For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
Memory Verse: Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:11
Who enjoys working for free? I guess, no one! While some people might tell you they enjoy free labor there must be something else they are benefitting from by carrying out the labor for free. Something most certain is that a great proportion of people are driven by the reward of what they intend to earn at the end of their labor.
There is however a loop in the system of working and earning, let’s for example say the debt we owe is greater than our earnings, then we are pretty much working for free because we spend our entire earnings on paying taxes and clearing up debt every single month. Individuals in this situation will therefore loose the reward of their hard work however if we have no debt to pay back and continue to work, we can then begin to invest, save and live in abundance because we have not lost our reward.
Heaven is the reward and storing up treasures up there is with the intension that one day we will be able to enjoy the abundance of our labor on earth but sin is the debt we owe and the devil is bent on keeping us in debt for the rest of our lives. The devil does all sorts to make sure an individual keeps piling up debt and thereby spending precious time trying to redeem themselves from sin.
The devil’s upgrades his strategies but he has only one plan, John 10:10. The scriptures according to 2John 1:7-9 tells us one of the strategies the devil has released into our world today and that strategy is using deceivers “antichrist” to manipulate us and their aim is to fulfil the only plan the devil has which is to ultimately destroy us and our connection with God.
The devil himself successfully used this strategy at the very bringing of creation when he led man to temptation according to Genesis 3 and he tried this again when he tempted Jesus in Matthew 4. Any believer who continues to live in sin and does not obey the word of God or continue to dwell in the presence of God may fall flat for the tricks of the devil and thereby loose his reward “The kingdom of God”.
Do not be deceived, you can lose what you already have and there is no alternative way to God than through Jesus, John 14:6. No amount of twisting and turning of the word of God should dilute this simple truth. We are therefore encouraged to remain steadfast on the right path. Yes the world is tempting but the grace of God is sufficient and will help us live above the diversion the world may be suggesting.
You are already on the right path, hold onto the word of truth which already lives inside of you and let no man rip you off the blessings and treasures that awaits you in heaven.
The ultimate grand prize is a place in the kingdom of God John 14:3 are you willing to earn your place or lose it?
PRAYERS:
- Father I thank you for your wonderful words of grace
- I need your mercy O Lord, bestow it continuously upon me
- Help me from today for focus on the prize ahead and before me, help me to make it till the end
- I renounce ever distraction the word might be placing before me, I surrender all to you and live for you from today Lord.
- Bring me back into the heart of worship and let me for the rest of my existence live in your presence.
- Thank you father for I will not lose my reward
- Forgive me of my shortcomings o Lord and help me to live above sin
- Receive my sacrifice of praise for in Jesus mighty name I pray, AMEN.
