By now you know that the prize Paul sought so fervently was not eternal life. That’s God’s gift to everyone who receives it.
No, Paul sought the rewards that come with a life of bold, action-filled faith—the kind of faith that bears fruit.
When we stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat, we will recognize whether we lived as carnal Christians or as the kind of believer that Paul was—faithful, bold, loving, and joyful.
We don’t know on this side of Heaven what that reward will be for each of us. But there are illustrations of those who lived all in and received their rewards in Revelation 2 and 3.
In Revelation, the Apostle John talks about each church and the believers there. And Jesus speaks to each of these churches.
He starts each address with the statement, “I know your works,” emphasizing that what we do and how we do it is important to Him. Remember, Jesus is speaking to believers—those who make up the Church.
The Prize of Following Jesus
In Revelation 2 and 3, these believers are rewarded with honor and acknowledgment for their deeds. Christ gives them the prize of running the race of life well.
Let’s examine the specific rewards Christ mentions:
- Ephesus: The right to eat from the tree of life in God’s paradise
- Smyrna: Protection from the second death
- Pergamum: Hidden manna and a personal, secret white stone
- Thyatira: Authority over nations
- Sardis: Dressed in white, acknowledged before God and angels
- Philadelphia: Becoming a pillar in God’s temple with divine names
- Laodicea: The right to sit with Christ on His throne
Running the Race with Purpose
The apostle Paul provides a powerful metaphor in 1 Corinthians, comparing our spiritual journey to an athletic competition. He urges believers to run with intention and discipline.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” -1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Let’s run together, focusing on the ultimate prize of following Christ.
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