May 15, 2022
Sunday Sermon
CHRISTIANS MOST IMPORTANT INSPECTION
2 Corinthians 5:10
Introduction: The military takes inspection seriously. I remember when I was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky for Basic Training. When inspection time came around, everything in the soldier’s room was inspected – from how you made your bed to how you folded your socks. This inspection was no small matter for the soldiers.
These military inspections would make you better soldiers, always under the watchful eye of a commander, drill instructor or leader.
There is a coming inspection of our Christian Lives that will involve either REWARDS or LOSS for every Christian. We should make our life for Christ count so that we receive His reward.
For every Christian, there will be an appointment for the inspection, at the JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST!
JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST – BEMA, In Greek culture, means a raised platform where athletes receive their Olympic medals. This seems to be the idea of the Believer’s Bema.
THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST is not a judgment of salvation or damnation…but it is a judgment of rewards.
This is the judgment of Christians. It has to do with faithful service. The judgment will determine reward not punishment. It is all about recognition for faithful service.
Let’s look at three movements when we come to the appointment of the inspection!
I. WE MUST STAND BEFORE THE ONE WHO SAVED US
(The Judgment Seat of Christ)
A. An appointment only for believe
B. All unbelievers will appear at the “Great White Throne Judgment” described in revelation 20:11-15
C. Not one Christian will be excused (“We must”)
D. Not one Christian will be left out (“all”)
E. Think of one we will be meeting
1. The One who came down to save us
2. The One who endured the cross for us
3. The One who arose for us
4. The One who has taken away our sins
5. The One who has heard our prayers
F. We ought to live with this meeting in mind
II. WE MUST STAND BEFORE THE ONE WHO KNOWS ALL ABOUT US
(The Judgment Seat of Christ)
(“Things done in the body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad”)
A. “We must appear” (be made manifest)
B. Standing before the One who knows His sheep (John 10:27)
1. Nothing will be hidden from Him
2. No way to bluff our way through this meeting
C. Some things Jesus knows about us
1. What occupies our minds
2. What we read at home and at work
3. How we spend or give our money
4. The degree of our dedication
5. The secret desires of our hearts
D. What adjustments ought you to make before that meeting?
1. What changes in priorities
2. What changes in goal
III. WE MUST STAND BEFORE THE ONE WHO HAS COMMISSIONED US
(The Judgment Seat of Christ)
A. Each Christian has been commissioned to serve
1. We are to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20)
2. We are to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8)
3. We are to be His lights in a dark world (Phil. 2:15)
B. Rewards to be given at this appointment of inspection (Rev. 22:12)
There will be rewards – (The New Testament speaks of crowns that will be given to those who earn them. These are:
1. The Incorruptible Crown – Awarded for faithfulness to the Lord – 1 Cor. 9:25
2. The Crown of Life – For the person who endures and overcomes temptation – James 1:12
3. The Crown of Rejoicing – This is the soul winners’ crown – 1 Thess. 2:19
4. The Crown of Righteousness – This will be given to those who anticipate and live in the light of the return of Jesus – 2 Tim. 4:8
5. The Crown of Glory – This will be given to the faithful ministers who give themselves to lead and feed the flock of God – 1 Pet. 5:4
C. Rewards given to those who earned them
Responsive Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
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