Thursday Devo
Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 5:10
10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
5:10 the judgment seat of Christ. The “judgment seat” (Gk. bēma) was the tribunal bench in the Roman courtroom, where the governor sat while rendering judicial verdicts. Remains of such a bēma exist in the Corinthian forum today (see Acts 18:12–17. In the coming age, Christ will judge as God the Father’s representative, ruling the kingdom the Father has given him (see Rom. 14:10–12; etc.). so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done … whether good or evil. This underscores the principle that present-day actions have eternal consequences. All Christians will appear before the eternal judgment seat of Christ, to receive “what is due” to them for the deeds that they have done in their earthly life.
Study Questions:
- Scripture tells us that every believer will face Christ's judgement seat, known as the "bema" seat. This is different than the Great White Throne of Judgement, where God will separate believers from nonbelievers. The bema seat is where each follower of Jesus will give an account for the good and the bad they've done. In ancient times, a bema was a raised platform on which judges sat to view athletic games. Their job was to make sure rules were followed and to present awards to the victors. It wasn't a place to reprimand athletes or to punish them in any way. It was a place of testing and reward. The bema judgment is where we will be judged for how we stewarded all the God gave us in our lives. As you think about standing before Jesus and giving an accounting of your stewardship, what are your initial thoughts? If you were to live each day with this in mind, how would your behaviors and priorities change?
- Parents (especially dads), we are called to steward our children and families. This doesn't mean providing more stuff for them. It's not making sure they are in sports. It doesn't even mean making sure they do well in school. We won't give an account to God for the car your wife drives, your son's batting average, your daughter's backflip. You will give an account for how you led your family spiritually. So, we might want to start being more concerned with our kids' knowledge of the Word of God and their love for Jesus. Stewarding our families well means, "I'm following Jesus and I want you to come with me." Think a little about how you're doing in these areas? Are there some priorities out of whack? What would your kids say is most important to you?
Pray:
That you would live with the bema judgement in mind.
That you would steward your life and family well.
That you would steward your life and family well.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
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