TOPIC: Eternal Rewards [RCCG Sunday School Manual 19 August 2018]
Opening Prayer: Father, help me to serve you faithfully to receive my rewards (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School Manual 19 August 2018 Hymn)
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual August 19 2018)
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
MEMORY VERSE: “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” – Matthew 19:29
INTRODUCTION:
The scriptures say do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. It also says the labourer is worthy of his reward. So, God has a reward for all that make it to the kingdom. We shall one day cross to the other side where we shall have exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2Corinthians 4:17; Psalm 37:34; Psalm 91:8).
TEXT REVIEW: 1 COR. 9:16-27
Some conditions or requirements to receive rewards (crown of glory) for preaching the gospel are stated below:
i. When the preacher does not make profit for preaching the gospel.
ii. When the preacher become the servant of all. 1Cor. 9:18-19
iii. When the preacher become weak to gain the weal
iv. When he or she is Jews to the Jews and Gentile to Gentiles to gain them.
v. When the preacher become all things to all men that he might save them all.
vi. When the preacher keeps the body under subjection.
vii. When the preacher is certain and focused
viii. When he or she is temperate in all things. 1Cor. 9:24-27
Such willing preacher who fulfills these conditions will never be cast away but will surely receive rewards from God Almighty after the end of the age. 1Cor. 9:27
LESSON OUTLINES
1. Types of reward
2. Other types of reward
TYPES OF ETERNAL REWARDS
Jesus Christ prepared various types of crowns for faithful servants
These crowns are:
i. The crown of life for faithful servants who endure temptations and overcome evil with good. (James 1:12). (Revelations 2:10).
ii. Incorruptible crown for those who patiently run the race to Heaven and are temperate in all things. 1 Cor. 9:24-25.
iii. The crown of rejoicing for soul winners. 1 Thess. 2:19
iv. The crown of glory for true Pastors, Missionaries and Teachers of the word. 1Pet. 5:4
v. Crown of righteousness for those who are earnestly expecting the coming of the Lord. 2Tim. 4:8
CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
Students should compare the earthly rewards with eternal rewards.
OTHER TYPES OF REWARD:
Apart from crowns and leadership positions in His kingdom as kings and priests, the believer will also be privileged to:
i. Reign with Christ (Romans 8:17-18).
ii. Behold His face (Psalm 17:15; Revelations 22:4).
iii. Inherit all things (Revelations 21:7).
iv. Shine as a star (Daniel 12:3).
v. Be a pillar in the temple of God (Revelations 3:12).
vi. Have access to the tree of life (Revelations 22:1-5; 22:14).
vii. Be glorified with Christ (Galatians 4:7).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
Students should mention the type of crowns they expect in Heaven and explain what they are doing at present to receive the rewards.
SUMMARY:
The above stated crowns and privileges are for faithful believers who endure to the end. They could be obtained if they patiently and faithfully hold on to Christ to the very end.
CONCLUSION:
The greater we serve Him, the greater our reward will be. If we serve Him, He will reward us. Therefore, serve Him diligently
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, do not let me miss my rewards.
ASSIGNMENT:
Compare earthly reward with eternal reward in five point
Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here
RCCG Sunday School Manual 19 August 2018 Hymn
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
