Titus 2:13; Matthew 25:14-30

Continuing, how does the blessed hope encourage us to live godly today?

·        2 Tim. 4:1-8; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25:14-30: The blessed hope gives us the true sense of accountability.  We often are told how we need to be accountable to others, to bare our souls with those who will keep us living in godliness.  But the fact is that there is only One who will truly keep us accountable, Who knows the secrets of our hearts, in Whose presence we cannot lie.  And someday we will stand in His presence to give account.  It is the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead.  The parable of the talents in Matt. 25 is in the context of the end times.  By it, as God’s servants, we are encouraged to use our time on this earth to the greatest advantage of the glory of God.  And note that this is not a time to fear; two of the three servants rejoice at the time of judgment.  Even Paul anticipated that time and the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.  

·        2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4: The blessed hope reminds us that there is a reward for faithfulness.  As Paul contemplated the belief that his time on earth was nearly done he was excited about receiving a reward for being faithful.  Peter reminded the elders of the same thing: the Chief Shepherd would reward their faithful service.  Jesus encouraged us to value hearing, “well done good and faithful servant.”  The crown in these passages is stephanos, the crown of victory.  It was the olive branch crown given at the games to those who won the race.  Some people will object to this idea, that of being inspired by the thought of receiving a reward.  To them it seems selfish.  Those people will usually want to mention how we will cast our crowns at Jesus’ feet (Rev. 4:10) so it’s not really for us anyway.  But this misses the point.  Paul said “there is laid up for me” a crown.  We should not deny this fact of reward.  We should all understand that our reward is ALWAYS God’s work.  But God also knows this and He is the One who promises the reward.  The writer to the Hebrews, in exhorting them to stand fast, reminded them, God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name (Heb. 6:10).  God’s work done towards my name receives no reward!  But work done in His name will be recognized; He is a just judge, not only punishing evil but also rewarding good.

·        1 Thess. 2:19-20; Phil. 4:1: The blessed hope also reminds us that our reward is the result of the faithfulness of others.  If we receive a reward for faithfulness, it means others have been brought into and grown up in the kingdom.  One of the great joys of being with Christ will be seeing others there in whose lives we have been used for God’s glory.  Paul rejoiced in his reward and in the churches which were his hope or joy or crown.  This should move us to not give up in the ministry which is always people oriented.