dba P.O. Box 142115 New Austin, Texas 78714-2115 Covenant (512) 303-0431 (512) 321-7308 Church Bishop Pastor Eddie E. Willis, Sr. Sunday School Lesson September 20, 2015 THE FIVE CROWN BEMA SEAT REWARDS AND, BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY; AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO GIVE TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HIS WORK SHALL BE. (Revelation 22: 12) KJV There are five crowns mentioned in scripture which can be given to believers. But these are certainly not the only rewards given in Heaven. The Bible teaches that there will be a “reward system” in Heaven. There are many scripture references to the fact that crowns and rewards in Heaven are for those who overcome; who are victorious. (Philippians 3: 12 – 14, I Corinthians 9: 24 – 27, Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21, 21:7, St. Matthew 19: 11 – 27 v.17) We are saved not by works (Ephesians 2: 8 – 9, Titus 3: 5 – 8) but it is the gift of God; however, the crowns and rewards are where our works come into play. After being saved by the grace and unmerited favor of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, we must understand that good works are required (Galatians 5: 22 – 26, St. John 15: 16) and will get rewarded. That’s why we are told to store up for ourselves treasure in Heaven. (St. Matthew 6: 19 – 21) We should set our affections on things above, and stop worrying so much about temporal, earthly things and worry about where you’re going to spend eternity. (Colossians 3: 2) CROWNS CAN BE LOST: (Revelation 3: 11) We are to guard ourselves, and watch, and pray, and to continue in faithfulness; growing in grace. Some have their reward already. (St. Matthew 6: 2; II John 1: 7 – 8) However, if you stay Faithful to God, you will not lose your rewards in Heaven. Revelation 4: 4 says, They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. Revelation 4: 10 states, that we will be casting our crowns before His throne. THAT WE BE NOT ASHAMED AT HIS COMING: I John 2: 27 – 29, tells us that some will be ashamed for not having done works. We must not settle with salvation without works, but use our heart, soul, mind, and strength to pursue the prize. “What good is a crown if you haven’t earned it?” “No Cross, No Crown.” The Christians life is not possible without the indwelling and abiding works of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity. (St. Matthew 22: 11 – 14) How camest in thou hither not having a wedding garment? THE CROWN OF LIFE: James 1: 12, Revelation 2: 10 The Crown of Life is not for salvation. Salvation is not a reward for faithful service to Christ. The Salvation of our souls, by grace thru faith, is a gift from God. The Crown of Life is for living the Christian life. It is for those believers who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering; even unto death. This crown is also referred to as, the martyr’s crown. Therefore, the Crown of life is for the Christians who yielded their lives; (Galatians 2: 20) their ambitions, abilities, and resources to the cause of Christ in Evangelizing the World, and bringing Glory to the God. All Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version www.nccaustin.org Sunday School Lesson September 20, 2015 Page 2 THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN: I Corinthians 9: 24 – 27 The Incorruptible Crown is given to believers who faithfully run the race; who crucify selfish desires in the flesh and point men to Jesus. It is based upon Christ’s evaluation of a believer’s whole life. The key to this reward are the words temperate in all things. (I Corinthians 9:25) Those who do not temper themselves are described in Galatians 5: 13 – 21, and are those who are in the flesh, or carnal Sinful Christians. THE CROWN OF JOY OR REJOICING: I Thessalonians 2: 19 – 20, Daniel 12: 2 – 3 The Crown of Rejoicing is often referred to as the Soul Winner’s Crown. There are three phases in the evangelization of a soul. The three phases or steps are detailed in the Great Commission. (St. Matthew 28: 16 – 20) given by Christ to his Church, especially Pastors. The three phases are: (1) Preaching/proclaiming the gospel of salvation thru faith in Christ’s finished work on the Cross. (2) Baptizing those born-again of the Spirit of God, as a public testimony of commitment to live the Christian life. (3) Teaching those saved and baptized by immersion to observe, or live according to the Word of God. This Crown is actually the believers themselves that have been discipled. (Philippians 4: 1, I Thessalonians 2: 19 – 20) THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (The Crown for Keeping the faith): II Timothy 4: 1 – 8 The Crown of Righteousness is when every believer will be judged at the Judgement Seat of Christ, according to two criteria regarding how we kept the faith. (1) The effort we put into learning the Word of God, and effort we made to teach the Word of God to others. (2) The effort we made to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. The Crown of righteousness is for learning, living and teaching the word of God. II Timothy 2: 1 – 5 says: the same commit thou to faithful men who are able to teach others also and that if we strive for masteries we are not “Crowned” unless we strive lawfully. THE CROWN OF GLORY (THE FAITHFUL PASTOR’S CROWN): 1 Peter 5: 1 – 4 The Crown of Glory is the Pastor’s crown, and will be given at the Bema Seat to the Ministers who faithfully feed the flock of God. This probably could also include preachers, teachers, Sunday school teachers, missionaries, and all those who teach the word of God in their respective ministries; especially in the absence of a Pastor. This is perhaps the highest ranking crown of all. Rewards are given for faithfulness according to the levels of responsibility of ministry given by the Lord. The Pastors will be held accountable for the lives under their ministry (Hebrews 13: 17, I Timothy 4: 12 – 16). The Minister is to teach the whole counsel of God, and administer righteously, without respect of persons. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116: 15) When we are called home and judged before the Lord at His judgment seat, we will be passing from labor to reward (II Corinthians 5: 1 – 10, v. 9) and our works do follow us. (Revelation 14: 13) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12: 13 – 14) dba P.O. Box 142115 New Austin, Texas 78714-2115 Covenant (512) 303-0431 (512) 321-7308 Church Bishop Pastor Eddie E. Willis, Sr. Sunday School Lessons September 20, 2015 JUNIORS (10 – 12 and 13 – 17) Scripture Lesson: St. John 10: 23 – 30 Subject: DEAR CHILDREN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST; DON’T BE AFRAID WHEN THE DEVIL RETURNS TO YOU AND TRIES TO OVERTHROW YOUR FAITH. CLAIM YOUR ELECTION, BECAUSE WE ALL ARE BEING KEPT BY THE CHARISMATIC POWER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST; BY BELIEVING HIS WORDS. Text: St. John 17: 11 – 12 Introduction: St. John 6: 37 -40 Lesson Outline 1. St. John 16: 33 3. II Peter 1: 2 – 10 2. II Corinthians 10: 13 4. Jude 1: 20 – 26 SINNERS/UNSAVED (7 – 11 and 12 and older) Scripture Lesson: Acts 17: 21 – 33 Subject: DEAR SINNERS, SOMEWHERE IN THIS LIFE, GOD AND HIS SON ARE GOING TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE UNTO YOU AND OFFER YOU TRUE SALVATION. Text: Romans 9: 15 – 16 Introduction: Titus 2: 11 – 15 Lesson Outline ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO BELIEVE AND RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS LORD. 1. St. John 15: 16 – 19 (JESUS CHRIST CHOSE YOU) 2. St. John 6: 44 – 45 (GOD DREW YOU TO CHRIST) 3. Ephesians 2: 8 – 9 (SAVED BY GRACE) 4. II Thessalonians 2: 13 (SANCITIFIED TO BELIEVE THE TRUTH) 5. St. Luke 14: 26 – 30 (THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION) 6. St. Matthew 16: 24 – 26 (THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION) 7. I Peter 2: 21 – 25 (THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION) II Corinthians 5: 21 8. Romans 10: 8 – 15 (THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION) All Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version www.nccaustin.org .