Bible Study

Title: The Judgment Seat of Christ
Date: Mar 22, 2011
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood, Jesus
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:40, Matthew 10:42, Romans 8:1, John 15:5

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What is the most exciting day in your future? A wedding day? A graduation day? Perhaps you're planning an exciting trip and can't wait until the day of your departure? But if you're a Christian, there's a very exciting day coming. The Bible tells us what it is.

What Does God Say?

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

Now, if you're like me, you might be thinking, Exciting? Frightening is more like it! But the Bible sets our minds at ease.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, ESV).

My Thoughts

Standing before Christ at His Judgment Seat is, first of all, a privilege. If we were not His followers, we would not be there.

Secondly, we will stand before Him individually. This is not a group event. Our accountability is personal. He'll not judge you on the basis of another's thoughts, words or actions. You will stand alone before Him. That likely makes your heart race and your knees weak. But you will be filled with gratitude and joy that you are in the fullness of His presence.

1. Based on 2 Corinthians 5:10, write down your feelings as you consider appearing at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
2. Read Romans 8:1 again. As you read it, do you feel relief, are you skeptical, do you have mixed feelings? Define your response to that verse.
3. Draw two stick figure illustrations. In one, sketch your image of the Judgment Seat before you read this study. In the other, your depiction of it now that you've read part of the study.
4. Ask God if there is anything He wants you to do today--someone He wants you to call or some need He wants you to meet--to serve Him?

Jesus says, "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded" (Matthew 10:42, NLT).

There are two things to know as you work for the Lord:

• Remember He will enable you. Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, ESV).
• Understand that service to anyone in Christ's name, Jesus accepts as service to Himself. "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:40, NLT).

My Part

If you and I have a limited number of days to serve Jesus (and our days are numbered), then doesn't it make sense that we do so now, every day?

Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to help you prepare beginning today for that moment you appear before His Judgment Seat.

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