Running the Race -A Look at the finish line
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Heb. 12:1 (NKJV)
Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. 1 Cor. 9:24 (NLT)
I. The Judgment (Bema) Seat
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:10 (NKJV)
A. The time of the Bema seat
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thess. 4:13-17 (NKJV)
B. The Participants at the Bema seat
So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God. Rom. 14:10 (NLT)
C. The Examiner at the Bema seat
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:10 (NKJV)
D. The Purpose of the Bema Seat
1. To evaluate the quality of every believer’s work
each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 1 Cor. 3:13
2. To destroy unacceptable production
If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Cor. 3:14-15 (NKJV)
3. To reward the believer for the good they’ve done.
II. The Nature of the Rewards
A. The Promise of Crowns.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (NKJV)
B. The Promise of Heavenly treasures
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matt. 6:20 (NKJV)
C. The Promise of Commendations.
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matt. 25:21 (NKJV)
D. The Promises to overcomers.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’Rev. 2:7 (NKJV)
E. The Promise of Special Responsibilities.
And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—Rev. 2:26 (NKJV)
So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. Matt. 19:28-29 (NKJV)
