In Touch Ministries

Dr. Charles Stanley: Life is short, life is tough, life is difficult. There's suffering, there's heartache, there's pain, there's joy, there's happiness, there's peace, there's contentment. It's your mindset. What do you think about?

Do you think about what you're going to get, or do you think about how God is going to use you this day to make a difference in somebody's life? What am I responsible for? Obedience. And living obedient to Him brings great reward.

Guest (Male): Did you ever pretend to be a king or queen when you were a kid? Maybe with a makeshift robe and a paper crown? Well, if you're a believer in Jesus Christ, you can expect a real crown to be waiting for you in heaven.

Today on In Touch, the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley, will wrap up our series as Dr. Stanley's message helps us understand the crowns of reward and how we'll use them in eternity.

Dr. Charles Stanley: If you'll turn to 1 Corinthians chapter three for a moment, you'll recall in this chapter, in the first few verses, that Paul is writing to the Corinthian church. They're having a little church skirmish over something.

Some of them said that Apollos is a far better speaker than the Apostle Paul. Paul is a theologian of theologians. So, they were having a little dissertation about all that. Here's what Paul said in the fifth verse of this third chapter: "What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth."

Then here's what he says: "Now he who plants and he who waters are one. But each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." We've spent time talking about that very fact: that each one of us will receive the reward that we deserve. Listen, not compared to someone else or what they did or didn't do, but each one will receive a reward according to our good deeds.

Now I want us to think about what these look like and what this reward is all about. I want you to think about it first of all in this light: that one of the rewards is going to be the fact that you and I are going to have absolute, total, complete intimacy with Jesus Christ. He says in Romans 8:29 that God has predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.

How many times have we talked about this? An intimate relationship with Jesus Christ means one that is not just personal, but it goes beyond that. An intimate relationship is a deep, abiding relationship. Jesus Christ desires that you and I live in an intimate relationship with Him.

That intimacy, when you understand it, supersedes any physical intimacy known to man because you're relating to Holy God who loves perfectly, and everything He does toward us is for our good and is absolutely perfect. One of His rewards is that you and I are going to have a relationship with Him that is absolutely perfect.

Then, of course, one of the things that's very difficult for us to conceive of is the fact that we will be able to reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, first of all, what in the world is glory? The glory of God is the radiance of His holiness, His love, and His power. None of us could stand in His presence without being totally blinded. We can't conceive of what perfect holiness is.

So, when you and I stand before Him and He accepts us into glory, we're going to reflect it. I believe one of the rewards for His children is this: the more obedient life that we've lived and the more good works that we've done, whether small or great, the more of that is a part of our life.

When He judges us, He will give us a capacity to radiate Him for all eternity. You say, "Well, now what's that got to do with me?" Here's what it has to do with: that you and I will shine forth in heaven to the degree to which we've lived a godly life. One of these days, we're going to be His children, clothed in His glory, because of His precious gift to us at the judgment.

You see, the judgment's all about Jesus. You haven't heard me say a thing you're going to get, because that's not what the judgment's about. It's about rewards that have to do with our relationship to Him. We will reflect who He is, His honor, and His glory and all the rest.

Then, of course, when I think about that, I think about the crowns that He talks about. He talks about five of them. Well, these are for those who have lived a godly life and whose deeds have been good, depending upon what they are and how faithful we have been.

So, let's talk about them. There are five of them. I'll give you a verse of Scripture. Let's start with 1 Corinthians chapter nine and verse 25. This is the incorruptible crown, or the crown of victory. This crown is given to—and you see all of us should receive this crown, at least most of us.

Listen to what he says. Paul is talking about running a race and those who win and so forth. He says in verse 25, "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things," living a separated life. And he says they do it to receive a perishable crown, and that was one that would just wither away around their neck. But we receive an imperishable one.

"Therefore I run in such a way as not without aim. I box in such a way as not beating the air. But I discipline my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Now, this crown is given to those who live the Christian life, who face the issues, difficulties, hardship, pain, and trials. Who sin against God, but they're quick to confess. Who sin against God, and they repent of it.

It's living the Christian life and not giving up. It's dealing with issues that maybe are difficult to deal with, but the whole issue is perseverance. The whole issue of the crown of life is that we don't disqualify ourselves by getting into sin and living a life of disobedience to God. But it's living it out. As tough as it may be, we refuse to give up. We don't give up. We persevere no matter what. And what does he say? He says that is the crown of life.

Then, if you'll notice, let's look at 1 Thessalonians chapter two for a moment. That is the crown of rejoicing. I want to go back to something here. 1 Thessalonians chapter two. Because rejoicing over what? And he's very clear about that. Look if you will in the second chapter and verse 18: "For we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, more than once, and yet Satan hindered me. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy."

What is he talking about? Just what we mentioned a few moments ago. One of those crowns is a crown for rejoicing over being able to have had a part in someone else coming to Jesus Christ. Some people call it the soul-winner's crown.

Then, of course, look in 2 Timothy chapter four, verse eight. The crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy chapter four, and notice what he says in this eighth verse. If you'll notice, this is Paul coming to the end of his life and he's writing young Timothy to encourage him. He says to him, "But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith."

He went through all kinds of difficulty, hardship, and pain and trials. "In the future, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day. And not only to me but to all those who have loved His appearing."

So what is he saying? He says when you and I live a godly life, there is a relationship between living godly and expecting Jesus Christ to return. And here's what you're going to find: people who don't live godly have no interest in the coming of Jesus. You just think about it. You ask your Christian friends, you ask people that are lost, "Are you looking for Jesus to return?"

And if they say to you, "Well, I don't know," then you should say to them, "Well, the Bible says He's coming back, and I'm looking for Him." And they're probably going to say, "Well, good luck," or something like that, because you know what? They're so ignorant of the truth, the truth is they don't know what to say. And if they're living that kind of life, they don't want Him to come back.

So I ask you a question: are you living a righteous life? You say, "Well, how would I know?" Here's how you'd know. You get up tomorrow morning and your heart is bent toward God. You get up in the morning and the most important thing in my life is obeying God. I want to listen to Him. I want to walk in His way. I want to be sensitive to those around me. I want Him to accomplish His will and purpose in my life. I do not want to waste any part of this day, God. I want You to have Your life and I want You to be honored and glorified in my life today.

If that's the way you get up, that's righteousness. What am I saying? It's your mindset. What do you think about? Do you think about what you're going to get, or do you think about how God is going to use you this day to make a difference in somebody's life? What are we living for? Listen, let's face it: it's short. Life is short.

And if you're about 35 or 40, you say, "I don't know whether it's so short or not." Well, let me just tell you, you might not get home this afternoon, and then you'd find out how short it is. Life is short, life is tough, life is difficult. There's suffering, there's heartache, there's pain, there's joy, there's happiness, there's peace, there's contentment. A lot of it is a big mixture.

What am I responsible for? Obedience. I can't change my circumstances sometimes, most of the time. I can't change the way everybody else does, but I can choose to be obedient to God. And living obedient to Him brings great reward.

Then, of course, there is the reward as we said, the crown of life. Look in James if you will. And all of us have been here. And we'd like to think we might get a reward for this. Depends on how we responded to it, I think. But James the first chapter, here's what he says, 12th verse: "Blessed is a man or a woman who perseveres under trial."

Notice this is a key: perseveres under trial. Hangs in there, doesn't give up, doesn't quit, doesn't doubt God. "For once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." What is he saying? Watch this. Sometimes people say, "Well, you know what? I don't like all this suffering and heartache. I don't even like to hear sermons on that." Do you realize what he just said?

Listen: when you and I go through suffering and heartache and pain and troubles and trials and tribulations, he says when we hang in there and trust Him, we're going to get rewarded for it. When people try to avoid all the pain and suffering in their life, they don't realize what they're missing. Number one, they're not ever going to grow up as a Christian. Number two, they're not ever going to mature as a child of God. And number three, they're going to miss an awesome blessing for all eternity. Remember we said these rewards are eternal.

So he simply says here that as we go through those suffering and trials of life, the crown of life, God's going to honor it. Now there's one last one, and this is the one that puts all the folks who serve the Lord in a very challenging position. Listen to what he says. 1 Peter chapter five: "Therefore I exhort the elders," the pastors, "among you as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed."

He says: "Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; not for sordid gain or money but with eagerness," a desire, a hunger, a thirst to get it done. "Nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

Now, what does that say about people who are pastors? We will be tested and tried in a way greater than others for the simple reason we have had so much truth in this book. We've had so much truth, and we've had so many opportunities to share it. And we can either share it absolutely as genuinely, authentically as we possibly can for the purpose not of praise, not of any kind of acclaim, not for people's approval, not to get some denominational award or any of that, but simply because it is our calling.

Because it is God's call upon our life. It is our responsibility and we must be true to the word of God. This is why I say every once in a while: a man who holds this book, who's been called to preach the gospel and does not genuinely interpret the word of God as clearly and as simply as possible from what he understands—if he does not and he compromises his convictions and interprets the word to please other people—he will suffer great loss at the judgment because we have such great opportunity and such awesome responsibility.

Then the question comes: well, what are we going to do with them? And somebody says, "Well, I guess we can carry them to heaven." And suppose you had four crowns. Where are you going to put them? You can't wear four. Watch this. This is all about Jesus. Revelation chapter 4, verse 10: The 24 elders, which represents the body of Christ the church, will fall down before Him, Jesus, who sits on the throne and will worship Him who lives forever and ever and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed and were created."

What are we going to do? Lay them at His feet. We're not going to be wearing anything. Think about this. Who gave you life? Jesus. Who has a will for your life? Jesus. Who gifted you and equipped you? Jesus. Who gave you the skills that you have? Who gave you the health that you have, the body that you have?

Who went to the cross and died on the cross for your sins and paid your sin debt in full by His atoning sacrificial substitutionary death? Who has dwelt in you in the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit? Who has been with you every single day, providing your needs, protecting you, and guiding you and leading you? The Lord Jesus Christ.

And everything good that's happened in your life and mine and through us has been Him. So why would we want crowns? They belong to the Son of God. The most important thing to think about right now is this: Lord, is my life a righteous life? Lord, is my life counting in any way for the Kingdom and what You're trying to accomplish?

Lord, are my days just days filled with stuff, or are they fruitful days? Have I made a difference in somebody's life today? What difference is it making right now that you're a child of God, listen, on your way to the judgment seat of Christ?

Guest (Male): Thanks for listening to In Touch, the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley. Salvation is the beginning of life that stretches on for eternity. When you humbly ask the Lord for His forgiveness, you reserve an eternal home with Him in heaven and receive His grace for living today.

To find out more about who Jesus Christ is and what He did for you, visit us at InTouch.org or go back over this message when you follow the link to "Today on Radio". And stop by the bookstore page to order a copy of today's complete message, "Our Eternal Rewards", or Dr. Stanley's "Countdown to Judgment" teaching set. Again, that's InTouch.org.

You can also call or text 1-800-INTOUCH. If you prefer, you can write to us at In Touch, Post Office Box 7900, Atlanta, Georgia 30357. How do you build a life of earthly good and heavenly reward? To find out, keep listening for today's "Moment with Charles Stanley".

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Jesus is the firm foundation of a Christian's life. You'll hear some practical instruction for building on that solid base in a moment with Charles Stanley.

As you share what the Lord Jesus Christ is doing in your life with other people, is He going to honor that and grant you reward for it? Yes, He is, because it's one of the most important things we do. God will honor you for that.

Of course, helping others. There are lots of ways that you and I help other people. Sometimes it's a word of encouragement, sometimes it's something we give, sometimes it's something we share with them or we help them to accomplish something in their life. God sees all of these things. This is gold, silver, precious stones, so to speak, in His eyes.

And then of course, the time you serve Him. How do you serve Him? You serve Him by serving other people. It demands your time, it demands your energy, it demands your knowledge, your experience, and all of those things. And you see, Jesus Himself was a servant.

Then think about this: when you comfort other people. Sometimes that's a warm handshake or a hug, sometimes it's just sitting and listening, sometimes it's words that you share with them, words of encouragement. Maybe part of the word of God that you encourage them with. When you're a comforter and an encourager, you're acting like the Lord Jesus Christ.

And then, of course, forgiving. I do believe that here again is one of those very, very important ideas and issues in the mind of God. That you and I are forgiving persons. Forgiving people who hurt us, forgiving people who persecute us. To have a forgiving spirit is to be like Jesus. Will He honor that? Yes, He will.

And of course, loving. When you and I are walking and living in such a fashion that we are acting like Jesus Christ—not because it's an act, but it's who we are—is He going to reward us for that? Yes.

And then the times that you and I sacrifice. You may sacrifice your time, and sometimes people sacrifice their life. Но sacrifice is also what Jesus was all about. And will He honor us for that? Yes, He will. Doing your best in the spirit of humility. Doing what you do because you love people, because you love God, because you want to be obedient to Him.

It's all of these things, plus many more, I'm sure. But just to give you an idea of what God is going to honor, what He's going to look at in your life and mine. And when we stand before Him, not because we've been perfect, but in our best of efforts to live a godly life and to be the kind of person God wants us to be, the rewards will be far beyond anything that you and I could ever dream of.

You can learn more about what a relationship with God gives you now and forever. Visit InTouch.org. And if today's program has motivated you to obey God in a new way, we'd love to hear from you. Tomorrow on In Touch: when you're saved by grace through faith in Christ, your eternal destiny is settled. Be back again to find some solid reasons to believe that truth. Thursday on In Touch, the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley.

This program is a presentation of In Touch Ministries, Atlanta, Georgia, and remains on this station through the grace of God and your faithful prayers and gifts.