WOODROW KROLL FACING YOUR final JOB REVIEW STUDY GUIDE 3
final FACING YOUR JOB REVIEW The Judgment Seat of Christ, Salvation, and Eternal Rewards STUDY GUIDE WOODROW KROLL 1
FACING YOUR FINAL JOB REVIEW STUDY GUIDE Copyright 2008 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL. Used by permission. All rights reserved. BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501 Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Barbara Gerhart, Ben Zuehlke, Emily Wurl, Kathy Thorne, Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation (www.livingstonecorp.com). Project staff: Neil Wilson Cover Photo: www.shutterstock.com 3
FACING YOUR final JOB REVIEW STUDY GUIDE { Salvation and Rewards Study One pg. 7 The Judgment Seat Study Two pg. 11 Our Performance Evaluation Study Three pg. 15 Losing Eternal Rewards Study Four pg. 19 Motivated For Rewards Study Five pg. 23 What Will Our Rewards Be? Study Six pg. 27 Notes pg. 31 5
Study One Salvation and Rewards READ IT Ephesians 2:4 10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:8 10). The world s deepest foundation reaches an incredible 394 feet (120 meters) into the ground. But wouldn t it be strange (not to mention wasteful) to build such a phenomenal foundation without putting a structure worthy of all this effort on top of it? As a matter of fact, the builders constructed on this extraordinary foundation two 1,483 foot buildings known as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These twin towers held the record as the world s tallest buildings from their completion in 1998 until the Taipei 101 building was finished in Taipei, Taiwan in 2004. 7
In a similar fashion God has created an extraordinary foundation for you and me. It is the salvation which he freely gave us in Jesus Christ his Son (1 Cor. 3:11). This is the foundation Jesus spoke of in his parable about the foolish man and the wise (Matt. 7:24 27). While the foolish man, lacking good sense, built his house on sand, the wise man built his house on solid rock. With Jesus as our solid rock, our salvation is unshakable no matter what happens. But God is not content simply to provide a foundation, essential as that is. He has a purpose for that foundation. He wants us to build on it. In fact, once we receive his free gift of salvation, he has prepared good works beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10). While it is true we are saved by faith alone, saving faith is never alone. The apostle James says that a true faith will always be accompanied by good works (James 2:17). And it is these good works that will result in rewards. As we consider the future, keep in mind salvation is something we have now that can t be taken away from us it s a solid foundation. But a day is coming when we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. It s at that point that Jesus will determine the value of what we ve built on his foundation. Some of our works will be lacking. They will be as Paul describes them, wood, hay, [and] straw (1 Cor. 3:12). These are works done for the wrong reason or with the wrong motive. In other situations, we may not have followed God s will at all and so will gain nothing from our efforts. But there will also be works that are like gold, silver, and precious stones. These are works done in obedience and faithfulness. God has provided an amazing foundation: our salvation in Jesus Christ. Let s be determined to build something worthy on it. For those who are faithful to serve him, the rewards will be beyond anything we can imagine (1 Cor. 2:9). EXPRESS IT { Ask God to help you see the good works he has prepared for you to do. As possibilities come to mind, jot them down. Then ask God for the strength and wisdom to meet these needs. 8
CONSIDER IT As you read Ephesians 2:4 10, reflect on the following questions: 1. 2. 3. What condition were we in before God graciously intervened? List at least two differences between salvation and rewards. What does it mean to be God s workmanship? 4. What are some of the conditions that will determine if our works are worthy of reward or not? } 9
APPLY IT As exciting as the thought of rewards might be, remember that the basis for these rewards is our salvation in Jesus Christ. If that foundation is not there, no work will be considered worthy of reward. To ensure a solid foundation, we need to have a personal relationship with the Father through his Son Jesus. If you re not sure you have that relationship, here s what you should do: { Acknowledge that you have sinned against a holy God and that you know there are bad consequences to your bad actions (Rom. 3:23; 1. 6:23). Genuinely feel the pain of your sin and be willing to turn from it (repent) and give God free access to your life (Acts 3:19). Believe in your heart and mind that Jesus is the 2. Son of God, that he died on the cross in your place (John 3:1 18), and was raised back to life. Confess that you are trusting Jesus as your personal Savior. Since Jesus is alive, you can talk to him. This is called prayer. So, talk to him right 3. now, in your own words, and accept his invitation to know him. Invite him not just to save you from hell but to take control of your life as the One who has saved you (Rom. 6:23, 10:9 10). 10
Study Two The Judgment Seat READ IT Romans 8:1 4 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). What is the most important date in your future? Maybe it s graduation from school. Perhaps you re looking forward to celebrating a wedding. It could be you are anticipating the arrival of a new little life in your home. And those are certainly all important dates. But the Bible reveals that the most important day in our future lives is the day we stand before the judgment seat (bema) of Christ. In ancient Greece, the bema was a raised platform from which judgments were announced. In Greek and Roman times, those who appeared before the judge as he was seated on his bema were there to be scrutinized and hear the announcement of the judge. 11
It s this kind of bema seat that Christians will face, and Christ will be the judge. The apostle Paul says in 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. Who is more qualified to be our judge than Jesus? The criterion for a good judge today is one whose character allows him or her to hand out justice with love and tenderness. A good judge cannot withhold necessary punishment, but neither can a judge be unreasonably severe. Christ demonstrates both of these characteristics by his life and death. Yet the thought of judgment is scary for many. It has the potential either to bring a Christ-follower to his or her knees in terror or to cause that person to stand and shout, Glory! Many fear that they will be condemned for their sins. But Romans 8:1 assures us there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Yet important events need planning. A wedding involves arranging for the place where the ceremony is held, invitations sent, gowns purchased and tuxes fitted. Planning for the arrival of a baby means preparing the nursery, buying baby clothes, packing a bag for the hospital and a lot more. How much more so, then, should we plan for the most important event in our future. Each day should be lived with the thought, Someday I will face the judgment seat of Christ. EXPRESS IT { Take time today to consider what changes might be needed to help you better face the bema seat judgment. Ask the Father to help you prepare your heart and life to face his Son s judgment. 12
CONSIDER IT As you read Romans 8:1 4, reflect on the following questions: 1. 2. 3. What makes the bema seat judgment the most important date in your future? What makes Christ the best qualified person to be the judge? _ What assurance do you have that you will not be condemned for your sins at this judgment? 4. Why do you think unbelievers will not be included in this bema seat judgment? } 13
APPLY IT 1. 2. 3. How much planning have you done to face the bema seat judgment? How might this study change some of your daily decisions about the way you spend your time or how you treat others? What other areas might be affected by the thought of this coming event? 14
Study Three Our Performance Evaluation READ IT Matthew 16:24 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done (Matt. 16:27). There s not much argument that things like food, shelter, air and water are all necessities of life. But if you get very far beyond these basics, the debates begin. Whether you re a chocoholic or a rabid sports fan, the opinions of what is necessary for life start to vary significantly. The Bible makes it clear, however, that the judgment seat of Christ is a necessity. The apostle Paul says, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). The word translated must is written in such a way as to indicate this is an absolutely necessary event. 15
But why? Can t God just give us our rewards and let it go at that? As a matter of fact, he can t, and Scripture clearly states several reasons the bema is necessary. One reason is that not all our works are worthy of reward. Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians 5:10, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Without a discerning judge carefully examining each deed, it would be impossible to tell what was worthy of reward and what was not. Of course God already knows what has been done and whether or not it s worthy of reward but we don t. This judgment is for our benefit, not his. As we better understand what makes our deeds worthy of reward or not, the better we understand our Lord. Furthermore, God s character requires this judgment. By nature God is holy, just and faithful. And God cannot act contrary to who he is. Because he is holy, he cannot allow anything to exist in heaven that is unholy, including any service we perform in this life that is unacceptable. Because he is just, he cannot allow any acceptable deed we ve done to go unrewarded. And because he is fair, God cannot allow incorrect impressions or misperceptions to continue throughout eternity; God must set the record straight. That s what the judgment seat of Christ does. Finally, the bema seat also proves our salvation. Only believers will stand before Christ in this judgment. Unbelievers have another judgment described in Revelation 20:11 15. It is at the great white throne that their lives will be searched in a similar way as those who stand before the bema seat but with totally different results. So, if you find yourself at the judgment seat of Christ, be glad; it means you re a Ask the Lord to bring someone Christ-follower. across your path today with whom The bema judgment is a necessity, not an option. you can share what you have learned It is an awesome thought about the bema seat of Christ. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit s leading EXPRESS IT as you look for that one who needs to {16hear what you have to share.
that the rewards judged appropriate at the judgment seat will determine our possessions and standing for all eternity. That s a very long time. What is even more awesome is that the service we do now for the Lord will be the basis for that judgment at the heavenly bema. CONSIDER IT As you read Matthew 16:24 27, reflect on the following questions: 1. 2. Why is it necessary to stand before Christ s bema seat? How do we benefit from the judgment seat of Christ? 3. How is the bema seat different from the great white throne judgment? } 17
APPLY IT 1. 2. 3. 4. Does knowing the future impact of your works affect your attitude toward your service for the Lord? How? How does the length of time you have to earn these rewards compare to the time you will have to enjoy them? _ How excited are you to stand before the bema seat? Why or why not? What changes can you make in your life that would cause you to get more excited? 18
Study Four Losing Eternal Rewards READ IT 1 Corinthians 3:10 15 Each one s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done (1 Cor. 3:13). The month of October 2007 was the worst on record for wildfires in California. At one time, as many as 23 wildfires were burning which consumed at least 1,500 homes and left 500,000 acres charred and ash covered. While this is devastating, a day is coming when many may not simply lose their earthly possessions but will also face the loss of eternal rewards. We can lose rewards simply by default. These are those occasions when God gives us opportunities to serve him, and we fail 19
to do it. Perhaps it s an opportunity to share Christ with someone, but we don t because we re afraid the person might be offended. Or perhaps God called you to the mission field, but you chose to stay home because you didn t want to leave your family and friends. God cannot reward an action left undone, so we lose out. Furthermore we may lose rewards by defect. That is, we live our lives in such a way that certain actions such as deeds done with the wrong motives do not meet the criteria to qualify for reward. Jesus said in Matthew 6:2, Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. If the respect or praise of others is your goal, eternal rewards are not likely. In addition, if a deed is done in order to gain something in return, this, too, fails the inflammability test. Jesus says in Matthew 5:43-44, You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Showing kindness to those who can t or won t return your efforts earns the rewards. So, amid the shouts of joy, there are bound to be some sobs of remorse and shame at the judgment seat of Christ. Each of us should be encouraged to take every opportunity that comes our way to serve the Lord Jesus and make sure that it is done in a manner pleasing to him. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire (1 Cor. 3:14 15). EXPRESS IT Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities that he has prepared for you. Seek his wisdom and strength to overcome any fears or other obstacles that might cause you to fail to do whatever is necessary to gain the {20 maximum rewards.
CONSIDER IT As you read 1 Corinthians 3:10 15, reflect on the following questions: 1. 2. 3. What are two ways that you can lose rewards? What does Jesus call those who do their good deeds in order to impress people? What is the foundation Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 3:14? } 21
APPLY IT 1. 2. 3. 4. What opportunities have you passed up that might cause you to lose rewards? What can you do to make sure you don t lose future opportunities? Are you more in danger of losing rewards by default or by defect? How can you flameproof your deeds? 22
Study Five Motivated for Rewards READ IT Matthew 7:21 23 On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness (Matt. 7:22 23). We probably have all been exposed to motivational speakers, to motivational books and to motivational theories. The problem is that most of these motivational tools tend to focus on the self. That s the exact opposite of the appropriate motivation for a Christ-follower who wants to hear, Well done, good and faithful servant. 23
So, what should our motivation be? There are many motivating factors to serving the Lord, but let s look at the top five (for more, see chapter 22 of Facing Your Final Job Review). The number one motivation should be the desire to show love for the Master. Jesus said, If you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). Our obedience is not based on external constraints (the Law) but on an internal desire to show love for Christ. Second, there is the desire to avoid God s discipline. This is the flip side of serving out of love, but it is still a motivation for acceptable service. In Philippians 2:12, Paul urges these Christians to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Furthermore, there is the desire to have a clear conscience. Paul says, The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:5). Without a clear conscience, Christ cannot use us. Then there is the desire for usefulness. The apostle Paul declares, Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work (2 Tim. 2:21). What s the point in being Christ s vessel if we aren t fit to be used? Finally, there is the desire for friends and family to be saved. Peter s words to believing wives reflect this motivation: Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives (1 Pet. 3:1). EXPRESS IT Pray David s prayer today, Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (Ps. 139:23). Let the Lord reveal the true motives of your heart. If your heart needs changing, give him {24 permission to do that as well.
Each of us must constantly examine the motives for our service to the Lord. Why we do something does matter. So, take care not only to do the right thing, but to do it for the right reason. That s what it takes to earn a reward. CONSIDER IT As you read Matthew 7:21 23, reflect on the following questions: 1. 2. What should be our number one motive? How would you explain the difference between being motivated by the Law and being motivated by love for the Lord? 3. Which motives, given above, do you think prompt most Christians? } 25
APPLY IT 1. 2. 3. 4. Draw a picture or express in words what motivates you the most to serve the Lord. What would you like to motivate you the most to serve the Lord? Of the motivations listed, which one do you struggle with the most? How motivated are you to see family and friends come to Christ? _ 26
Study Six What Will Our Rewards Be? READ IT 1 Corinthians 9:24 27 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 (1 Cor. 9:24). The Bible hints at various types of rewards that are available to the Christ-follower. If our work abides, we shall receive a reward. The greater the number of abiding works, the greater the number and variety of rewards we ll receive. Paul often used the idea of crowns to express the rewards we will receive for faithful service. As a person who grew up surrounded by the Greek culture with its emphasis on athletics, he was familiar with the wreath that was placed on the head of the person who won. It was this crown he was thinking of, not the crown of royalty, when he wrote about our rewards. 27
The crown of victory is one possible reward. This crown speaks of toil and hardship. It is given to the Christian who has treated his or her service to the Lord as more of a marathon than a hundred-meter dash. It is for the runner who finishes the race victoriously (Phil. 2:16). In addition there is the crown of boasting. This is the crown awarded to those who have invested their lives in others. Often it is called the soul winner s crown because those who receive it are those who have carefully, thoughtfully and specifically invested their lives in sharing the gospel with others (1 Thess. 2:19 20). Some will receive the crown of righteousness, also known as the watcher s crown. It is awarded to those who are longing for and anticipating the return of the Lord (2 Tim. 4:8). Paul also talks about the crown of glory. This is a reward presented to genuine and godly shepherds of the flock. It is the crown for service to the Body of Christ, sometimes referred to as the shepherd s crown (1 Pet. 5:1 4). Then, finally, there is the crown of life, also called the sufferer s crown or even the martyr s crown. It is the crown given to those who have suffered for their faith, even to the point of losing their lives (Rev. 2:10). So, what will we do with these crowns? We will cast them at the feet of Jesus (Rev. 4:10 11). There will be no greater honor than to present our rewards back to Him who made it all possible. EXPRESS IT { Pray about which crowns God would have you strive for. Ask him to make you willing to accept even the crown of life (the sufferer s crown). 28
CONSIDER IT As you read 1 Corinthians 9:24 27, reflect on the following questions: 1. 2. 3. What types of crown will we receive? What are some of the things it will take to receive one or more of these crowns? What is the ultimate purpose of the crowns? } 29
APPLY IT 1. 2. 3. 4. Which crown(s) do you anticipate receiving? What changes would you have to make in order to qualify for the crown of boasting? How excited would you be about the crown of life? How will you feel when it comes time to cast the crowns at Jesus feet? 30
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What will you score on your final job review? This companion study guide to Woodrow Kroll s Facing Your Final Job Review is perfect for small groups and provides additional insight and practical application. Every follower of Christ will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, the most important event in a Christian s future. This can be an imposing, threatening possibility unless people understand what it s really all about and know what to expect. Facing Your Final Job Review brings together what the Bible says about this heavenly courtroom, eternal rewards, spiritual crowns and salvation, answering the most common questions about the who, what, where, when and how. Woodrow Kroll not only provides answers but offers plenty of encouragement too. Facing Your Final Job Review will give Christians an opportunity here and now to ensure that this future day will be a joy and a blessing. Woodrow Kroll s speaking, writing and radio ministries have clearly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ for more than 30 years. As President and Bible Teacher of the international ministry Back to the Bible, he is heard daily by half of the world s population 3.6 billion people and is broadcast on more than 1,250 outlets in the U.S. His numerous books include: Taking Back the Good Book, How to Find God in the Bible, An Interview With God, Places in the Bible and People in the Bible. christian life / personal growth P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501 www.backtothebible.org 2 ISBN: 978-0-8474-8003-6 9 0 0 0 0 9 780847 480036