THE REWARDS OF SACRIFICE

THE REWARDS OF SACRIFICE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 19:27-30

Key Verse: “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (Matthew 19:29)

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1, Hebrews 6:10, Mark 10:28-30, Philippians 3:7-8, 2 Corinthians 4:17

Description: This study teaches believers about the blessings, eternal rewards, and spiritual benefits that come through sacrificial commitment and wholehearted devotion to God.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 19, after Jesus spoke with the rich young ruler, Peter asked what reward would come to those who had left everything to follow Christ. Jesus responded by assuring His disciples that sacrifices made for God’s kingdom would never go unnoticed or unrewarded.

The Christian life involves sacrifice. Following Christ requires surrender, obedience, commitment, and willingness to place God above comfort, possessions, relationships, ambitions, and personal desires. Sacrifice may involve time, resources, opportunities, service, endurance, persecution, or acts of obedience that seem costly.

However, God is not unjust to forget the labour, faithfulness, and sacrifices of His people. Every genuine sacrifice made for Christ carries both earthly and eternal rewards. God blesses faithful believers with spiritual growth, divine favour, eternal treasures, deeper fellowship with Him, and lasting impact.

True sacrifice is not loss in God’s kingdom; it is an investment with eternal value and divine reward.

1. FOLLOWING CHRIST REQUIRES SACRIFICE

Discipleship demands surrender and commitment.

a) The disciples left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27)
They surrendered comfort, security, and personal ambitions for God’s purpose.

b) Sacrifice demonstrates love and devotion to God (Romans 12:1)
Believers honour God by offering their lives willingly to Him.

c) Genuine discipleship requires denying self (Luke 9:23)
Following Christ often involves difficult choices and spiritual discipline.

d) God calls believers to place Him above earthly attachments (Matthew 10:37)
Nothing should become greater than devotion to Christ.

Biblical Example:
Abraham obeyed God sacrificially by leaving his homeland and trusting God for an unknown future (Genesis 12:1-4).

2. GOD NEVER FORGETS SACRIFICIAL SERVICE

Faithful labour and sacrifice are remembered by God.

a) Jesus promised rewards for sacrifices made for His sake (Matthew 19:29)
God sees every act of obedience, service, and surrender.

b) God is not unjust to forget faithful service (Hebrews 6:10)
Every labour done in love for God carries eternal significance.

c) Sacrificial giving and service please God (Philippians 4:18)
God honours hearts that give willingly and sincerely.

d) Faithfulness in little things attracts greater responsibility and reward (Luke 16:10)
Consistent obedience prepares believers for greater blessings.

Biblical Example:
Cornelius’ prayers and generous giving came before God as a memorial, leading to divine visitation and salvation (Acts 10:1-4).

3. SACRIFICE PRODUCES SPIRITUAL AND ETERNAL REWARDS

God rewards sacrificial living abundantly.

a) Jesus promised a hundredfold blessing (Matthew 19:29)
God blesses sacrificial obedience both spiritually and practically.

b) Sacrifice deepens fellowship with God (Philippians 3:7-8)
Surrender draws believers into closer relationship with Christ.

c) Temporary sacrifices produce eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Earthly difficulties cannot compare with eternal rewards.

d) Sacrifice strengthens spiritual maturity and character (James 1:2-4)
Trials and surrender help believers grow in faith and perseverance.

Biblical Example:
Hannah sacrificially dedicated Samuel to the Lord, and God blessed her abundantly afterward (1 Samuel 1:27-28; 2:21).

4. SACRIFICIAL BELIEVERS BECOME INSTRUMENTS OF KINGDOM IMPACT

God uses surrendered lives to influence generations.

a) Sacrifice advances God’s kingdom and purpose (Matthew 28:19-20)
Kingdom growth requires faithful labour and commitment.

b) Sacrificial believers inspire others spiritually (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Faithful examples encourage future generations.

c) God uses surrendered vessels for greater assignments (Isaiah 6:8)
Availability and obedience position believers for divine purpose.

d) Eternal rewards exceed temporary earthly losses (1 Corinthians 2:9)
God’s prepared blessings surpass human understanding.

Biblical Example:
Paul sacrificed comfort, safety, and personal gain to spread the gospel across nations and establish churches (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

CONCLUSION

The rewards of sacrifice remind believers that no labour, surrender, or act of obedience done for Christ is ever wasted. Following Jesus may require sacrifice, but God faithfully rewards those who remain committed to Him.

Sacrifice deepens spiritual maturity, strengthens faith, advances God’s kingdom, and stores eternal treasures in heaven. While earthly sacrifices may seem costly temporarily, God promises blessings, spiritual growth, divine favour, and everlasting reward.

Believers should therefore serve God wholeheartedly, knowing that every sacrifice made for His glory carries eternal significance.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to follow You with complete surrender and devotion in Jesus name

2. Father, give me grace to make sacrifices that honour Your kingdom in Jesus name

3. Lord, strengthen me to remain faithful during difficult seasons in Jesus name

4. Father, let every sacrifice I make for You produce lasting fruit in Jesus name

5. Lord, remove every spirit of selfishness and complacency from my life in Jesus name

6. Father, help me to value eternal rewards above temporary comfort in Jesus name

7. Lord, use my life as an instrument for kingdom impact and blessing in Jesus name

8. Father, reward every faithful labour and act of obedience in my life in Jesus name

9. Lord, deepen my love, commitment, and fellowship with You in Jesus name

10. Father, help me to finish my spiritual journey faithfully and victoriously in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every sacrifice you make for God shall produce abundant rewards!

2. The Lord shall strengthen and uphold you in every season of service!

3. Your labour in God’s kingdom shall never be wasted!

4. Every act of obedience and surrender shall attract divine remembrance!

5. God shall reward your faithfulness openly and abundantly!

6. Your sacrifices shall produce spiritual growth, favour, and lasting testimonies!

7. The Lord shall use your life for greater kingdom impact and influence!

8. Every season of sacrifice shall end in joy, harvest, and celebration!

9. Eternal rewards and divine blessings shall follow your obedience to God!

10. You shall finish your race faithfully and receive your heavenly reward in Jesus’ name!