For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not (persuaded) the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved [Fall reversal], where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator
IV. What's the result of Judgment?
Mt 25:21 "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.' 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 `And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
-->Lake of brimstone fire (Rev 20:10-15) ? Hell (gehenna-garbage dump outside city) nor hades/sheol (grave-abode of dead).
A. Gain
Heb 11:6 w/o faith it is impossible to please Him, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him
2Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith 8 Heenceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, also to all who have loved His appearing
Phil 3:11I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 I press on, lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 reaching forward 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind
B. Loss
1Cor 3:15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire
1Cor 10:5 with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 11...examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall
Lk 13:23 few saved? 24 Strive to enter thru the narrow gate, many will seek to enter and will not be able. 27 I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity. 28 will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when see...all the prophets in the kingdom of God, yourselves (Mt 8:12 sons of kingdom) thrust out ( outer darkness) 29...sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 last will be first, first will be last Mt 22:7 25:30 unprofitable servant)
Mr 8:38 whoever is ashamed of Me and My words...Son of Man also will be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father w/ holy angels
Mt 11:22 "But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 2Cor 3:
Mt 11:24 "But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.
2Th 1:8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
Rev 22:18 If anyone adds...God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book 19 if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Lk 12:40 be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 41 Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people? 42 Who then is that faithful and wise steward...43 "Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 46 "the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. 49 I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? rather division
V. How to do well at the Judgment Seat
Commit soul m/w/e, Purpose to please God, deny self, be faithful and obey every day
Heb 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister/serve. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Jn 12:26 If anyone serves Me, follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor
Heb 3:11 So I swore in My wrath, `They shall not enter My rest.'" 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, lest any of you be hardened thru the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 4:1 since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who believe do enter that rest 6 Since it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 11 be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
VI. Four Responses
A. Be an amoeba, pretend reality doesn't exist B. Serve the Dark Side, if Satan offers a better deal, take it
C. Be your own god, make your own rules D. Draw on God's grace to daily deny your desires, transform your thinking and please Him
Ac 24:25 he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid "Go away...convenient time I will call for you."
Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response: “A man is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose”
1. Why do some think that God stops being just to be loving, or that nothing unpleasant will happen to believers as a result of their disobedience?
2. What is the value/benefit of those things that cause us to miss out on God's blessing? Are they worth it? Why do we sin?
3. How does knowing that you're doing what pleases God give you worth and value? How can it eliminate/reduce temptation to do wrong?
4. How can you insure that you will do well at the judgment seat of Christ? What role can the Body play in helping you? |
