Page Three: “Rewards” 7/28/13
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Servants are first those who are quote “under the yoke.” This is the yoke of slavery; the yoke of men; those who were in a state of servitude either by choice, having sold themselves into slavery or because they were born into it. Yes, there were servants in the NT Churches.
Paul’s lesson on the topic of rewards is first given to any and all who are servants. And the word is “obey.” Folks, rewards with the LORD begin at the doorstep of obedience; although it doesn’t end there. Here’s what Jesus says about it. John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” The basis and the basics of rewards is found in your obedience. Think about it like this. God honors and rewards obedience. And the best example of obedience Paul uses is that of the servant, the one who has, by law, someone over him. A servant is simply someone who does what he is told to do without having the luxury of debate or argument or whether he feels like doing it or not. Think with me about your own obedience. Can you judge your own obedience on a scale of one to ten as closer to one or closer to ten? You see, obedience is basic when it comes to rewards. Just doing what you are told to do is and will be rewarded. Take you job, for instance. If your supervisor tells you he wants you to wear a clean uniform to work and to arrive on time and to complete XZY by the end of the day, you, the employee are fulfilling the role of a servant. And you are expected to obey. And further, you will be rewarded for your obedience. So, first, the basis and the basics of rewards is found in your obedience. |
Second, true obedience grows into a pure motivation. Look again at this verse. Colossians 3:22 “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:…”
Outward obedience is just that – outward obedience. And there are plenty of people who are obedient just because they are in the position they are in their job or in their society. But the LORD calls every servant to a much higher and truer motivation. You and I, as His servants, are to serve “not with eyeservice,” not as “men-pleasers,” but in singleness of heart, fearing God. There is always a time early on when we obey just because we are expected to obey. But the purest motivation comes in the heart of the one who isn’t doing what he does just to be seen by others. Paul says “not with eyeservice.” And it’s not found in doing thing just to please people. But rather, your best rewards will come to you when you’ve got “singleness of heart” combined with “reverence for God.” What is “singleness of heart”? It’s a far deeper reason for both obeying those in authority over us. And it’s a far purer motivation for looking for rewards. Singleness of heart means that you don’t serve people without first serving the LORD. You don’t, for example, as a child, obey your parents without first setting your heart on pleasing the LORD. Singleness of heart means that you know who your true master is. It’s the LORD. In singleness of heart, folks, you realize that the LORD is the Only One Who can truly judge your motives. Can you see His concern for your motives? |