God Does Not Reward Effort Made He Rewards Results Obtained
The wages are determined by the results we obtained, not by the efforts we put in.
It is important to position ourselves not just to celebrate the input, but to be committed to the outcome.
The areas we expect rewards to our spiritual efforts are:
- Prayers: It is not just about praying, it is about obtaining answers to our requests.
- Soul Winning: It is not just about going out to preach the gospel, it is about bringing in souls for Christ.
Psalm 126:6
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Process of Obtaining Expected Spiritual Rewards
A great coaching does not make a star. Every star is made through personal discipline, dedication and sacrifice.
2 Timothy 2:4
No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
- Discipline: If anyone is going to emerge on the platform of stardom, personal discipline is non-negotiable. Only the disciplined can attain the prize.
John 12:26
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.
- Dedication: To attain the glorification that Jesus attained, we must be willing to exhibit the dedication that He displayed.
Until you are not willing to be dedicated, you are not ready to be elevated. Stars are bound to rise, but not without the exhibition of dedication.
- Sacrifice: Sacrificial living is all about commitment to the will of God per time.
It’s not enough to be disciplined and dedicated, but we must be willing to sacrifice our lives for the pursuit of God’s purpose in life.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
When we begin to commit ourselves in discipline, dedication and sacrifice, we see our star begin to rise.
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
A professional boxing or wrestler is often coached by people, but he/she must fight the battle by himself/herself. If you enter the ring and you are not prepared, they will only console you after the loosing woefully in the battle.
We will not miss our prize and crown, in the Name of Jesus
Prayers:
Lord, I receive grace to take responsibility in order to win the prize and secure the crown.
Each one of us will emerge as prize winners and our stars will rise. Amen!
Excerpts of Sermon by: Pastor David Oyedepo Jr. – Living Faith Church, Ota, Nigeria
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Enjoy grace!
