R244 The Judgement Seat of Christ

We all could use some encouragement to find it together today in the Bible itself that God's Encouraging Word Dr. Don Wilton today's message is the judgment seat of Christ. Two Corinthians 1st Corinthians chapter 3 in just a moment in another room, able to connect with you right now on our website tewonline.org Margie number of great new fresh resources. Find out John chapter 5 Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda. Unfortunately, the religious leaders react to draw the poorly to this because it was a violation of old religious ideology and they religious ritualism. So in John chapter 5 Jesus responds to them and he begins to defend himself. Not that he has to, but because he chose to do so. We came across the statement in verses 16 and 17 and following that Jesus reminded these people that all judgment is entrusted to him by the father. There is so much material in God's word and it is so enriching and it is so purposeful and so meaningful.

I want you to turn with me in your Bibles to first Corinthians and chapter 3 first Corinthians chapter 3 the Bible says that the judgment of God applies to two groups of people. Number one, to those who have said no to Jesus Christ. The Bible says that if you die or if Jesus were to come back before you die and you have reject the grace of God that you are going to stand before the great white throne judgment and you will be cost away from the presence of God, the great white throne judgment being the final consummate moment in time at which a confirmation of your alienation from God will take place in eternity.

It is eternal judgment. This second kind of judgment is what the Bible refers to is the judgment seat of Christ. This applies to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and who by faith have repented of their sin and have trusted in Jesus. The Bible says that if you are a born again believer, you do not have license to be a law unto yourself. The Bible says that it is not good enough just to say, well, I've trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior.

I know that my name is written in God's book in heaven. I know that my sins are forgiven. I know that I'm going to heaven.

Therefore, I can just do what ever I want to do, not according to God's word, not according to God's word, and so this message today. The judgment seat of Christ, we are going to pick up where we left off last week and I want to remind you very briefly about the line of direction that we been taking the Bible teaches. My friend that there are going to be five things that will take place with regard to the judgment seat of Christ, there are going to be five events woven into the fabric of our existence upon this earth. And then when we died that are going to take place in the lives of born-again believers, none of which I want to run that by again, none of which have anything to do with the fact of your salvation, nothing of which takes place at the judgment seat of Christ is even remotely a suggestion that a born-again believer can lose his or her salvation. Once you are born again once your Savior always say the issue is not whether or not you can lose your salvation. The issue is with you being safe to begin with.

That issue is being safe and in God's word. They're going to be five things that will take place. Number one at the judgment seat of Christ. They will be a great revelation. The Bible says we those of us who are in Christ will be seen as we really all number two. There will be a great accountability love the last two weeks we looked at this, we will be held accountable for whether or not we sought to live for God's glory or our own glory. According to second Corinthians 5 number two we will be held accountable for how we have used our time according to Ephesians 516 and 17, number three, we will be held accountable in terms of how we have used money oppositions and our property. According to Matthew six versus 19 through 21, number four, we will be held accountable. Whether or not we have witnessed the lost people. According to the word of God in second Corinthians 5 and verse 11, number five.

We will be held accountable as to whether or not we have been faithful in prayer. According to Luke chapter 8 and verse one number six. We are going to be held accountable. According to the words which we have spoken, according to Matthew chapter 12 and verse 36 number seven. We will be held accountable for our attitude toward one another. Jesus said by this shall all men know that you are my disciples in Galatians chapter 6 and verse one speaks most eloquently at this juncture, then number eight, we will be held accountable for all the things we do our works according to the Bible in first Corinthians 3 in verse 13. Some of you again to say to me with Dr. Wilton that confuses me. I believe that the Bible says that you are saved by grace through faith and not of works, you're quite correct. You cannot be saved by what you do.

But the Bible says that your works become the proof of your salvation. Once you have been saved, you and I are going to be held accountable for the manifestation of the pouring of the grace of God through our lives, our works on the evidence about salvation. They will be a great revelation. There will be a great accountability. The Bible says in the third place at the grave at the judgment seat of Christ that they will be of great tasting now want to read this passage of Scripture to you in first Corinthians chapter 3 and beginning of verse 12. Listen carefully.

If any man moves on this foundation using gold, silver and costly stones, all using would hire or stroll these two are juxtaposed against one another. The Bible says that by the way this passage errs to Christian people.

Ladies and gentlemen, Paul is talking to men and women who love the Lord Jesus Christ and Paul is saying if you approve this foundation now what is the foundation. Do you suppose that Paul is talking about. He's talking about the wrong about salvation. He is talking about that unbelievable, unmistakable, eternal, solid rock upon which we stand in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. And so it is at this juncture.

Read verse 11. No man can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Christ Jesus. If your life is being laid upon the foundation of Christ. If you are a born-again believer. Verse 12 if any man foods on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones would hide or store about a stop again. You see, the Bible says it is impossible to be a born-again believer with a life that is built upon the foundation of Christ and get to boot upon that foundation, using things that could just burn up overnight. Bible says what God expects of us is to build upon this foundation using gold and silver and costly stones, which is undeniably precious and sacred and holy and honorable in the presence of the king of kings and the Lord of rules. What will happen to them. Verse 13 his work. Is he his work will be shown for what it is because the day will bring it to life by the way my Bible.

It's capitalized. If you can see from over there. The day is capitalized that would die is not referring to Monday through Sunday, that would day is referring to the judgment seat of Christ, the day of ultimate reckoning when born-again believers are going to stand in the presence of Almighty God not being judged for their salvation but being judged according to the quality and the exercise of their salvation. And so the Bible says because the day will bring it to life.

It will be revealed with fire and the fire will test the quality of each man's work is what he is boot survives, he will receive his what his reward if it is burned up, he will suffer loss of my friends. There are many people who use this passage to say that a person can lose their salvation right on read this passage properly.

The word of God says he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. Some people have said to me. They said foster I don't understand this. I don't understand exactly what the purpose is for the judgment seat of Christ. Let me explain it. Perhaps like this you might find it helpful. I love school award studies as a former high school teacher myself together with my wife. It was very much a part of what we did I when I think of school awards days I think of people like Travis Johnson I think of people in our congregation. Young people in our congregation that we would stand before them and salute them.

Do you know why because they have attained and achieved the highest honors possible.

But what is the purpose of the school awards.

The is it to denigrate those who have not scored the highest or is it to honor those who have now want you to know.

I hope you got the same monsters me folks decided to get anywhere near where Travis Johnson got a doorman high school I was one of those who sat out there and watched everybody else walking up that Amanda my caliber but I want you to know something. Folks there was never a time in my life that I did not understand the fact that that award ceremony was not to put me down. It was to those who had a tree. One of the greatest movements of organizations we have in America are the Boy Scouts of America.

We've got an incredible Boy Scouts organization) our church and you know that the highest award that can be given to a Boy Scout is called the Eagle Scout award and did you know that when the Eagle Scout award is made or given.

The occasion is cold. The court of honor. Did you know that we bought for needy brothers who are Eagle Scouts.

Did you know that we got many men in our church when they were coming up became Eagle Scouts. What happens to the rest of the Scots are the rest of the Scots, not with anything all day.

Anything less than those who have achieved the highest honor.

Know the court of honor is designed to honor those who have achieved a high end gear which is true then because of the work they've done, but not in any way to say anything less about those who have not achieved what has been safety for the so the question comes the judgment seat of Christ. They will be a great revelation that they will be a great accountability and there is a continuing great testing this valuable would survive in the worthless will be burned up but I want you to notice my frame in the fourth place that they will be a great reward on the and I want us to camp there for the next few minutes there's so much to say.

You see friend the judgment seat of Christ is the time at which God is not going to punish unfaithfulness as much as he is going to reward faithfulness. If you don't understand and I don't understand that the judgment seat of Christ is to those who have love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and all of thy soul, and all of thy mind you will never understand that I'm going to tell you something quite frank. When I get to heaven one day my sweet little mother does not get a million times more award from God on another on another if I could just in 1 Little Way measure up to the life that my mother has made. I believe that I would stand in line to receive these crowns that God talks about what is the Bible say about rewards. Let's look at them very quickly. There are three basic commendations.

According to Scriptures you going to be have to be quick with your Bible's number one at the judgment seat of Christ, according to God's word.

Many will hear the word of divine approval. Many will hear the word of divine approval. I want you to turn with me very quickly to Matthew chapter 25 Matthew chapter 25 data read to you. These verses. Verses 2122 and 23 of Matthew 25 is monster applied well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things come and share in your monsters happiness. So the man with two talents also claim monster. He said you entrusted me with two talents.

See, I have gained two more is monster applied well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things come and share in your monsters happiness. You know, every time I think of the word of divine approval.

I think of football this past week for the first time in my entire career. I put on a crash helmet to go out and try and catch a bowl it's given me a brand-new appreciation for quarterbacks all over America. My sons love football but I want to tell you something. My friends on the football team, no matter what anybody has to say about the coach can commend you for a great guy. Your players can commend you for a great guy but you can earn on a skinny young man. He will tell you the greatest commendation and the one he wants to hear. Most of all is the commendation that comes from his mother and father.

Is that anything like walking out of a bowl game and dad is standing data sites on. I was proud of you today. He knows that I dropped the ball three times.

He knows I did this and didn't do that and I could've scored when I didn't, but it's dad and dad just see his son product just property you know the Bible says at the judgment seat of Christ, with many are going to hear a word of divine approval. You know why because when God reached down from heaven he gives to each and every individual believer gifts God has no gift list children if we were to go around this congregation.

I can guarantee you my friend. I can show you people have the gift of hospitality and the gift of giving the gift of consolation and the gift of comfort and the gift of giving other people joy and the gift of lifting others up at the gift of doing things in the gift of this in the gift of that and the word of God says the issue is not whether or not you have been given anything of God. The issue is what are you doing with what God has given the interruption will be back for the rest today's message with Dr. Don Wilton in just a moment. Speaking of Dr. Wilson.

If you haven't seen the book called origin. Everything from Dr. Greg Wilton Dr. Don Wilton, son. It's a remarkable and insightful opportunity to gain in someplace perspective on the very beginning of our world. The Genesis and how that affects us in the genesis of our new life. All the details are on our website tewonline.org you that's TW online.org. Now back to today's great teaching with Dr.that's what the Bible is something many will hear the word of divine approval, but I want you to notice in the second place, many will receive promotion in Luke chapter 19 verses 17 through 19 and also in Revelation chapter 20 I'm not going to read these passages for the sake of time, but I'm going to say to you, my friend, that the word of God is abundantly clear that on that great day of the judgment seat of Christ, that those who have been faithful with that which God has given to them will receive promotion in the eyes of God. God has entrusted you with so many now he is going to entrust you with so many from time to time as I speak to young people. We get onto the subject of finances. I think it's important, I believe it's important for young people to understand biblical and spiritual giving. I don't apologize for that. I believe it's important for our young people to understand that this church has an incredible ministry that reaches into the four corners of this beautiful state of South Carolina that people's lives are being changed. This church is an active church. This church is a church that is on a mission.

This church is a church that is endeavoring to keep the main thing the main thing but I'm going to say to you, my friend, as a member of this church. You and I do not have an optional extra. As far as almsgiving is concerned. Dr. Neely said it best of all, what an investment of about five what an investment. About time, what an investment about talent and God's word teaches my friend that at the judgment seat of Christ, that those who have been fighting in, which has been given to them will receive a word of divine promotion you will be placed in the seat of honor and I have no doubt in my mind, my friend, that God by his grace in the echelons of heaven is going to reward those publicly and unashamedly within the fabric of the joy of our heavenly body in the presence of God for all to see. But I want you to notice in the third-place money will many here word of divine approval, not an evil many here and receive a word of divine promotion but I want you to note in the third-place that according to the Scriptures.

Many will receive crowns. Many will receive crowns.

There are five crowns in Scripture. I want to give them to you ready for this.

I told you we could spend the rest of the year on this and maybe I'll come back and do a series on in the next 30 years or so. Alright. There are five crowns that God shares with us in his word. Number one is the incorruptible crown turn with me to first Corinthians chapter 9 first Corinthians chapter 9. Isn't it wonderful to hear all those wrestling pages of God's word. I hope there's nobody had a guy who doesn't have a copy of God's word in front of the there's a pew Bible day for you, for your benefit. First of all, the incorruptible crown first Corinthians chapter 9 and verse 24.

Listen to what the apostle says, remember now that he's talking to Christians. Let me say to you so that you don't have to guess the incorruptible crown is designed for those who have led a disciplined spiritual life. If you were to say to me today pasta to whom will the incorruptible crown be given to those who have led a disciplined spiritual life. First Corinthians 924 do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize therefore run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not gloss black lead. Those of us who are born-again believers using this metaphorical expression which Paul does so often throughout his latest about the games that these people were so familiar with those of us who are running the spiritual race. We know better because we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Therefore say school. I do not run like a man running aimlessly.

I do not fight like a man beating the air know I beat my body and make it my slave, so that I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize, the in incorruptible crown. All my friends what a challenge. One of the greatest challenges in my Christian life is to lead a disciplined spiritual life I live. My friend that is measured up to the standards that God has set before me. The second crown.

The Bible calls the crown of life.

Turn with me in your Bibles to James chapter 1 James chapter 1 and verse 12. The crown of life choir sang so beautifully about this. This is it choir the Z writer James chapter 1 verse 12. The crown of life.

What is the crown of life for the Bible says the crown of life is going to be given to those who endure trials verse 12 Blessed by the way, that would Blessed means you are complete in Christ, you are ultimately connected. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test. That is when he arrives at the judgment seat of Christ, having gone through the tests that have been placed at he's feet throughout his life he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. I wish I could get into the rest of that passage because the apostle begins to talk about the discrepancy between temptation and cinnamon testing and faith and the apostle is saying here that if you and I ought to receive the crown of life. We need to measure up. We need to measure up to the standard that God has set before us, and enduring trials must surely be one of the greatest in the third-place there is the crown of rejoicing. First Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 19 to 21st Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 19 to 20. The Bible tells us very clearly that we for what is our hope, joy, all the crown in which we will glory in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ when he comes. Indeed you are our glory and our joy. There is the crown of rejoicing for those who have witnessed to others, but there's 1/4 crown is the crown of glory that there is a crown which is reserved for those who are willing to shepherd the flock who are willing to subject their own lives as true servants in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ and the reward is available for everyone.

Perhaps you haven't been serving the Lord like you know you ship it today could be the beginning of a fresh new start for Dr. Dorothy's been preaching now as he steps in the studio here from his heart. Next are you ready to give your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Why don't you pray this prayer with me right now.

Dear God, I know that on the center and I know that Jesus died for me on the cross today.

I repainted my and by faith I receive you into my heart.

In Jesus name, my friend. I welcome you today into the family of God.

This is exciting news.

Maybe you are praying with Dr. but moments ago to give your life to Christ, we have questions and want to talk about giving your life to Christ with one of us. We are right now at 86689.

That's 866899673 if you beginning your life with Jesus, we would give you some free resources. Dr. Don has prepared just for you. Call us at 86689673. We love to connect with you today. Did you know The Encouraging Word has a YouTube channel on this channel you can watch over 100 of Dr. Wilton sermons.

You can also listen to the weekly words of encouragement, devotional series, written by Dr. Wilton. Visit us on our YouTube channel today are times Dr. David Morris message Dr. Wilton called special ways in which God works is such a powerful and join us and bring a friend tomorrow between now and then. Let's stay connected on our website GW online.org that's GW online.org