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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)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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High Cost of a Free Gift
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Introduction
1. Perhaps you have heard it said: “The best things in life are free!”
2. This is especially true when you consider that the “best” thing in life is a gift
a. I am speaking of that which God offers to all who will accept it: eternal life
b. It is truly a “gift from God”! – Romans 6:23
3. And yet, though eternal life is a gift
a. A high cost was paid to offer the gift
b. And a high cost must be paid to receive it!
4. A high cost for a free gift? How can that be?
a. This “paradox” can sometimes be difficult to comprehend
b. However, teachings of Jesus are often found in the form of a “paradox” (the Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-6)
c. Upon closer examination, such “paradoxes” are not really contradictions, but expressions of very important spiritual truths!
Body
I. THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION
A. MANY HAVE A WRONG CONCEPT ABOUT HOW SALVATION IS OBTAINED
1. They think that salvation is earned by the “good works” they do
2. Many professing Christians have the concept of attaining heaven, that their reward is received because of:
a. Their good life
b. Their generous giving of their money
c. Their faithful attendance at church
B. BUT SALVATION IS GOD’S GIFT TO UNDESERVING MEN
1. Offered while we were still sinners, ungodly, and enemies – Romans 5:6-8
2. Not because we love God, but because He loved us! – 1 John 4:9-10
3. And it is offered to all who will receive it! – Revelation 21:6; 22:17
II. THE HIGH COST OF PROVIDING THE GIFT
A. WHAT IT COST THE FATHER – John 3:16; Romans 8:32
1. It cost Him the sacrifice of His only begotten Son!
2. He did not spare His Son in an effort to save us from our sins!
B. WHAT IT COST THE SON – Philippians 2:5-8
1. It cost Him the renunciation of glory and majesty, which He had with the Father before coming to this world
2. It cost Him the humiliation of servitude, even to the point suffering and finally dying by crucifixion for our sins
C. WHAT IT COST THE HOLY SPIRIT – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Ephesians 4:30
1. A ministry through the ages of patiently wooing the stubborn hearts of sinful men through the call of the gospel
2. Suffering long with men who treat Him ill, being grieved when they resist Him
III. THE HIGH COST OF ACCEPTING THE GIFT
A. IT COSTS THE DENIAL OF SELF, AND THE RENUNCIATION OF MUCH THAT MEN HOLD DEAR
1. Paul, who gladly paid the cost, expressed it vividly in several passages – Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:7-8
2. One cannot accept Christ and His salvation on lesser terms than the complete surrender of self to Him!
B. THIS IS WHAT MAKES THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST “A HARD GOSPEL” FOR MANY TO ACCEPT
1. They want to accept Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord of their lives
a. Some even suggest that accepting Jesus as Savior and as Lord are two entirely separate acts
b. But the two are inseparable – Luke 2:11; Acts 2:36; 10:36
c. Even religious leaders who have led people to think otherwise are beginning to see the error of their ways:
“The church today is paralyzed at the moment of its supreme opportunity because we have committed the blasphemy of insisting that what is so costly for God shall come easy to us. We haven’t dared face our congregations with a hard gospel.” — Dr. Paul Calvin Payne, General Secretary, the Board of Christian Education, Presbyterian Church
2. No man can accept Jesus as “Savior of his soul” without accepting Him as “Lord of his life”!
a. Jesus Himself made this clear when He warned His hearers that the cost of discipleship is high – Luke 14:25-33
b. The lordship of Jesus over self, life, and possessions must be acknowledged if we are to know Him as Savior!
3. People must realize that Jesus commission His disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins in His name – Luke 24:47
a. There is no remission apart from repentance!
b. And repentance involves the whole life! – 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
1) Not only sorrow for the past, that leads to repentance
2) But zeal and fervor for the future, that affects how we will live
c. Repentance is therefore the abandoning of our own selfish way, to go God’s way in obedience and fellowship with Him
C. “JUST ACCEPT CHRIST AND BE SAVED” IS THE APPEAL OF MANY
1. And many people assume that it is a matter of “just accepting” Him, “with no strings attached”
2. However, consider the words of Jesus Himself – John 14:21,23
3. To “receive Jesus”, then, requires a full surrender to the lordship of Christ, a sincere acceptance of His commandments – John 15:10
Conclusion
1. That is why the “gift” of salvation, while offered freely, still comes a with high cost
a. Salvation cannot be earned, nor merited, by any amount of good deeds
b. For even after a lifetime of diligent obedience we are still “unworthy servants” – Luke 17:10
c. But the Lordship of Jesus rightly demands a full surrender to His authority – Matthew 28:18-20
2. Yes, the gift of salvation is costly
a. It cost God more than heaven can declare
b. It cost Jesus the agony and shame of the cross
c. Even today it costs the Holy Spirit who seeks to woo you through the gospel
d. And it costs everyone who truly receives it the total submission of self to the rightful claims of Jesus on the lives and souls of all who would be His for time and eternity!
3. Jesus has paid the high cost to offer you the gift of salvation…have you paid the high cost of accepting it? – Acts 2:36-39
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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