Are You Storing Up Rewards in Heaven? | Dr Tony Evans | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Are You Storing Up Rewards in Heaven?

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship • Oct 25, 2023 • 13 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

Dr. Tony Evans encourages believers to live with a future orientation rather than focusing solely on the present. While salvation is a free gift received by grace, heavenly rewards and eternal inheritance are earned through faithful service, obedience, and commitment to Christ. By choosing to be dedicated disciples rather than casual Christians, believers will receive public honor, recognition, and eternal approval from God.

Themes

Heavenly Rewards and InheritanceFuture Orientation vs. Present LivingSalvation vs. RewardsFaithful DiscipleshipHonor and Recognition from God

Key Points

1.
God desires for believers to live with a future orientation, making choices today in light of eternity.
2.
Immature children live only for immediate satisfaction, whereas mature individuals invest time and resources for future returns.
3.
Salvation is a free gift from God, but heavenly rewards must be earned through faithful work and spiritual obedience.
4.
God built incentives into the Christian walk to motivate believers to pursue the full inheritance He has willed for them.
5.
Casual Christianity settles for entering heaven without experiencing the full eternal rewards God desires to bestow.
6.
Dedicated believers who consistently pursue and serve Christ will receive divine honor and celebrity status in heaven.
7.
When Jesus returns, He will publicly acknowledge and reward those who faithfully served and followed Him on earth.

Sermon Moments

“Children only live for the now, but as you mature in life, you understand that a good portion of life must be future-oriented.”

“Salvation is free; rewards must be earned. Salvation is a gift, but reward comes from work.”

“If you don't have a high incentive for reward, then you'll be satisfied to be a casual Christian.”

“Airline loyalty tiers demonstrate how a deeper, closer relationship yields greater perks and higher rewards.”

“Those Christians who rise to a high level of commitment will be the celebrities of heaven.”

“Dr. Evans recalled President George W. Bush calling him out by name from a podium before thousands, illustrating what public honor feels like.”

“Imagine the King of the universe calling your name in heaven because you cultivated a close, faithful relationship with Him on earth.”

This Week

Evaluate your daily choices and schedule to see if you are living primarily for present comfort or eternal rewards.

Read and meditate on Matthew 6:19-21 to examine where you are storing up your daily treasures.

Move away from a casual approach to Christianity by committing to active, faithful service in your church and community.

Identify one practical area of spiritual work or obedience you have neglected and step into action this week.

Structure your financial and legacy choices—such as your will or estate planning—to prioritize Kingdom work.

Persevere through spiritual setbacks by quickly repenting and getting back in sync with Christ when you fall short.

Focus on pleasing God and seeking His approval rather than seeking the applause and recognition of people.

Remember This

Salvation is a free gift from God, but heavenly rewards and eternal honor are earned through faithful, future-oriented service to Jesus Christ.

A Challenge for You

Don't settle for being a casual Christian; commit your life fully to serving Jesus so that He will publicly call your name and say, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.'

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.