Reward Compared. RCCG Sunday School Teachers 10/08/2025

 

 

OPENOG PRAYER: Father, give me an understanding of the rewards to anticipate. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 10 August 2025 HYMN)

 

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should review the previous week’s lesson.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 1:3-5 (KJV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

 

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

MEMORY VERSE: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” – Revelation 22:12 (KJV)

 

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Most of us like to be recognised for our accomplishments. We appreciate receiving “rewards” for our productive work. Sometimes, we like to reward ourselves, when we achieve a personal goal in life. However, the Bible admonishes that Christians should put more premium on heavenly rewards (Matthew 6:19-21). Heavenly rewards are God’s compensation for our labour on earth which is to be received in heaven. This lesson compares earthly and heavenly rewards and gives insights into how we can get heavenly rewards.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 PETER 1:3-5

Apostle Peter while praising God for his many mercies hinted that God has reserved an incorruptible reward for his saints. He declares:

• Blessed be ………………………… v3.
• To an ………………………………… v4.
• Who are kept …………………….. v5.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS
2. HOW TO EARN HEAVENLY REWARDS

1. EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS

A. The earthly rewards referred to here are human rewards given in recognition of diverse accomplishments.

B. They are distinct in the following ways:

1. They are sometimes good motivations for hard work and success.
2. They boost morale and a sense of belonging.
3. They can act as catalysts for better performance and promote healthy competition (1 Corinthians 9:24).
4. Naturally, they bring satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment.

C. However, earthly rewards will:

1. Fade away (decay), be corrupted, and eventually lose their lustre (1 Corinthians 9:25).
2. They can be a source of self-pride (Daniel 4:30).
3. They are temporal (Ecclesiastes 5:15; Psalm 49:17).
4. They can misdirect one’s heart to a point where one no longer see the need for God (Luke 12:16-21).

D. Earthly rewards are not necessarily a pointer to the end of our earthly story and we may not have enough of it.

E. On the other hand, heavenly rewards are:

1. Incorruptible, undefiled, and do not fade (1 Peter 1:4) i.e. they are eternal, not subject to decay and thievery (Matthew 6:20).
2. They are pointers to the quality of our work here on earth and our genuine fellowship with God (Matthew 16:27; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 14-15).
3. They are precious rewards to be anticipated because they carry the weight and meaning of our relationship with God (Philippians 3:13-15a).

F. We shall receive heavenly rewards after our earthly journey, and we shall be eternally satisfied (2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 22:12).

G. It must be noted that making it to Heaven attracts a reward for believers who faithfully persevere till the end (James 1:12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share their experiences of receiving a reward/award with the class.

2. HOW TO EARN HEAVENLY REWARDS

As good as earthly rewards may make us feel, there is a need for us to consider how to earn heavenly rewards.

1. Motivation for all we do in the kingdom should be because of a sincere love for Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
2. Giving and living a sacrificial life (Matthew 10:42; 19:21-22).
3. Use of talents and spiritual gifts like singing, teaching, playing of instruments, etc. to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and not for self-glory or praise of men.
4. Commitment to soul-winning and other kingdom services (Hebrews 6:10, 1 Corinthians 3:8).
5. Staying steadfast in the face of persecution, trouble, and inconvenience (Romans 8:18, 1 Corinthians 15:58).
6. Not being deceitful so as not to lose our rewards (2 John 1:7-8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention the heavenly reward/crowd they are working to receive in heaven.

CONCLUSION: Earthly rewards are good but heavenly rewards are far better. Be wise.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, when my work is passed through the fire, let it abide.

ASSIGNMENT: List five (5) crowns you are aiming at in Heaven and give a biblical reference for each (2×5=10 Marks).

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RCCG Sunday School HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   O how I love Thee well,
   I am happy, it makes me glad
   To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Thy friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Christ was Thy first teacher,
   The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
   Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   This testimony is sure,
   That God, the Father Almighty,
   Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   I rejoice to see Thee,
   Will thou pass over me today?
   Without my being blest?