Christ Will Reward Everyone According to Our Works (Matthew 16:27)
Introduction:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:10, everyone will "appear before the judgment seat of Christ." 2. At the judgment Christ will judge each person on the basis of: a. whether we know God and obey the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) b. how we receive the Lord's Word (John 12:48) c. the words we speak (Matthew 12:36-37). 3. This lesson is based on the Lord's teaching in Matthew 16:27. a. Jesus talked about the time when He will come in glory with His angels. b. He will reward each person "according to his works." c. Theme: "Christ will reward everyone according to our works." Discussion: I. THROUGHOUT THE BIBLE WE ARE INFORMED THAT WE WILL BE JUDGED BY OUR WORKS
A. This principle is revealed in: 1. the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes 12:14) 2. the New Testament (2 Corinthians 5:10). B. Since we will be judged by our works, we must understand that . . . II. CERTAIN WORKS MUST BE AVOIDED
A. The unrighteous people listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1. They are unrighteous because they participate in unrighteous activities. 2. Such activities must be avoided. 3. Thankfully, forgiveness is available (vs.11). B. The "works of the flesh" are listed in Galatians 5:19-21. 1. This is not a complete list. 2. Those who participate in these works will not inherit God's kingdom. C. The works listed in Ephesians 4:25-31 are to be "put off." D. The works listed in Colossians 3:5-9 are to be "mortified." E. Revelation 21:8 explains why evil works must be avoided. III. CERTAIN WORKS MUST BE DONE
A. We must use our talents in the Lord's service (Matthew 25:14-30). B. We must take care of the Lord by helping the needy (Matthew 25:31-46). C. We must develop "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). D. We must "put on" the characteristics listed in Colossians 3:12-14. E. Pure religion includes the activities mentioned in James 1:27. IV. DOING GOOD WORKS HAS BENEFITS
A. Our lights shine when we do good works (Matthew 5:16). 1. Others will observe our good works. 2. They may be led to glorify God. B. We learn from Titus 3 that: 1. good works are "profitable unto men" (vs.8) 2. maintaining good works will prevent us from becoming "unfruitful" (vs.14). C. "God is well pleased" when His children do good works (Hebrews 13:16). Conclusion:
1. (Matthew 16:27) When Jesus returns each person will be rewarded "according to his works." 2. Since this is the case,: a. let us avoid activities that the Lord condemns b. let us do the things that please Him.
