Over the last 3 weeks, we have considered the value of restoring “Kingdom Terminology” back into the Church. Kingdom terminology properly understood, leads to transformative Kingdom Thinking, a whole new operating system for our souls and our churches. Kingdom Thinking takes our focus off ourselves, and orients us to our role within God’s overall Kingdom plan. As members of the Royal Family of God, believers in the Church have the privilege of representing Jesus our King, as Ambassadors in a foreign land. Stated another way, we have been sent out into the world to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the writings of Paul is the thread of past, present and future realities. For example, in Titus 2:11-15 the entire scope of God’s plan is characterized by Grace, our receipt of God’s unmerited favor. In the past the believer has been redeemed from every lawless deed, in the present the believer is being purified. God is instructing us to deny ungodliness, to live godly in the present age. (hear & obey) And in the future there awaits for us a blessed hope of being with Christ forever. One aspect of the blessed hope is the evaluation and reward of the faithful believer.
Jesus often spoke of accountability through the parables about masters and servants. The faithful servants are rewarded when the master returns. Paul speaks specifically about future evaluation of the believer’s works at the Judgement Seat of Christ. The issue will be reward, not a person’s salvation. (Rom 14:10-13; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:9-10)
(More on this in the upcoming DM Series 4, Serving the Lord)
The rewards are described in two categories: crowns and positions of responsibility in the kingdom reign of Christ. (Lk 19:11-27; 2 Tim 2:11-13) The future reality of the believer reigning with Christ is the final chapter that pulls everything together. We have been born/adopted into the royal family, and we are currently in training and have the opportunity to demonstrate our faithfulness in serving our king. Our current assignment is as Ambassadors, representing Jesus in the world. All of this is in preparation for our future service in the administration of Christ when He returns to reign over the world.
We are part of something bigger than ourselves. The believer in Christ has been blessed with every spiritual blessing, and is privileged to participate in Kingdom work – the ONLY work that has eternal value.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor 15:58
May the Lord use each of us to be part of a Disciple Making Movement within our sphere of influence.