The Reward of Discipleship

In preparing the sermon this week I found myself asking, “Is it right to speak of the reward of discipleship?” It feels wrong to think of following and learning the way of Jesus because we want a prize at the end. Shouldn’t the Christian desire to follow Jesus merely because it is the right thing to do? Because the Bible tells us so? Does discipleship lose its moral power if we pursue the way of Christ looking to a reward? Like a child who will only clean his room if he is promised a brownie for dessert. 

However, the more I prepared the more I saw that the word of God continually motivates discipleship by a promised reward. Jesus promises that those who are persecuted for following him should, 

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,” (Matthew 5:12 ESV)

Jesus encourages his followers to give self-sacrificially saying, 

“…your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4 ESV) 

And Jesus teaches that those who follow his life of love will be rewarded, 

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:35 ESV)

Jesus does not avoid speaking of rewards, rather he is continually motivating his disciples to follow his way so that they might be richly rewarded. 

As we come to the end of our summer series on discipleship, we turn our focus to this reward that Jesus promises. What exactly is this reward and when do we receive it? What we will see is that the Word of God promises to reward those who follow Christ with entrance into the Kingdom of God, with all its blessings. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 11-12:24, Psalm 16:11, Matthew 25:31-40, Mark 10:29-31, Colossians 3:23-24, and Westminster Confession of Faith 33.2. 

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” the Acclamation of Praise “And Can It Be That I Should Gain” and the Hymn of Response “How Great Thou Art.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

Sermon Information 

Text: Hebrews 11:6; 12:22-24

Title: The Reward of Discipleship 

1. The Reward of Discipleship is the City of God
2. The Reward of Discipleship is the People of God
3. The Reward of Discipleship is the Christ of God

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