TAKEN FOR GRANTED

Text : 1Corinthians 9:24-27
Theme : Reward
Thesis : The 3 Effects on Spiritual Life of Taking the Reward for Granted

I. INTRODUCTION

• Most of Christians take the reward which is to be given by God in the next life to come.
• Reward is mentioned by Jesus Christ many times during His life here on earth.
• The apostles gave stress on reward. 
• Most Christians take for granted the reward by ignoring and neglecting this wonderful thing to be received from Christ our Lord.

II. BODY

      Apostle Paul gives emphasis on this matter about the worth of our service to God. Reward is the one that will move every Christian to work in God's vineyard knowing that their labor is not in vain.

The 3 Effects on Spiritual Life of Taking the Reward for Granted

1) Lack of Spiritual Direction (v.24)

• Self - Am I a servant of God (Every Christian is a Runner)
• Serve - Am I serving the Lord (Every Christian must Run)
• Service - Am I in the service? (Every Christian must be in the Race) 

2) Loss of Spiritual Determination (v.25)

• Determination to Discipline  (Preparation for the Race)
• Determination to Devotion (Practice for the Race)

3) Lead to Spiritual Disqualification (v.27)

• Realization of the Sins of not Serving the Lord
• Repentance of the Sins for not Serving the Lord

 III. CONCLUSION

• If we consider ourselves as Christians we must consider ourselves as a servant who will serve in the vineyard of God knowing that there's a reward for us. 
• This reward is not just motivation but of great help as God's providence for us to continue in a life as a servants.
• If we take for granted this reward severe consequence will happen in our spiritual life. 
• Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 2John 8

        JITACC

9/16/12