Your Reward Is Coming

In one paragraph

This was the fifth and final message in the Full Reward series. Brian worked through what the Bible says about the reward Jesus brings when he returns, and what we are meant to do with it. The death of Charlie Kirk wove through the whole conversation as a present-day example of what faithful endurance looks like, and what it costs. Brian opened in Revelation 22:12, where Jesus says he is coming...

Read together

1. Revelation 22:12 opening anchor verse for the sermon, Jesus says he is coming soon with his reward
2. Psalms 139:16 Brian mentions all deeds recorded in God's book, says it is Psalms 139 verse 16 but notes it is not in his notes
3. 1 Corinthians (unspecified verse) Paul's metaphor of gold, silver, jewels versus wood, hay, straw refined or consumed by fire as a picture of our works
4. Luke 19:17 parable of the king telling a faithful servant he will be governor of ten cities as his reward
5. James 1:12 those who patiently endure testing receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him
6. Revelation 2:10 Jesus tells a church not to fear suffering, remain faithful even facing death and receive the crown of life
7. 2 Timothy 4:8 Paul says the crown of righteousness awaits him and all who eagerly look forward to Christ's appearing
8. 1 Peter 5:4 when the great shepherd appears believers will receive a crown of never ending glory and honor
9. 2 John 1:8 anchor verse of the full reward series, referenced repeatedly throughout
10. Revelation 4:10-11 the 24 elders fall down, lay their crowns before the throne and say you are worthy
11. Revelation 19:12 description of Jesus returning with eyes like flames of fire and many crowns on his head
12. Revelation 5:12-13 worthy is the lamb to receive power riches wisdom strength honor glory and blessing, all creation responds
13. Psalm 2 (unspecified verse) Brian prays ask and I will give you the nations as your inheritance
14. Philippians (unspecified verse) mentioned during worship, be anxious for nothing, lay it down and make your request known

What was said

• Take the specific worry you named during worship this week and, each time it comes back to your mind, say out loud 'I trust you, God' instead of turning it over again.
• Write down the scripture addresses from this morning's sermon and spend time this week reading each one in its full context, asking the Holy Spirit to make them personal to you.
• Identify one person in the Jackson Hole area who has hurt or offended you, and consciously choose not to carry that wound when you next see them, letting your response show them something of the Father's love.
• Ask yourself honestly this week whether there is a present God has placed in front of you that you have been rejecting because you dislike the wrapping paper, and sit with that question in prayer.
• Pray specifically for the college students and young people who heard the gospel at the memorial service today, asking God to protect what was planted in their hearts and bring them into his kingdom.

Talk about it

1. Brian talked about laying down your worries at the foot of the cross and naming them out loud. What makes that kind of surrender feel easy or hard for you in practice, and what has actually helped you let go of something you were carrying?
2. Donna shared that you have to open your hands to surrender before you can receive the good gifts the Father has for you. Is there something you are still holding onto that might be getting in the way of receiving from God right now?
3. Brian said the reward described in scripture is somewhat unclear, talked about in different ways from different angles, whether gold, governance of cities, or a crown, but that all of it represents honor and victory. What do you think motivates you more in your daily walk, the idea of a reward or simply loving and obeying Jesus? Why?
4. Brian used the image of a present rejected because of its wrapping paper, whether with Jesus arriving in poverty and humility or with Charlie Kirk arriving wrapped in political controversy. Has there been a time when you almost missed something God was doing because of how it was packaged? What happened?
5. The sermon ended with the picture of the 24 elders laying their crowns at the feet of Jesus because he is worthy. Brian said he wants us to receive a full reward so we have more to lay back at his feet. How does that change the way you think about the work you are doing right now, the ordinary daily stuff?