RCCG YAYA Sunday School Students Manual 10 August 2025 Lesson 50 – Reward Compared
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TOPIC: Reward Compared (RCCG Sunday School Manual For Young Adults And Youths (YAYA)
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)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 1:3-5 (KJV) (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 10 August 2025 HYMN)
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.
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.
LESSON OUTLINES
- EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS
- HOW TO EARN HEAVENLY REWARDS
1. EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY REWARDS
The earthly rewards referred to here are human rewards given in recognition of diverse accomplishments. They are distinct in the following ways:
They are sometimes good motivations for hard work and success. They boost morale and a sense of belonging. They can act as catalysts for better performance and promote healthy competition (1 Corinthians 9:24). Naturally, they bring satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment. However, earthly rewards will fade away (decay), be corrupted, and eventually lose their lustre (1 Corinthians 9:25). They can be a source of self-pride (Daniel 4:30). They are temporal (Ecclesiastes 5:15; Psalm 49:17). They can misdirect one’s heart to a point where one no longer see the need for God (Luke 12:16-21). Earthly rewards are not necessarily a pointer to the end of our earthly story and we may not have enough of it.
On the other hand, heavenly rewards are incorruptible, undefiled, and do not fade (1 Peter 1:4) i.e. they are eternal, not subject to decay and thievery (Matthew 6:20). 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). They are precious rewards to be anticipated because they carry the weight and meaning of our relationship with God (Philippians 3:13-15a). We shall receive heavenly rewards after our earthly journey, and we shall be eternally satisfied (2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 22:12). It must be noted that making it to Heaven attracts a reward for believers who faithfully persevere till the end (James 1:12).
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.
- Motivation for all we do in the kingdom should be because of a sincere love for Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
- Giving and living a sacrificial life (Matthew 10:42; 19:21-22).
- 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.
- Commitment to soul-winning and other kingdom services (Hebrews 6:10, 1 Corinthians 3:8).
- Staying steadfast in the face of persecution, trouble, and inconvenience (Romans 8:18, 1 Corinthians 15:58).
- Not being deceitful so as not to lose our rewards (2 John 1:7-8).
CONCLUSION: Earthly rewards are good but heavenly rewards are far better. Be wise.
QUESTIONS:
- Identify four differences between earthly rewards and heavenly rewards
- Mention three ways of earning heavenly rewards.
FURTHER READING:
Sunday: Genesis 15:1 (KJV)
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Monday: Deuteronomy 27:25 (KJV)
Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Tuesday: Ruth 2:12 (KJV)
The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Wednesday: 2 Chronicles 20:11 (KJV)
Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.
Thursday: Psalm 15:5 (KJV)
He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Friday: Psalm 58:11 (KJV)
So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
Saturday: Proverbs 24:14 (KJV)
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
ASSIGNMENT: List five crowns you are aiming at in Heaven and give biblical reference for each (2×5=10 Marks).
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
- 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. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
