The Reward for Good Work is More Work

Sermon: The Reward for Good Work is More Work

Scripture Foundation: Luke 12:48: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

Introduction

In our journey of faith, God assigns us tasks that align with His divine plan. Every step of obedience leads to new assignments. Today, we explore the idea that the reward for good work in God’s kingdom is not a break but greater responsibility. This truth reflects God’s trust in us and His desire for our continual growth and service.

Definitions and Greek Terminology

1. Reward:

   • Definition: Something given in return for service, achievement, or effort.

   • Greek Term: Misthos (μισθός) – Refers to wages or compensation for labor, often associated with spiritual or eternal rewards in scripture.

   • Example: Matthew 5:12 – “Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.”

2. Work:

   • Definition: Purposeful effort or activity aimed at accomplishing a goal.

   • Greek Term: Ergon (ἔργον) – Refers to deeds, tasks, or labor, often used to describe actions that fulfill God’s will.

   • Example: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

3. Responsibility:

   • Definition: The state or duty of being accountable for something entrusted to one’s care.

 Points of Deliverance 

1. The Honor of Being Considered for the Assignment

God’s choice to entrust us with assignments is an acknowledgment of His confidence in our ability to serve Him.

• Supporting Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

• Message: Being chosen is a privilege, not a burden. It is an opportunity to glorify God by using the talents He has given us.

Being chosen by God is a privilege because it signifies His trust in our ability to fulfill His purpose. It is not a burden but an honor to partner with  God our Father in His divine plan. Each assignment is an opportunity to glorify God by utilizing the unique talents and gifts He has given us. When we serve, we reflect His character, spread His love, and advance His kingdom. Rather than focusing on the weight of the assignment, we can rejoice in knowing that our work brings eternal significance and allows us to make a lasting impact for His glory.

2. The Responsibility That Comes With Being Chosen for the Assignment

To whom much is given, much is required. The higher the calling, the greater the responsibility to serve with excellence and integrity.

• Supporting Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Talents) – This parable highlights that God expects us to multiply what He entrusts to us.

• Message: The call to responsibility is not just about doing more but doing it faithfully and with a heart for service.

The call of God is a divine invitation to participate in His eternal purpose. It is both a privilege and a responsibility, encompassing every believer’s unique gifts and assignments. God calls us not because of our qualifications but because of His grace and purpose for our lives. This calling is often marked by moments of clarity, conviction, and confirmation, guiding us into roles that reflect His kingdom values.

The call to responsibility within this divine invitation is not about merely increasing our workload or busyness. Instead, it is about faithfully stewarding what God entrusts to us with diligence and integrity. Faithfulness is the measure of true service, as it reveals our commitment to doing the will of God, not for recognition or reward, but out of love and obedience to Him. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

To serve with a heart for God is to approach every task, no matter how big or small, with a desire to honor Him. It means prioritizing His glory over personal ambition and ensuring that our actions align with His will. Such service reflects the humility and love of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).

When we serve faithfully and with the right heart, we demonstrate trust in God’s plan and contribute meaningfully to His kingdom. This mindset transforms responsibilities into opportunities for worship, showing the world what it means to live for Him. Ultimately, the call of God is an invitation to make our lives a testament of His grace, ensuring that our service bears eternal fruit for His glory.

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is the responsibility of managing and caring for the resources, talents, and opportunities that God has entrusted to us. A steward is not the owner but a caretaker, accountable to the true owner—God. It encompasses all areas of life, including our time, finances, relationships, spiritual gifts, and the environment. Biblical stewardship calls for faithful management of these blessings to glorify God and benefit others.

The Importance of Being a Good Steward

1. Acknowledges God’s Ownership:Recognizing that everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1) shifts our perspective. Good stewardship reflects our gratitude for His provision and shows reverence for Him as the ultimate source of all we have.

2. Demonstrates Faithfulness:Being a good steward aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Faithful stewardship prepares us for greater responsibilities and blessings, both in this life and the next.

3. Advances God’s Kingdom:Effective stewardship allows us to use our resources and talents to spread the Gospel, serve others, and meet needs within our communities, fulfilling the Great Commission.

4. Reflects Christ’s Character:Jesus modeled stewardship in His life by fulfilling the mission given by the Father. When we manage our responsibilities well, we reflect His character of diligence, compassion, and accountability.

5. Promises Eternal Rewards:Good stewardship carries eternal significance. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:21, faithful stewards will hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

6. In summary, stewardship is both a responsibility and an act of worship. It allows us to honor God, grow in faith, and make a lasting impact for His kingdom.

3. Can You Handle and Connect With the Assignment?

Every assignment is tied to God’s divine purpose and requires our full commitment and connection to His will.

• Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I; send me.”

• Message: Ask yourself: Are you willing to surrender your agenda to align with God’s purpose?

Isaiah 6:8 says: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” This verse captures the prophet Isaiah’s response to God’s call after experiencing a vision of His holiness. It reflects a moment of transformation where Isaiah, overwhelmed by God’s glory and forgiveness, willingly offers himself to serve. The verse illustrates three key truths: God’s call to service, the need for willing servants, and the response of those touched by His grace.

Isaiah’s declaration, “Here am I; send me,” signifies his readiness to prioritize God’s mission above his own life plans. It’s a moment of total surrender, acknowledging that God’s purpose takes precedence over personal comfort, desires, or fears. Isaiah’s willingness is rooted in his encounter with God’s majesty and the cleansing of his sins, which filled him with a profound sense of gratitude and purpose.

Surrendering Our Agendas to Align With God’s Purpose

God’s purpose is always greater than our own plans. Surrendering our agenda means trusting His wisdom and allowing Him to guide our lives. This surrender is essential because:

1. God’s Plans Are Perfect: As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, His plans are for our good and His glory.

2. Our Calling Impacts Others: By aligning with God, we participate in His redemptive work, touching lives and advancing His kingdom.

3. Fulfillment Comes From Obedience: True peace and joy are found when we live in alignment with God’s will (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Isaiah’s example teaches us that when we surrender to God, He equips and empowers us for the assignments He has prepared, leading to eternal impact and the fulfillment of His divine purpose.

What Does Luke 12:48 Teach Us?

Luke 12:48 emphasizes accountability and stewardship. Jesus underscores that privileges and blessings come with expectations. The scripture challenges believers to use their resources, time, and talents wisely.

Correlating Scriptures

1. 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

2. Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

3. Colossians 3:23-24 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Summary

God rewards good work with more work because He sees the potential for greater impact in us. Each task He assigns is an invitation to grow in faith, demonstrate stewardship, and glorify Him through our obedience.

The statement “The reward for good work is more work” reflects God’s way of honoring faithfulness by entrusting us with greater responsibilities. Luke 12:48 teaches us that “to whom much is given, much is required.” When God sees diligence, obedience, and faithfulness in our efforts, He assigns us more tasks, not as a burden, but as an acknowledgment of our potential to bring Him greater glory.

God rewards good work with more work because He envisions a higher purpose for our lives. Every task He gives is an invitation to grow in faith, deepen our relationship with Him, and refine our character. Through these assignments, He strengthens our spiritual muscles, teaching us to rely on His grace and power. This continuous growth allows us to make a greater impact, both for His kingdom and in the lives of others.

Being chosen and entrusted by God is both an honor and a responsibility. As 1 John 4:4 reminds us, “Greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world.” This truth assures us that we are not working in our strength alone. God equips those He calls, empowering us through His Spirit to accomplish what we could never do on our own.

Each new task is also a test of stewardship. How we manage our current responsibilities determines our readiness for future opportunities. Faithful service in small things prepares us for larger assignments, as illustrated in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30).