REWARDS OF FOLLOWING CHRIST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Mark 10:28-31
Key Verse: “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time… and in the world to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30)
Supporting Texts: Matthew 19:27-29, Luke 18:28-30, Hebrews 11:24-26, Psalm 84:11, 2 Corinthians 4:17
Description: This study reveals that following Christ comes with both present and eternal rewards that far outweigh any sacrifice made for Him.
INTRODUCTION
In Mark 10:28-31, Peter reminded Jesus that the disciples had left everything to follow Him. This statement reflects the reality of sacrifice in discipleship. Following Christ often involves giving up familiar comforts, relationships, and possessions.
Jesus responded with a powerful assurance that no sacrifice made for His sake and the Gospel goes unrewarded. He promised a hundredfold blessing in this life and eternal life in the world to come. This reveals God’s principle of divine compensation.
This passage teaches that while following Christ may involve loss from a human perspective, it always leads to greater gain in God’s economy. God is not unjust to forget the labour and sacrifices of His people.
1. FOLLOWING CHRIST INVOLVES SACRIFICE
Discipleship requires letting go of certain things for the sake of the Kingdom.
a) The disciples left all to follow Jesus (Mark 10:28)
Their decision reflects the reality that following Christ often demands separation from familiar ties and personal securities in order to fully commit to God’s purpose.
b) Sacrifice is part of true discipleship (Luke 14:33)
Jesus teaches that anyone who does not forsake all cannot be His disciple, showing that commitment requires prioritising Him above everything else.
c) Faith sometimes requires leaving comfort zones (Hebrews 11:8)
Abraham left his homeland, demonstrating that obedience to God may require stepping into the unknown.
d) Sacrifice is not loss but investment (Philippians 3:7-8)
What is given up for Christ is considered gain when viewed from an eternal perspective.
Biblical Example:
Moses choosing to suffer with God’s people (Hebrews 11:24-26) shows sacrifice motivated by eternal reward.
2. GOD PROMISES DIVINE COMPENSATION
God rewards every sacrifice made for His Kingdom.
a) God guarantees hundredfold blessings (Mark 10:30)
Jesus assures believers that whatever is given up for His sake will be returned in multiplied measure, showing God’s generosity.
b) God rewards both now and later (Mark 10:30)
His blessings are not limited to eternity but also manifest in the present life, demonstrating His faithfulness in every season.
c) God is not unjust to forget (Hebrews 6:10)
Every act of service and sacrifice is remembered by God and will be rewarded accordingly.
d) God’s blessings surpass human understanding (Ephesians 3:20)
His ability to reward exceeds human expectations and calculations.
Biblical Example:
Job’s restoration (Job 42:10) shows how God compensates abundantly after seasons of sacrifice and trials.
3. ETERNAL REWARDS OUTWEIGH EARTHLY LOSS
God’s ultimate reward is eternal life and glory.
a) Eternal life is the greatest reward (Mark 10:30)
Beyond material blessings, the greatest promise is eternal life, which far outweighs any earthly possession.
b) Present sufferings are temporary (2 Corinthians 4:17)
The trials and sacrifices of this life are light compared to the eternal glory that awaits believers.
c) Heaven is the believer’s ultimate hope (John 14:2-3)
Jesus prepares a place for His followers, assuring them of a permanent and glorious dwelling.
d) Eternal rewards are incorruptible (1 Peter 1:4)
Unlike earthly rewards, heavenly rewards cannot fade, spoil, or be taken away.
Biblical Example:
Paul’s endurance (2 Timothy 4:7-8) shows confidence in the crown of righteousness awaiting faithful believers.
4. GOD EXALTS THE FAITHFUL IN HIS TIME
God’s timing ensures proper elevation for His people.
a) The last shall be first (Mark 10:31)
God’s kingdom reverses worldly systems, elevating those who humble themselves.
b) Divine promotion comes from God (Psalm 75:6-7)
Exaltation is not based on human effort but on God’s sovereign will.
c) Delay does not mean denial (Habakkuk 2:3)
God’s promises will surely come to pass at the appointed time.
d) Faithfulness leads to reward (Matthew 25:21)
Those who are faithful in service will be entrusted with greater responsibilities.
Biblical Example:
Joseph’s elevation (Genesis 41:41-43) shows how God rewards faithfulness after a season of waiting.
CONCLUSION
Following Christ is a life of sacrifice, but it is also a life of divine reward. Jesus assures us that nothing given up for His sake is ever wasted. God rewards His people both in this life and in eternity.
As believers, we must remain steadfast, knowing that our sacrifices are seen by God. When we follow Christ faithfully, we position ourselves for divine compensation, eternal life, and everlasting glory.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, strengthen me to follow You wholeheartedly in Jesus name
2. Father, reward every sacrifice I make for Your Kingdom in Jesus name
3. Lord, help me to remain faithful in my walk with You in Jesus name
4. Father, let my labour in Your house not be in vain in Jesus name
5. Lord, give me grace to endure every challenge in discipleship in Jesus name
6. Father, open doors of divine compensation in my life in Jesus name
7. Lord, help me to value eternal rewards above earthly gain in Jesus name
8. Father, remember me for good according to Your Word in Jesus name
9. Lord, promote me according to Your divine timing in Jesus name
10. Father, establish me in everlasting rewards in Your Kingdom in Jesus name
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall not lose your reward in following Christ!
2. Every sacrifice you have made shall be divinely compensated!
3. You shall experience hundredfold blessings in your life!
4. God shall remember you for good!
5. Your labour in the Lord shall not be in vain!
6. You shall receive divine promotion in due season!
7. Your blessings shall overflow beyond expectation!
8. You shall inherit eternal life in Christ Jesus!
9. You shall walk in abundance and favour!
10. Your reward in Christ shall be permanent and everlasting!
