Text: Matthew 25:14–30
Topic: How our earthly lives will affect our heavenly reward

Introduction
• Illustration: A member of the New York City Fire Department, competing in the Ironman Triathlon in honor of his fallen friends, crosses the finish line in a swell of emotion.
• For Christians, heaven is the finish line of life on Earth.
• We look forward to being welcomed by God.

God will reward us with commendation.
• When we get to heaven, God will praise us for our efforts on Earth.
• God will praise us personally, in a way that is unique to each one of us.
     -     1 Corinthians 4:5
• God will present us with a new name.
     -      Revelation 2:17

God will reward us with responsibility.
• The amount of responsibility God gives us in heaven will depend on our faithfulness here on Earth.
     -     Luke 19:11-26
• The responsibility he gives us will logically flow out of our actions.
     -     James 1:12
     -     1 Peter 5:4
     -     2 Timothy 4:8
• Our responsibilities on Earth prepare us for our responsibilities in heaven.

God will reward us with his fellowship.
• An unimpeded relationship with God will be the most satisfying of our rewards.
     -     Psalm 27:4
     -     Matthew 5:8
• All Christians will share the same fellowship with God, but we will enjoy it in varying degrees.
     -     Illustration: People who have the same experiences on a cruise to Jamaica will enjoy
     those experiences at different levels.

We must prepare for the celebration.
• Our experiences with God on Earth can increase our capacity for enjoying his fellowship in heaven.
     -     Illustration: Lafferty experienced maximum enjoyment at a Christmas dinner because
     of his discipline and preparation beforehand.
     - Illustration: A person can grow to love running by starting to run as a discipline.

Conclusion
• Heaven is an acquired taste, and we need to get ready for it now.

For the full text of this sermon, go to "What to Expect on Payday."