In the Bible, there are numerous verses that speak to the concept of rewards in heaven for those who faithfully serve and follow God. One such verse is found in Matthew 6:20, which says,
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
This verse highlights the importance of investing in eternal rewards rather than earthly possessions that can be easily lost or taken away.
Another powerful verse that speaks to the idea of rewards in heaven can be found in 1 Corinthians 3:14, which states,
“If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.”
This verse underscores the idea that our actions and deeds on earth have eternal consequences, and that we will be rewarded in heaven for our faithfulness and obedience to God. The concept of rewards in heaven serves as a motivation for believers to live a life of sacrificial service and obedience to God, knowing that their efforts will be richly rewarded in the life to come. By seeking rewards in heaven, believers are encouraged to prioritize spiritual investments that will have eternal impact, rather than being solely focused on temporary and fleeting pleasures.
The Promise of Eternal Rewards for Believers
As believers in Christ, we are promised eternal rewards for our faithfulness and obedience to Him. The Bible is filled with verses that remind us of the blessings that await those who follow the ways of the Lord. Let us explore some of these promises and be encouraged to continue on our journey of faith.
1. Rewards in Heaven
- Matthew 5:12 – “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
- 1 Peter 1:4 – “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.”
- Matthew 5:46 – “For if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
- Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
- Hebrews 10:35 – “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
- Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
- Revelation 22:12 – “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
2. Crowns of Glory
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 – “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
- 2 Timothy 4:8 – “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
- James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
- 1 Peter 5:4 – “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
3. Joy and Rest
- Matthew 25:21 – “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 your master’s happiness!”
- Hebrews 4:9 – “There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”
- Revelation 14:13 – “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'”
- Matthew 25:23 – “His master replied, ‘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 your master’s happiness!'”
| Rewards | Description |
|---|---|
| Heavenly Rewards | Promise of an eternal inheritance |
| Crowns of Glory | Recognition for faithfulness and righteousness |
| Joy and Rest | Experience the joy of the Lord and find rest in Him |
Understanding the Importance of Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
When it comes to living our lives as followers of Christ, we are often reminded of the importance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The concept of treasuring heavenly rewards is reinforced throughout the Bible, reminding us of the eternal value of investing in things that have lasting significance.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
- “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
- “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
- “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Luke 12:33-34 (NIV)
- “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
- “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
These verses remind us that the pursuit of material wealth and possessions on earth is futile in comparison to the eternal rewards of storing up treasures in heaven. Our hearts are naturally drawn to what we value most, and by prioritizing heavenly treasures, we align our hearts with the eternal kingdom of God.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
- “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
- “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
- “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
By being generous, doing good deeds, and prioritizing the needs of others over our own desires, we invest in heavenly treasures that will never fade or be stolen. Our actions in this life have eternal consequences, and storing up treasures in heaven is a way to secure our future in the kingdom of God.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
- “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,”
- “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
As we press on toward the goal of heavenly treasures, we are reminded to let go of worldly attachments and focus on the eternal rewards that await us. Our ultimate prize is the calling of God in Christ Jesus, and by storing up treasures in heaven, we align ourselves with His divine purpose for our lives.
Living a Life of Sacrifice and Service for Heavenly Rewards
In the Christian faith, living a life of sacrifice and service is highly valued. Jesus himself set the ultimate example of sacrificial love by giving up his life for the salvation of mankind. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ and follow in his footsteps by serving others and sacrificing our own desires for the greater good.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous verses that emphasize the importance of living a life of sacrifice and service. These verses serve as a reminder of the rewards that await those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus and put the needs of others before their own.
Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)
- 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
- 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
- 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
- 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
- 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
- 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
- 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
- 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
- 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Living a life of sacrifice and service not only benefits others but also brings blessings and rewards from God. As we selflessly serve those around us, we store up treasures in heaven and experience the joy of knowing that we are fulfilling our purpose on earth.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
- 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
- 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
- 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
- 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
As we live a life of sacrifice and service, we can be assured that our efforts are not in vain. God sees the intentions of our hearts and rewards us accordingly. By following the example of Jesus and putting others’ needs before our own, we can experience the true joy of living a life dedicated to serving God and serving others.
Practical Applications of Seeking Rewards in Heaven
As Christians, we are called to seek rewards in heaven rather than earthly riches. While it may be tempting to focus on the material possessions of this world, the Bible reminds us of the eternal rewards that await those who seek after God’s kingdom. Here are some :
1. Matthew 6:20
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
2. Matthew 19:21
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
3. Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:14
If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.
5. 1 Peter 1:4
and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
6. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
7. Hebrews 10:34
You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
8. Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
9. Luke 6:23
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
10. Psalm 19:9-11
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
By focusing on seeking rewards in heaven, we are reminded of the eternal perspective that God calls us to have. May we strive to lay up treasures in heaven, where they will never fade or be taken away.
As we reflect on the countless verses in the Bible that speak about the rewards awaiting us in Heaven, may we be inspired to persevere through the trials and challenges of this life. Let us fix our eyes on the eternal treasures that are promised to us, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. May we continue to seek first His kingdom, storing up treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not destroy. And may we live each day with the hope and assurance that our faithfulness will be richly rewarded in the presence of our Heavenly Father. So let us press on toward the goal, running the race with endurance, knowing that the greatest reward of all is found in the loving arms of our Savior for all eternity.