RCCG YAYA Sunday School Students Manual 10 August 2025 — REWARD COMPARED

MEMORY VERSE: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work”. Revelation 22:12 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 1:3-5

[3]Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

[4]to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

[5]who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

INTRODUCTION: Most of us like to be recognised for our accomplishments. We appreciate receiving “rewards” for our productive work. Sometimes, we like to reward ourselves, when we achieve a personal goal in life. However, the Bible admonishes that Christians should put more premium on heavenly rewards (Matthew 6:19-21). Heavenly rewards are God’s compensation for our labour on earth which is to be received in heaven. This lesson compares earthly and heavenly rewards and gives insights into how we can get heavenly rewards.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS

2. HOW TO EARN HEAVENLY REWARDS

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1. EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS

They are sometimes good motivations for hard work and success. They boost morale and a sense of belonging. They can act as catalysts for better performance and promote healthy competition (1 Corinthians 9:24). Naturally, they bring satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment. However, earthly rewards will fade away (decay), be corrupted, and eventually lose their lustre (1 Corinthians 9:25). They can be a source of self-pride (Daniel 4:30). They are temporal (Ecclesiastes 5:15; Psalm 49:17). They can misdirect one’s heart to a point where one no longer see the need for God (Luke 12:16-21). Earthly rewards are not necessarily a pointer to the end of our earthly story and we may not have enough of it.

On the other hand, heavenly rewards are incorruptible, undefiled, and do not fade (1 Peter 1:4) i.e. they are eternal, not subject to decay and thievery (Matthew 6:20). They are pointers to the quality of our work here on earth and our genuine fellowship with God (Matthew 16:27; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 14-15). They are precious rewards to be anticipated because they carry the weight and meaning of our

relationship with God (Philippians 3:13-15a). We shall receive heavenly rewards after our earthly journey, and we shall be eternally satisfied (2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 22:12). It must be noted that making it to Heaven attracts a reward for believers who faithfully persevere till the end (James 1:12).

2. HOW TO EARN HEAVENLY REWARDS

As good as earthly rewards may make us feel, there is a need for us to consider how to earn heavenly rewards.

1. Motivation for all we do in the kingdom should be because of a sincere love for Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).

2. Giving and living a sacrificial life (Matthew 10:42; 19:21-22).

3. Use of talents and spiritual gifts like singing, teaching, playing of instruments, etc. to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and not for self-glory or praise of men.

4. Commitment to soul-winning and other kingdom services (Hebrews 6:10, 1 Corinthians 3:8).

5. Staying steadfast in the face of persecution, trouble, and inconvenience (Romans 8:18, 1 Corinthians 15:58).

6. Not being deceitful so as not to lose our rewards (2 John 1:7-8).

CONCLUSION: Earthly rewards are good but heavenly rewards are far better. Be wise.

QUESTIONS:

1. Identity four differences between earthly rewards and heavenly rewards

2. Mention three ways of earning heavenly rewards.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Gen.15:1. MON: Deut.27:25. TUE: Ruth 2:12. WED: 2Chron.20:11. THUR: Psalm 15:5. FRI: Psalm 58:11. SAT: Prov.24:14.

ASSIGNMENT: List five (5) crowns you are aiming at in Heaven and give biblical reference for each (2X5=10 Marks).