s Eternal Dividends

Breaking Bread with Barnabas • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

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Receiving God’s eternal rewards is never dependent upon what you can reciprocate to Him or His followers; but rather upon the willingness of your heart to simply accept His Word by faith, and live out what it shows you on a daily basis, while learning to rely upon Him each step of the way.

Notes

Transcript

Matthew 10:40–42 KJV 1900

40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Pre-Introduction:

Thank you for joining us online, you’re listening to the Services of the Broomfield Baptist Church. This is the Pastor bringing the Sunday Morning message entitled __________. We invite you to follow along with us in your Bible in the Book of Matthew, chapter ten, and verses forty to forty-two.

Some practical advice: If you’re like me, it’s difficult to sit and listen to a Facebook or YouTube video for a lengthy period of time. Something will come in my alerts and distract me. Or, strangely, at a particular time in the video after some moments, I start getting antsy to go to something else. It’s hard to do “church” this way because we’ve been programmed to only be able to take in a few moments of information at a time. Another difficulty is that so many churches now are inadvertently having to compete in the media realm, and frankly, we’re just not equipped to keep up with a Hollywood style production. If we can just reset our mind momentarily, turn off all the distractions, enter our viewing area like we’re entering the church house, and determine ahead of time that we are going to listen to the end, then when distractions come, and they will, you will be better equipped to handle them more spiritually, having dedicated your hour to the Lord. I will do my utmost best to be respectful of your time today, but by doing so, I will not shortchange the teaching of the Bible. Really though, and I mean this jokingly, where else are you going to go today?

As you listen to God’s Word today, be looking for ways that He might speak to your heart, and at the close of this message, I’m going to ask you to do something. I’ll be asking you to make a decision based on what you heard in today’s sermon. At the end of the service, I’ll invite you to bow your head as a sign of God working in your life.

Introduction:

[Start Low]

Television news anchor Tom Brokaw wrote a best-selling, gripping tribute to what he calls The Greatest Generation.36 It is a collection of stories about the generation that grew up in the Great Depression, which was shaken out of everyday life to help save the world by fighting the Second World War on two fronts, and which then immediately undertook the daunting task of rebuilding the economies and political institutions of their own homeland and those of their former enemies.

One of the most important themes that Brokaw wanted to get across is that these were common people who all joined together to face these challenges. It wasn’t just an elite group who made up this greatest generation. They were ordinary men and women who answered the call to serve their country in whatever capacity they were gifted and equipped. Some were on the front lines fighting hand to hand with the enemy, while others were on the home front nursing the wounded back to health. Some heroes humbly received Medals of Honor, while other heroes served nobly in the obscurity of a factory. The Allied victory in World War II and the rebuilding of the war-ravaged world could not have been accomplished except for the full mobilization of an entire generation.

[36 Tom Brokaw, The Greatest Generation (New York: Random House, 1998).] [Michael J. Wilkins, Matthew, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2004), 402.]

Think about that in light of how Jesus built His church through the Apostles reaching their generation with the Word of God. What hardships they endured, the cost they paid, some more well known, others died in obscurity, yet, in one generation, they made a difference that we still admire today. Will this be the generation that again arises and follows God, making a difference to the world through the Gospel?

Main Thought: Receiving God’s eternal rewards is never dependent upon what you can reciprocate to Him or His followers; but rather upon the willingness of your heart to simply accept His Word by faith, and live out what it shows you on a daily basis, while learning to rely upon Him each step of the way.

“If Jesus were born one thousand times in Bethlehem and not in me, then I would still be lost.”

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

[Craig Brian Larson and Brian Lowery, 1001 Quotations That Connect: Timeless Wisdom for Preaching, Teaching, and Writing (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2009), 304.]

Sub-introduction:

Now we find Jesus informing the apostles of the path that will be traveling. He is sending them as sheep among ravaging wolves. This goes against the teaching of those that portray Christianity as all mushy and light, it is truthfully just the opposite, and it is tough and can be harsh. The Lord lets them know they will face scourging, beatings; the way could be bloody and disheartening at times. He assures them not to worry about what to say, the Holy Spirit will prompt them with the right words. The men are not to be overtaken with worry, God has it all under control, he see all, he knows all, and he can do all. The preaching that is presented to people will be divisive; it will be hard upon families and will cause families to turn one on another. The cost of following Christ often has a huge payment but the rewards are heavenly.

[Cantrell’s Bible Commentary Snapshots]

Body:

I. Receive God’s Gospel Message with Gladness ()

[Go Slow]

A. By Receiving His True Messengers ()

Note - Harken back to who Jesus was sending, where they were to go, and what they were to preach, and who was to welcome them… the lost sheep of the house of Israel (contextually).

Jesus encouraged the disciples by explaining how valuable they were to God and how much He was interested in their physical welfare. The text does not focus so much on their being accepted as guests as it does their being Christ's emissaries. An ancient Jewish proverb says, "A messenger for a man is the man himself." Just as Jesus represented God on earth, so too the disciples were to represent Jesus in His absence. Thus, those who continued to show hospitality to the disciples would hear them tell more about Jesus, and they would truly receive Him for who He is. Then, by receiving or welcoming Jesus, they would be receiving God the Father who sent Him and would be entering into a right relationship to the Father and Jesus.

[Complete Biblical Library Commentary]

Thus, those who continued to show hospitality to the disciples would hear them tell more about Jesus, and they would truly receive Him for who He is. Then, by receiving or welcoming Jesus, they would be receiving God the Father who sent Him and would be entering into a right relationship to the Father and Jesus. [Complete Biblical Library Commentary]

Note - The question then becomes, how does one recognize a true messenger from God?

1 John 4:1ff KJV 1900

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

See

1 John 4:1–11 KJV 1900

1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV 1900

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

A Prophet—a man sent from God to teach us absolute truth concerning our relations with God. Christ was preeminently such: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He still continues to give this knowledge from heaven. No man spake like this Man. No books speak like these books of Holy Scripture: Christ speaks in them from heaven. The real evidence of Christianity is in the Bible; the Word made flesh can only be known through the word made letter as in the writings of the Lord's Apostles.

[Edward White from The Expositor’s Dictionary of Texts]

Rahab received the spies as servants of God, lodged them, served them in danger at her own risk, and sent them away, and was saved and all her house. (; .) So did Obadiah in the wicked reign of Jezebel. (, .)

[Gospel Advocate Commentaries]

B. You Receive the Rewards of God’s Grace ()

“Prophet” is best understood as a person who speaks God’s Word; “a righteous person” is a serious Christian who lives God’s Word; and “disciple,”...is...one...who loves God’s Word.

[Frederick Dale Bruner, Matthew: A Commentary: The Christbook, , Revised and Expanded Edition., vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007), 496.]

1. What Reward Does a Prophet Receive from God? (v. 41a)

Matthew 10:41 KJV 1900

41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

Note - Is it not a personal relationship with Him? Is it not deliverance from judgment for heeding His Word? Is it not seeing Him rescue others to whom he is sent? Is it not experiencing God’s watch-care and provision?

...“how deeply personal is the focus of Jesus’ teaching: it is on himself, not on his message,” and then notices that what is really at stake is “Torah as against Christ,” and asks of Jesus’ disciples: “And is your master God? For, I now realize, only God can demand of me what Jesus is asking” (Neusner).

[Jacob Neusner, Alan J. Avery-Peck, and William Scott Green, eds., The Encyclopedia of Judaism (Leiden; Boston; Köln: Brill, 2000), 2133.]

“Receiving a prophet” in 10:41 may hark back to the stories about the reception of Elijah by the widow of Zarephath () and of Elisha by the Shunammite woman ().

[Craig L. Blomberg, “Matthew,” in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos, 2007), 35.]

2. What Reward Does a Righteous Man Receive from God? (v. 41b)

Note - Is it not the assurance that your iniquities are forgiven? Is it not God’s favor and blessing as you walk in the wisdom of His holy Word? Is it not the peace of pillowing your head each night assured that you are right with God, and that there is nothing between your soul and the Savior?

The mission of the apostles recalls the prophets of old (5:12). They too were called righteous; they likewise represented the divine righteousness (5:10). Those who welcomed them as prophets and as righteous spokesmen for God would share in their ministry and would receive a reward. Like the prophets, disciples would receive great recompense (cf. 5:12, 19; 6:20). Thus Jesus also emphasized how highly God regards those who show His disciples hospitality.

Some interpret receiving a prophet in the name of a prophet as recognizing a prophet for what he is. Others take it to mean Christians should check up on the person to see if he is a true prophet or not. More likely it means believers do it recognizing who the prophet represents, for the very word "prophet" means "a speaker for God, a spokesman of God." Thus believers give hospitality to the prophet as unto the Lord and give hospitality to the righteous man recognizing his righteousness is from the Lord. From this it is clear that everything Christians do for others as unto the Lord means they shall share in the reward of those they help.

[Complete Biblical Library Commentary]

The μισθός is not just the “wages” earned but a gracious reward from God in all three cases in vv. 41–42. It is an eschatological reward, given at the Great Assize when Jesus will reward the pious and judge the wicked.

[Grant R. Osborne, Matthew, vol. 1, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), 407.]

Note - Consider Noah, Job, etc.

[Climb Higher]

Application:

A little more than two hundred years ago, Adoniram and Ann Judson boarded a ship and set sail for India on a journey that would eventually lead them to Burma (modern-day Myanmar). Along with William Carey, the Judsons are considered pioneers in the modern missions movement. These converted Baptist missionaries (they were previously Congregationalists) were and continue to be used by God in some extraordinary ways for the cause of global missions; however, their journey looked anything but successful on the outside.

The intense suffering the Judsons endured on the mission field was foreshadowed by a letter written from Adoniram to Ann's father asking for permission to marry his daughter. The following is Adoniram's candid request:

I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean, to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair? (Anderson, To the Golden Shore, 83)

Gratefully, Ann's dad said "yes," the couple was married, and a year later they set sail. Ann's dad would never see his daughter or son-in-law again. In fact, Ann would lose her life sharing the gospel with people who had never heard the good news of Jesus Christ. As a result of the Judson's service, today there are nearly 4,000 Baptist churches with more than a half a million followers of Christ in the heart of Buddhist Burma/Myanmar.

[Christ-Centered Exposition]

Transition: Have you received God’s Gospel message with gladness? Then Jesus promises that you can expect to,

II. Be Rewarded By God for Eternity ()

[Take Fire]

A. What Gift Does God Ask in Return of Those Who Receive His Eternal Reward?

Matthew 10:42 KJV 1900

42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Note - Think this through. Anytime we receive something that is precious to us, our natural inclination is to reciprocate. It is important that you understand that God is not looking for you to reciprocate to Him with anything except yourself. All that God asks is that you present yourself to Him, and love Him back the way that He has demonstrated His love to you, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; to love Him supremely, and each other as yourself. We naturally want to give back to God when He shows Himself in our lives, but the truth is, many times, our desire is greater than our means. God understands. You may not be able to give in proportion as others, but each of us can give of what we possess. That may well be just two mites, or it may only be a single glass of water. While there may be many self-made preachers and so-called ministries in materialistic America today who might be more interested in your pocketbook, friend, I’m here to reassure you that God is abundantly more interest in your heart!

A cup of water was the only gift the poorest person might have, but it would symbolize enough. Cold water was highly preferred for drinking (see comment on ).

A cup of water was the only gift the poorest person might have, but it would symbolize enough. Cold water was highly preferred for drinking (see comment on ). [Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), .]

[Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), .]

Not surprisingly, water has been linked with bread as necessities of human existence (; ), and the giving or withholding of these was considered to be of great importance (; ). The provision of water was recognized as a divine gift. Divine blessing is spoken of in terms of water (; ), and both the paucity of and the desire for spiritual life are described in terms of thirst for water (; ; ). Both the common custom of carrying water to the household () and the way in which water was drunk () were used as signs, while the common custom of washing feet () was used by Jesus as a means of teaching () and as an indicator of attitudes (, , ). The use of water in religious ritual was widespread both in OT and NT times (e.g., ; ; , ).

[Moisés Silva, The Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times, Essential Bible Companion Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 34–35.]

“Little ones” points explicitly to needy disciples, which may include prophets and the righteous who are in need. As in 25:40, 45, the expression helps to emphasize that needy disciples are often the ones who are excluded from care, while attention is given to the prominent members of the discipleship community (see 18:1–5).

[Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 71.]

No act of service, no matter how small, escapes the observation of God. He observes who is kind to them, as Lydia was to Paul (), and those who throw difficulties in their way as did Diotrephes to John (). All our daily experiences are recorded and God remembers them and gives due reward for them. The chief butler forgot Joseph when he was restored to his place (), but the Lord never forgets any of his people who serve in his name. He will say to many who little expect it, in the resurrection morning, "I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.... Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me." (.)

[Gospel Advocate Commentaries]

Illustration:

In as much as my Wealth in specie, must be left when I dye, and I could not possibly carry that luggage into the other World; and if could, it would not be of use there, I endeavoured so to order and husband it, that I might receive it, though not in kind, yet by way of exchange after death; and because I found in thy Word, that he that giveth to the Poor, lendeth to the Lord, . and he that giveth to a Prophet but a cup of cold water, in the name of a Prophet, should receive a Prophet’s Reward, . I have taken that course so to dispose this unrighteous Mammon here, that I might make the God of Heaven my Debtor, not by Merit, but by Promise; and so I have made over that great wealth, that thou didst send me, unto the other World; and blessed be thy condescention to thy Creatures, that when thou makest us thy Debtors and Accountants in this World, by thy Talent of all kinds that thou deliverest us, thou art pleased upon the Performance of our Duty in that Trust, to make thy self a Debtor to thy Creature by a Promise of an Everlasting Reward.

[Verna M. Hall, George Washington: The Character and Influence of One Man (San Francisco: Foundation for American Christian Education, 2000), 140–141.]

Hebrews 6:10 KJV 1900

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Note - What is the “Reward?” Well, in context here, it is the reward of God’s New Covenant with Israel. Here we do well to consider the role that Salvation & Rewards have in the Scriptures:

B. Is the Reward I Receive from God Dependent in Any Way on What I Possess?

Note - the most emphatic double negative with the aorist subjunctive

Note - What is the “Reward?” Well, in context here, it is the reward of God’s New Covenant with Israel. Here we do well to consider the role that Salvation & Rewards have in the Scriptures:

Salvation and Rewards

The New Testament Scriptures contain a doctrine of salvation for the lost, and a doctrine of rewards for the faithful services of the saved; and it is of great importance to the right understanding of the Word that the student shall comprehend the distinction between these. What that distinction is may be seen by carefully noting the following contrasts:

1. Salvation is a Free Gift

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. .

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money, and without price. .

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come: and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. .

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. .

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. , . But in contrast with the freeness of Salvation note that,

Rewards are earned by works

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. .

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. , .

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. .

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. , .

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant; because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. .

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. .

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. .

[Not “life”—the Smyrna saints had this—but a “crown of life.” Crowns are symbols of rewards—of distinctions earned. It may be remarked that four crowns are mentioned: that of joy, or rejoicing, the reward of ministry (; ); of righteousness, the reward of faithfulness in testimony (); of life, the reward of faithfulness under trial (; ); and of glory, the reward of faithfulness under suffering. (; .)]

2. Salvation is a Present Possession

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. .

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life. . R. V.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. .

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace. .

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. .

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. .

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. . But,

Rewards are a future attainment

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then shall he reward every man according to his works. .

For thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. .

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. .

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. .

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. .

After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. .

God’s purpose in promising to reward with heavenly and eternal honors the faithful service of His saints is to win them from the pursuit of earthly riches and pleasures, to sustain them in the fires of persecution, and to encourage them in the exercise of Christian virtues. See,

, .

Hebrews 11:24–27 KJV 1900

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Hebrews 11:8–10 KJV 1900

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Hebrews 11:8–10 KJV 1900

Hebrews 11:24–27 KJV 1900

Colossians 3:22–24 KJV 1900

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

, .

Hebrews 12:2 KJV 1900

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:3 KJV 1900

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

, .

Matthew 5:11 KJV 1900

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:12 KJV 1900

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

, .

Luke 14:12 KJV 1900

12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

Luke 14:14 KJV 1900

14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

, .

John 4:35 KJV 1900

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

John 4:36 KJV 1900

36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

...

Matthew 10:41 KJV 1900

Matthew 10:42 KJV 1900

42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Daniel 12:3 KJV 1900

3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

...

Hebrews 6:10 KJV 1900

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Luke 12:35–37 KJV 1900

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

2 Timothy 4:8 KJV 1900

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Finally, let us heed the warning.—.

Revelation 3:11 KJV 1900

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

[C. I. Scofield, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth (): Ten Outline Studies of the More Important Divisions of Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia School of the Bible, 1921), 87–91.]

As you look at verse forty-two, we can see that it is not the big things that bring about a reward in blessing those sent by Jesus. It is not the size of the act of kindness that matters to Jesus. It is the motive behind the act. A cup of cold water given to a prophet brings about a prophet’s reward to the one who gives it. Anything that is given to a servant of Jesus is given to Jesus himself. This is why the giver is blessed by Jesus. Jesus promised that the sharers in the work for Jesus will share in the reward given by Jesus.

The reward given by Jesus is not just future rewards in heaven. There are some rewards we will receive in the here and the now.

Rejoicing in times of suffering

Courage in times of struggle

Peace in times of persecution

Blessings in times of burdens

Power in times of pressure

Help in times of heartaches

Confidence in times of challenge

Triumph in times of trials

Hallelujah in times of hardship

On the other side of death,

a home in the land of No More.

[George Brooks Preaching Commentary]

Conclusion:

A. Call to Act/Summary of Message/Application:

Hymn: “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” by Civilla D. Martin. The author of this hymn shared the story behind her famous chorus. One spring, while she and her husband were on holiday, they met another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle. This godly couple had experienced their share of hardship. Mrs. Doolittle had been confined to her bed for nearly twenty years. Mr. Doolittle was in a wheelchair. Through it all, however, they had maintained an abiding joy. When asked their secret, Mrs. Doolittle shared, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.” The promise of God’s care and presence can sustain us through the most difficult trials.7

[As recorded in Kenneth W. Osbeck, 25 Most Treasured Gospel Hymn Stories (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1999), 41–42; Jane Stuart Smith and Betty Carlson, Great Christian Hymn Writers (Wheaton: Crossway, 1997), 193.] [Jeannine K. Brown, Matthew, ed. Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2015), 117.]

B. Gospel Invitation:

In just a moment, we are going to have an invitation for you to respond to what you've heard about the Lord today. Friend, if God’s Word has shown you something about yourself, an area where you might be weak in faith, or something that He is wanting you to obey Him in, or just simply if the Lord is working in your life right now, your greatest need is to be right with Him. While the piano plays, don’t wait another moment. Now is the time to acknowledge that God is moving toward you, and you are moving toward Him. Come to Him in faith right now, pray to God, and tell Him what’s on your heart. If you need to be saved, simply talk to God, and acknowledge that you have sinned, agree with Him that Jesus can and wants to save you, believe in Jesus’ life-giving power right now, with your mouth ask Jesus to save you, this moment. If you would step out and decide to follow Jesus today, then why not come and tell Him so?

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