Springs Articles 2021-09 (2)

1 Corinthians 3:11-15
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
2 Timothy 2:19-22

What does it mean to run to obtain?

  • It means that you should run your race well in such as way as to obtain the prize (the reward for a good labour)
  • It means not to run or labour in vain!
  • Your christian life is an heavenly race. How you run your race determines what you will achieve for God and how God will reward you
  • Faith without corresponding actions is dead
  • Everyone will be rewarded according to the quality of their works!
  • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How can I run to obtain?

  • You need discipline (attention, diligence and perseverance)
  • You need to be purposeful (intentional)!
  • You need to see and honour God in all you do, both private and public
  • You need to take God (and His Word) seriously
  • You need to make use of the grace (opportunities) that God has provided for you to grow and serve Him
  • You need to stop deceiving yourself (no shadow-boxing, religious hypocrisy or eye service)
  • Laziness and carelessness will compromise you!

What is the difference between a cheap and expensive utensil in God’s sight?

  • It is not your fashion, jewellery or special effects that make you expensive in the sight of God
  • The Bride of Christ in Revelation 19 wears no jewellery while Babylon, the Great Harlot of Revelation 17 is fully decked up in jewellery
  • The Bride of Christ in Revelation 19 is clothed in fine linen, clean and white (i.e. the righteousness of the saints) while Babylon, the Great Harlot in Revelation 17 has a golden cup full of wine (abominations and filthiness)
  • It is your inner beauty of purity, humility and obedience (good works of righteousness) that make you expensive in God’s sight
  • An expensive utensil in the hand of God is one that is prepared for every good work, 2 Timothy 2:21-22
  • The only way to please God is to believe Him and do His will, John 14:15, Hebrews 11:6
  • He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, Hebrews 11:6

Will believers in Christ go through judgement?

  • Yes! There is a judgement day for believers in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:10
  • The judgement day for believers in Christ is at least 1,000 years earlier than that of unbelievers, Revelation 20:4-6,11-15
  • It is a day of giving account for how we used our resources (time, talents, energy and money) on earth, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
  • We owe all our resources to God who gave us the gift of life
  • Those who use their resources to promote righteousness and advance the kingdom of God will receive great rewards in the eternal kingdom
  • Those who use their resources to promote self (lust and pride) will have no reward. All their works in this life would have been wasted
  • Everyone’s work will be tested by fire (whether it’s made of gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or straw)
  • Everyone will be rewarded according to the quality of their works! 

2021: A Year of Sanctification

Love and Blessings,
Ben Awoseyila