1 Corinthians 04:01-18 Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All

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Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-18

Introduction

1. There is a song entitled “Heaven Will Surely Be worth It All”

a. Words written by W. Oliver Cooper

b. Melody arranged by Minzo C. Jones

2. As I sing this song, two main thoughts come to mind

a. The many sacrifices faithful Christians must often make

b. The glories of heaven and what is to come for those who remain faithful

3. The song proclaims that the rewards will surely be worth whatever the cost

a. As did Paul, in writing to the Romans – Romans 8:18

b. And again, in writing to the Corinthians – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Body

I. THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST

1. Before one’s own self – Luke 9:23-24

2. Before anyone else, including family – Luke 14:26; Matthew 10:34-37

3. Before anything the world has to offer – Luke 9:25; Luke 14:33

B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST

1. We must be willing to bear our own cross – Luke 14:27

2. Living in an ungodly world, we may find that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12

a. The persecution may be physical – 1 Peter 4:12-13

b. The persecution may be verbal – Luke 6:27-28

3. Other things we must endure for Christ’s sake:

a. Personal weaknesses in our struggle against sin – 1 Corinthians 9:27

b. Disappointments brought on by failing brethren – 2 Corinthians 11:29

1) E.g., whose apathy and neglect produce slothful service

2) E.g., whose irregular attendance makes it difficult to depend on them

3) E.g., whose unwillingness to serve creates extra burdens on those who do serve

4) E.g., whose murmuring hinders the efforts of those who try to do something

4. Even if blessed to escape such things, we must still be willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of Christ in positive ways

a. Sometimes alone

b. Or with few to help

C. Yes, discipleship can be costly. As the song suggests, we are often “hindered”, “burdened”, with “trials, toils and tears” and “many a heartache”. But the Lord tells us through His Word that “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”

II. THE REWARDS OF DISCIPLESHIP

A. PAUL LOOKED FORWARD TO:

1. A man who endured much hardship – cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

2. Yet looked forward to:

a. A house not made with hands – 2 Corinthians 5:1

b. The riches of God’s grace – Ephesians 2:7

c. A glorious transformation – Philippians 3:20-21

d. A crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8

e. A heavenly kingdom – 2 Timothy 4:18

B. PETER LOOKED FORWARD TO:

1. A man who likewise suffered hardship – cf. 1 Corinthians 4:9-13

2. Yet looked forward to:

a. An inheritance imperishable, undefiled, reserved in heaven – 1 Peter 1:4

b. A new heavens and new earth, in which righteousness dwells – 2 Peter 3:13-14

C. JOHN LOOKED FORWARD TO:

1. A man who suffered tribulation and exile – cf. Revelation 1:9

2. Yet was blessed to be shown:

a. The bliss of those who were triumphant over tribulation – Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17

b. The destiny of the redeemed, forever with God – Revelation 21:1-7, 10-11; 21:22-22:5

Conclusion

1. Can there be any comparison…?

a. Between a few years of service, even with hardship?

b. And an eternity of bliss in the presence of God?

c. “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”!

2. We have read the words of those like Paul, Peter, and John…

a. What if they could return and speak to us today?

b. What if our loved ones who died in Christ could return and speak to us today?

c. Would they not tell us, “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”?

3. Whatever the cost of following Jesus in this life, may the words of this song and the promises of Holy Scripture remind and comfort us to be faithful and persevere

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” (Hebrews 10:35-36)