📖 Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
Introduction
🔹 In sports, consistency in exercise is the key to staying fit.
🔹 Likewise, spiritual stewardship is like spiritual sportsmanship—we must keep engaging to excel – 1 Corinthians 9:24-26; 1 Timothy 4:8; Philippians 3:14.
🔹 Knowing the rewards of steadfast service makes our commitment a delight – 1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 24:45-47; 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
Jesus Commanded That We Occupy Till He Comes
📖 Luke 19:13 “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”
1️⃣ No Retirement in the Kingdom
🔹 In the kingdom, there is no vacation from stewardship.
🔹 We are called to labour in God’s vineyard until He returns.
📌 Spiritual stagnation begins when we stop serving!
2️⃣ Without Continued Stewardship, We Risk Spiritual Decay
📖 Proverbs 14:30; Ecclesiastes 10:18
🔹 Just like a house left unattended falls into ruin, our spiritual life deteriorates when we stop engaging in spiritual service.
🔹 Laziness and complacency lead to spiritual dryness.
📌 Serving God keeps our spirit man alive and active!
3️⃣ God Only Pays Those Who Keep Working
📖 Luke 10:7; John 4:35-36
🔹 Just as employees receive wages for their labour, God rewards those who remain steadfast in service.
🔹 Kingdom rewards are for active labourers!
📌 As you keep serving, God keeps rewarding!
4️⃣ We Don’t Stop Making Progress Until We Stop Pressing
📖 Philippians 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
🔹 Progress stops when pressing stops.
🔹 To keep growing, we must keep pressing forward in stewardship.
📌 A running car only moves forward when the accelerator is pressed!
5️⃣ We Are Only Qualified for Rewards as We Deliver Results
📖 Matthew 24:46 – “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.”
🔹 Faithfulness is not just about good intentions—it’s about delivering results.
🔹 Steadfastness in stewardship qualifies us for rewards.
📌 You cannot expect a harvest where you did not plant!
In conclusion: There is Power in Staying in the Race
🏃 A marathon runner does not receive a medal just for starting—only finishers get crowned!
Listen to Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
🔹 God does not reward quitters—He rewards finishers.
🙏 Prayer Point:
“Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to remain steadfast in my stewardship, never growing weary, until I receive my full reward!”
📢 🔥 Jesus is Lord! 🔥
