Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.
Sermon Title: The Perfect Rewarder
Bible References: Hebrews 6:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Colossians 3:23–24; Matthew 19:29; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10
Speaker: Wong Tuck Keong
Introduction
Once again, thank you to all who have prayed for this ministry. We trust that through the ministry of God’s Word, we will be blessed and equipped.
Let us begin by reading together these verses that set the foundation for our theme today—God’s reward for faithful service:
- Hebrews 6:10 – “For God is not unjust to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
- Colossians 3:23–24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
- Matthew 19:29 – “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
- Romans 14:12 – “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Purpose of the Message
Today, we conclude our series on developing a servant’s heart by looking at the rewards that God promises to His faithful servants. Specifically, we will consider:
- The Perfect Rewarder – God Himself.
- The Right Timing – Rewards come according to God’s perfect timing.
- The Responder’s Reward – Rewards vary in type and degree.
- A Legacy of Service – Leaving behind something that outlives us.
- The Perfect Rewarder
Our perfect rewarder is God Himself.
- God rewards not merely on the basis of what we have done, but on the heart motivation and faithfulness with which we serve (1 Samuel 16:7).
- Even a cup of cold water given in His name will not be forgotten (Matthew 10:42).
- Salvation is not a reward—it is a free gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). Rewards, however, are linked to our service after salvation.
Key Truth:
Our reward is from God, not from people. If you are serving for human applause, you will miss the deeper joy of God’s commendation—“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
- The Right Timing
All rewards are given according to God’s perfect timing.
- Some rewards are given immediately in this life (encouragement, provision, joy).
- Others are delayed until eternity (1 Peter 5:4).
- The story of the old missionary returning home reminds us: “You are not home yet.” Earth may overlook your service, but heaven never forgets.
Application:
Don’t be discouraged if you do not see recognition now. You may be planting seeds whose harvest will only be seen in eternity.
- The Responder’s Reward
Scripture teaches there are different types and degrees of reward:
a. Rewards Come in Different “Packages”
- Encouragement and affirmation from others.
- Joy, peace, and spiritual contentment.
- Eternal crowns to lay before Christ.
b. Rewards Come in Proportion to Sowing
- 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “We reap in measure as we sow.”
- If we sow faithfully, generously, and lovingly, we will reap richly.
c. Rewards Are Based on Faithfulness, Not Size of Result
- In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), both the five-talent and two-talent servants were rewarded equally—not because of the amount earned, but because they were faithful.
- God measures motive and diligence, not just visible outcome.
d. Equality in Service
- Peter once asked Jesus, “What will we get?” Jesus promised far more than they deserved—but reminded them the reward is God’s to give.
- Service is not a competition; it is a calling.
e. The Principle of Endurance
- Some fruit takes time to grow. Just as banana trees yield bananas and papaya trees yield papayas, so the seeds of love, faith, and service will bear their fruit—in God’s season.
- Earthly, Eternal, and Essential Rewards
- Earthly Rewards – Encouragement, affirmation, and provision in this life (Acts 20:35).
- Eternal Rewards – Crowns (incorruptible, of life, of righteousness, of rejoicing, of glory) to be presented to Christ (2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4).
- Essential Rewards – Inner peace, joy, and the blessing of knowing you are in God’s will.
Illustration:
Receiving a prophet in the name of a prophet brings a prophet’s reward (Matthew 10:41). When you support those serving God—through prayer, giving, encouragement—you share in their eternal reward.
- God’s Perfect Assessment
- At the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12–15), our works will be tested by fire.
- What is done with the right motive will last (gold, silver, precious stones).
- What is done for self-promotion or wrong motives will be burned away (wood, hay, stubble).
- Life is a trust—we must examine ourselves regularly: Am I ready to meet the Lord?
- A Legacy of Service
- We have over 250 seniors in our assembly. What spiritual legacy will we leave?
- Abraham’s obituary (Genesis 25:8; Hebrews 11:8–10) reminds us:
- He died in faith.
- He walked with God until the very end.
- He left a testimony worth following.
- If you don’t like the legacy you’re building, change it now.
Practical Challenges
- Serve with the Right Motive – To please God, not people.
- Serve Faithfully – Whether your role is seen or unseen.
- Serve Generously – Sow bountifully.
- Serve Patiently – Wait for God’s timing.
- Serve with Eternity in View – Live for the “Well done” of Christ.
Conclusion
God is the perfect rewarder. He sees your labour. He knows your heart. He will not forget your service. Some rewards will be enjoyed now. Others will only be revealed in eternity. But all will be worth it when we stand before Him.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for this series on developing a servant’s heart. Forgive us where we have fallen short. Equip us by Your Spirit to serve faithfully, willingly, sacrificially, and joyfully. Keep our eyes fixed on the perfect rewarder—our Lord Jesus Christ. May our lives bear the fragrance of His servanthood until the day we see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
