Robert Jeffress - Will Heaven Be The Same For Everyone? (Part 2A)

February 24, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Will Heaven Be The Same For Everyone? (Part 2A) | February 24, 2026
  • ...
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  • Male announcer: experience a journey that will refresh your
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  • Powerful bible teaching from dr. jeffress.
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  • Then enjoy spirit-lifting worship led by michael o'brien
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  • And share plenty of laughter with dennis swanberg, america's
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  • Jeffress: this is more than just a vacation.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist
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  • Church of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
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  • With dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:01:12.629 --> 00:01:15.598
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress,
  • 00:01:15.598 --> 00:01:16.933
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:01:16.933 --> 00:01:19.469
  • As christians, we understand that good works can never earn
  • 00:01:19.469 --> 00:01:23.039
  • God's forgiveness, but that doesn't mean
  • 00:01:23.039 --> 00:01:25.408
  • Our good deeds are worthless.
  • 00:01:25.408 --> 00:01:27.277
  • In fact, the way we spend our life here on earth after we
  • 00:01:27.277 --> 00:01:30.580
  • Become a christian will greatly determine our rewards in heaven.
  • 00:01:30.580 --> 00:01:35.518
  • There's a day coming when god will judge the obedience of
  • 00:01:35.518 --> 00:01:38.922
  • Every believer, and the results of that judgment will have
  • 00:01:38.922 --> 00:01:42.258
  • Eternal implications.
  • 00:01:42.258 --> 00:01:44.561
  • We're answering the question,
  • 00:01:44.561 --> 00:01:45.995
  • "will heaven be the same for everyone?"
  • 00:01:45.995 --> 00:01:48.264
  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:01:48.264 --> 00:01:52.769
  • ♪♪♪
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  • Announcer: when loss leaves you searching for hope, turn your
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  • Eyes toward heaven.
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  • In "encouragement from a place called heaven," dr. robert
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  • Jeffress offers comfort drawn from god's promises about
  • 00:02:04.681 --> 00:02:07.917
  • Eternity, not the myths and misconceptions tv and movies
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  • Tell us, but what scripture truly reveals.
  • 00:02:11.321 --> 00:02:13.823
  • Whether you're grieving a loved one, facing illness, or walking
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  • Alongside someone in pain, this beautiful hardcover book
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  • Provides the encouragement you need.
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  • Request "encouragement from a place called heaven" when you
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  • Give a generous gift to "pathway to victory."
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Jeffress: in our series, "a place called heaven"
  • 00:02:34.711 --> 00:02:37.614
  • We began addressing the question last time,
  • 00:02:37.614 --> 00:02:41.384
  • "will heaven be the same for everyone?"
  • 00:02:41.384 --> 00:02:45.455
  • And the answer, the surprising answer for many is,
  • 00:02:45.455 --> 00:02:48.558
  • No, it will not be the same for everyone.
  • 00:02:48.558 --> 00:02:53.029
  • While becoming a christian exempts us from the condemnation
  • 00:02:53.029 --> 00:02:58.234
  • Of god, and aren't we grateful for that?
  • 00:02:58.234 --> 00:03:01.070
  • It exempts us from god's condemnation.
  • 00:03:01.070 --> 00:03:03.439
  • Being a christian does not exempt us from god's
  • 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:06.242
  • Evaluation of our life.
  • 00:03:06.242 --> 00:03:09.078
  • The fact is, every person non-christian and christian
  • 00:03:09.078 --> 00:03:11.781
  • Alike, will be judged by god.
  • 00:03:11.781 --> 00:03:14.751
  • The judgment for non-christians is the judgment,
  • 00:03:14.751 --> 00:03:17.353
  • The great white throne judgment.
  • 00:03:17.353 --> 00:03:19.889
  • Those who have not trusted in christ, whose names are not
  • 00:03:19.889 --> 00:03:22.592
  • Found written in the lamb's book of life, they are cast into the
  • 00:03:22.592 --> 00:03:26.129
  • Lake of fire, and tormented day and night forever and ever.
  • 00:03:26.129 --> 00:03:30.667
  • But those of us who are christians are going to stand
  • 00:03:30.667 --> 00:03:33.569
  • Before a different judgment.
  • 00:03:33.569 --> 00:03:35.805
  • It's an evaluation of our life.
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  • It's called the judgment seat of christ.
  • 00:03:37.974 --> 00:03:41.311
  • In 2 corinthians 5:10, paul says, "for we must all appear
  • 00:03:41.311 --> 00:03:45.882
  • Before the judgment seat of christ, so that each one may be
  • 00:03:45.882 --> 00:03:50.620
  • Recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has
  • 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:54.457
  • Done, whether good or bad."
  • 00:03:54.457 --> 00:03:57.460
  • That phrase judgment seat, bema, refers to a raised platform in
  • 00:03:57.460 --> 00:04:02.298
  • Which the governor or some other official would reward those who
  • 00:04:02.298 --> 00:04:08.104
  • Had done exceptionally well in games or some
  • 00:04:08.104 --> 00:04:11.174
  • Other type of contest.
  • 00:04:11.174 --> 00:04:13.176
  • One day we're going to stand before god's judgment, to
  • 00:04:13.176 --> 00:04:17.146
  • Receive rewards for what we have done.
  • 00:04:17.146 --> 00:04:20.116
  • Now, i've given you a sentence on your outline to help you
  • 00:04:20.116 --> 00:04:22.585
  • Understand the difference between the judgment for
  • 00:04:22.585 --> 00:04:24.987
  • Christians at the judgment seat of christ, and the judgment of
  • 00:04:24.987 --> 00:04:28.691
  • Non-christians at the great white throne judgment.
  • 00:04:28.691 --> 00:04:32.128
  • The judgment seat of christ is for the commendation of
  • 00:04:32.128 --> 00:04:36.332
  • Believers, while the great white throne judgment is for the
  • 00:04:36.332 --> 00:04:40.770
  • Condemnation of unbelievers.
  • 00:04:40.770 --> 00:04:44.941
  • How will we be judged?
  • 00:04:44.941 --> 00:04:46.809
  • Well, paul says in 2 corinthians 5, we will be judged according
  • 00:04:46.809 --> 00:04:51.247
  • To what we have done.
  • 00:04:51.247 --> 00:04:53.116
  • This evaluation of our lives as christians is based
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  • On our works.
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  • What we've done.
  • 00:05:00.323 --> 00:05:02.158
  • Now, that confuses a lot of christians, because they say,
  • 00:05:02.158 --> 00:05:03.926
  • "well, wait a minute, i thought our good works don't matter."
  • 00:05:03.926 --> 00:05:07.363
  • Well, they don't matter before we're saved, but they matter
  • 00:05:07.363 --> 00:05:10.633
  • A great deal after we're saved.
  • 00:05:10.633 --> 00:05:13.336
  • And we made the distinction last time between our works
  • 00:05:13.336 --> 00:05:16.572
  • Before we become a christian.
  • 00:05:16.572 --> 00:05:18.808
  • Prior to our salvation, the best you and i can do
  • 00:05:18.808 --> 00:05:22.512
  • Is like a filthy rag to god.
  • 00:05:22.512 --> 00:05:24.981
  • Ephesians 2:8 and 9 makes it very clear, "it's by grace we
  • 00:05:24.981 --> 00:05:28.785
  • Are saved and that not of works lest anyone should boast."
  • 00:05:28.785 --> 00:05:34.390
  • Good works play absolutely no role in earning salvation.
  • 00:05:34.390 --> 00:05:38.494
  • However, our good works have a great value after our salvation.
  • 00:05:38.494 --> 00:05:43.466
  • Ephesians 2:10 says, "we are saved not by works,
  • 00:05:43.466 --> 00:05:48.137
  • But for good works."
  • 00:05:48.137 --> 00:05:50.273
  • Again, here's a sentence on your outline to write down.
  • 00:05:50.273 --> 00:05:53.576
  • "while our works are worthless in securing us a place in
  • 00:05:53.576 --> 00:05:58.047
  • Heaven, they are integral in determining our experience
  • 00:05:58.047 --> 00:06:02.518
  • In heaven."
  • 00:06:02.518 --> 00:06:04.587
  • Good works can earn you your place in heaven.
  • 00:06:04.587 --> 00:06:07.356
  • That's only by god's grace, by trusting christ.
  • 00:06:07.356 --> 00:06:10.426
  • But once you've done that, your good works matter in determining
  • 00:06:10.426 --> 00:06:14.564
  • The kind of experience you will have in heaven.
  • 00:06:14.564 --> 00:06:18.534
  • And that's what we're going to talk about today.
  • 00:06:18.534 --> 00:06:21.537
  • Let's first of all begin by looking at exactly what happens
  • 00:06:21.537 --> 00:06:26.175
  • At the judgment seat of christ.
  • 00:06:26.175 --> 00:06:28.578
  • Since you're gonna stand there one day, wouldn't you like to
  • 00:06:28.578 --> 00:06:30.713
  • Know exactly what's going to happen at that judgment?
  • 00:06:30.713 --> 00:06:34.083
  • Well, to explain what happens at the judgment seat of christ,
  • 00:06:34.083 --> 00:06:37.753
  • Paul uses three analogies.
  • 00:06:37.753 --> 00:06:41.123
  • The first analogy is the trustee analogy, and it's found in
  • 00:06:41.123 --> 00:06:46.128
  • Romans chapter 14.
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  • Take your bibles and turn to romans chapter 14.
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  • Paul is writing to christians in rome.
  • 00:06:52.735 --> 00:06:55.872
  • They were busy judging one another,
  • 00:06:55.872 --> 00:06:57.807
  • There were divisions in the roman church,
  • 00:06:57.807 --> 00:07:00.476
  • And paul said, "quit your judging of one another."
  • 00:07:00.476 --> 00:07:04.747
  • He says in verse 10, "but why do you judge your brother?
  • 00:07:04.747 --> 00:07:09.252
  • Or why again, do you regard your brother with contempt?"
  • 00:07:09.252 --> 00:07:13.122
  • You are not to judge another.
  • 00:07:13.122 --> 00:07:16.826
  • When he says, "don't judge your brother," he was talking about
  • 00:07:16.826 --> 00:07:20.029
  • Christians who were pronouncing judgments about behavior the
  • 00:07:20.029 --> 00:07:23.900
  • Bible didn't even address.
  • 00:07:23.900 --> 00:07:25.968
  • Christians were judging each other about what they ate
  • 00:07:25.968 --> 00:07:28.704
  • Or what they drank or about whether they kept
  • 00:07:28.704 --> 00:07:31.240
  • The sabbath days or not.
  • 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:32.909
  • And paul said quit judging people.
  • 00:07:32.909 --> 00:07:34.911
  • Let everybody be convinced in his own heart
  • 00:07:34.911 --> 00:07:37.547
  • About that, because every one of us--
  • 00:07:37.547 --> 00:07:39.682
  • Look at verse 10--will stand before the judgment
  • 00:07:39.682 --> 00:07:41.884
  • Seat of god.
  • 00:07:41.884 --> 00:07:43.352
  • One day you and i are gonna answer to god,
  • 00:07:43.352 --> 00:07:45.087
  • Not to one another for these areas the bible doesn't address.
  • 00:07:45.087 --> 00:07:48.724
  • Verse 11, "for it is written 'as i live,' says the lord,
  • 00:07:48.724 --> 00:07:52.595
  • 'every knee shall bow to me
  • 00:07:52.595 --> 00:07:54.964
  • And every tongue shall give praise to god.'"
  • 00:07:54.964 --> 00:07:58.100
  • That's a quotation from isaiah 45.
  • 00:07:58.100 --> 00:08:00.469
  • Did you know everybody who's ever lived is one day going
  • 00:08:00.469 --> 00:08:03.272
  • To bow before jesus christ?
  • 00:08:03.272 --> 00:08:05.775
  • Some will bow before him at the great white throne judgment.
  • 00:08:05.775 --> 00:08:08.778
  • They will acknowledge him as judge, and it will be
  • 00:08:08.778 --> 00:08:11.547
  • Too late for them.
  • 00:08:11.547 --> 00:08:13.282
  • But others who have received god's grace,
  • 00:08:13.282 --> 00:08:15.585
  • We, too, will reaffirm that jesus christ is lord.
  • 00:08:15.585 --> 00:08:19.121
  • And then the conclusion, verse 12, "so then each one of us,"
  • 00:08:19.121 --> 00:08:23.426
  • As christians, "shall give an account of himself to god."
  • 00:08:23.426 --> 00:08:27.630
  • Now, there's that trustee analogy.
  • 00:08:27.630 --> 00:08:29.932
  • That word "give an account" is a word that referred
  • 00:08:29.932 --> 00:08:33.703
  • To a financial manager.
  • 00:08:33.703 --> 00:08:36.072
  • You know, if you want to, you can entrust your assets to a
  • 00:08:36.072 --> 00:08:39.475
  • Manager who will oversee them and invest them on your behalf.
  • 00:08:39.475 --> 00:08:43.713
  • Now, he doesn't own the assets, you do.
  • 00:08:43.713 --> 00:08:46.015
  • He has a responsibility, a trust agreement to maximize
  • 00:08:46.015 --> 00:08:51.654
  • Your assets for good.
  • 00:08:51.654 --> 00:08:54.023
  • That is the responsibility of the trustee.
  • 00:08:54.023 --> 00:08:57.026
  • He doesn't own anything.
  • 00:08:57.026 --> 00:08:58.561
  • He's simply a manager of what's been entrusted to him.
  • 00:08:58.561 --> 00:09:02.331
  • And as we saw a few weeks ago, you and i,
  • 00:09:02.331 --> 00:09:04.333
  • We don't own anything.
  • 00:09:04.333 --> 00:09:06.102
  • We're simply managers.
  • 00:09:06.102 --> 00:09:08.371
  • We don't own our money, god does.
  • 00:09:08.371 --> 00:09:11.574
  • We don't own our lives, we don't even determine how long
  • 00:09:11.574 --> 00:09:14.610
  • Our lives are, god does.
  • 00:09:14.610 --> 00:09:16.812
  • He's just entrusted to us a certain amount of treasure and
  • 00:09:16.812 --> 00:09:20.249
  • Time and opportunities and gifts, and our responsibility
  • 00:09:20.249 --> 00:09:23.886
  • With what he's entrusted to us-- listen to this--
  • 00:09:23.886 --> 00:09:26.822
  • Is to further his agenda, not our agenda.
  • 00:09:26.822 --> 00:09:29.692
  • And although we have a lot of latitude in what we do with our
  • 00:09:29.692 --> 00:09:32.561
  • Money, and our time, and our talent, one day we will give an
  • 00:09:32.561 --> 00:09:36.032
  • Account to god for what we've done with those things
  • 00:09:36.032 --> 00:09:38.601
  • We've managed.
  • 00:09:38.601 --> 00:09:40.469
  • Just as the trustee gives an account to the owner
  • 00:09:40.469 --> 00:09:43.906
  • Of what he's done.
  • 00:09:43.906 --> 00:09:45.574
  • And that's the allusion here.
  • 00:09:45.574 --> 00:09:46.909
  • Now, what's interesting is in this trust agreement, as
  • 00:09:46.909 --> 00:09:51.614
  • Trustees, we only will give an account to the owner, god,
  • 00:09:51.614 --> 00:09:56.252
  • Of what he's entrusted to us,
  • 00:09:56.252 --> 00:09:58.287
  • Not to what he's entrusted other people.
  • 00:09:58.287 --> 00:10:02.091
  • You know, when i stand before god, my judgment at the judgment
  • 00:10:02.091 --> 00:10:05.728
  • Seat of christ is gonna be very personal and individualized.
  • 00:10:05.728 --> 00:10:09.065
  • God is not gonna judge me according to the same standard
  • 00:10:09.065 --> 00:10:12.435
  • He judges billy graham.
  • 00:10:12.435 --> 00:10:14.770
  • God has given to dr. graham certain gifts and certain
  • 00:10:14.770 --> 00:10:18.641
  • Opportunities that are unique to him.
  • 00:10:18.641 --> 00:10:21.577
  • He's not gonna say to me, "you know, oh, why didn't you preach
  • 00:10:21.577 --> 00:10:25.815
  • More faithfully in that stadium filled with 100,000 people?"
  • 00:10:25.815 --> 00:10:29.485
  • Well, i never had that opportunity, dr. graham did.
  • 00:10:29.485 --> 00:10:32.855
  • And so he's gonna give dr. graham a different judgment
  • 00:10:32.855 --> 00:10:35.558
  • Than he judges me.
  • 00:10:35.558 --> 00:10:36.959
  • He's gonna judge you according to a different standard than
  • 00:10:36.959 --> 00:10:39.195
  • That which he judges me.
  • 00:10:39.195 --> 00:10:41.030
  • The judgment seat of christ is gonna be a very personalized,
  • 00:10:41.030 --> 00:10:44.467
  • Individualized judgment according to what has been
  • 00:10:44.467 --> 00:10:48.104
  • Entrusted to us.
  • 00:10:48.104 --> 00:10:50.072
  • That is the trustee analogy.
  • 00:10:50.072 --> 00:10:52.675
  • Secondly, he uses the construction analogy to describe
  • 00:10:52.675 --> 00:10:56.746
  • The bema, the judgment seat.
  • 00:10:56.746 --> 00:10:58.781
  • Turn over to 1 corinthians 3.
  • 00:10:58.781 --> 00:11:00.649
  • We read that passage just a few moments ago.
  • 00:11:00.649 --> 00:11:03.519
  • Now, to be clear, in 1 corinthians 3,
  • 00:11:03.519 --> 00:11:06.822
  • Paul specifically is talking about building a ministry,
  • 00:11:06.822 --> 00:11:11.260
  • About the kind of ministry he had versus other apostles.
  • 00:11:11.260 --> 00:11:15.731
  • But he extrapolates from the ministry example to include
  • 00:11:15.731 --> 00:11:19.568
  • Every christian's life.
  • 00:11:19.568 --> 00:11:21.137
  • Notice what he says here, "according to the grace of god,"
  • 00:11:21.137 --> 00:11:24.774
  • Verse 10, "which was given to me, as a wise master builder,
  • 00:11:24.774 --> 00:11:29.345
  • I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it.
  • 00:11:29.345 --> 00:11:33.115
  • But let each man be careful how he builds upon it.
  • 00:11:33.115 --> 00:11:36.452
  • For no man can lay a foundation other than that which is laid,
  • 00:11:36.452 --> 00:11:41.257
  • Which is jesus christ."
  • 00:11:41.257 --> 00:11:43.392
  • Paul is inviting you to think about your life like a house
  • 00:11:43.392 --> 00:11:47.696
  • That's being constructed.
  • 00:11:47.696 --> 00:11:49.565
  • Now, every christian has the same foundation for his house.
  • 00:11:49.565 --> 00:11:53.502
  • Your life is like a house that you construct.
  • 00:11:53.502 --> 00:11:56.772
  • You have the same foundation as every other christian, and that
  • 00:11:56.772 --> 00:11:59.508
  • Is that foundation is the unchangeable jesus christ.
  • 00:11:59.508 --> 00:12:04.914
  • We're all saved if we've trusted in christ.
  • 00:12:04.914 --> 00:12:07.950
  • Jesus is our foundation, but we have a choice of what kind of
  • 00:12:07.950 --> 00:12:12.855
  • House, that is, what kind of life we build on the foundation
  • 00:12:12.855 --> 00:12:17.226
  • Of our salvation, and the choice of what kind of house we build
  • 00:12:17.226 --> 00:12:21.263
  • Depends upon the kind of building material we choose.
  • 00:12:21.263 --> 00:12:24.366
  • Look at verse 12, "now if any man builds upon the foundation
  • 00:12:24.366 --> 00:12:28.170
  • With gold, silver, precious stones or wood, hay, and straw."
  • 00:12:28.170 --> 00:12:35.277
  • You can build your life according to what building
  • 00:12:35.277 --> 00:12:38.147
  • Materials you choose.
  • 00:12:38.147 --> 00:12:39.982
  • But notice one day, the kind of life you have built is gonna be
  • 00:12:39.982 --> 00:12:43.953
  • Tested by the fire of god's judgment.
  • 00:12:43.953 --> 00:12:46.288
  • Verse 13, "each man's work will become evident; for the day
  • 00:12:46.288 --> 00:12:50.793
  • Will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire
  • 00:12:50.793 --> 00:12:54.663
  • Itself will reveal the quality of each man's work."
  • 00:12:54.663 --> 00:13:00.603
  • Would you notice the two criteria god is gonna use
  • 00:13:00.603 --> 00:13:03.706
  • To judge the kind of life you and i have built?
  • 00:13:03.706 --> 00:13:08.010
  • Number one, the significance of our life.
  • 00:13:08.010 --> 00:13:11.380
  • The significance or the durability of our works.
  • 00:13:11.380 --> 00:13:16.151
  • For example, if you spend your time and talents and treasures
  • 00:13:16.151 --> 00:13:19.989
  • Here on earth pursuing power and profits and
  • 00:13:19.989 --> 00:13:23.759
  • Self-glorification, that's like building a house of wood
  • 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:28.764
  • Or hay or straw.
  • 00:13:28.764 --> 00:13:31.600
  • I'm not talking about building a life that's built on evil,
  • 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:35.504
  • I'm just talking about a worthless life,
  • 00:13:35.504 --> 00:13:37.973
  • A life that is centered around your own agenda, profits,
  • 00:13:37.973 --> 00:13:42.411
  • Power, or pleasure.
  • 00:13:42.411 --> 00:13:44.880
  • What happens at the judgment if your life is built
  • 00:13:44.880 --> 00:13:48.050
  • With those things?
  • 00:13:48.050 --> 00:13:50.085
  • It's not like the story of the three pigs where jesus will huff
  • 00:13:50.085 --> 00:13:53.889
  • And puff and blow your house down, instead,
  • 00:13:53.889 --> 00:13:57.226
  • He just sets a match to it, burns it up.
  • 00:13:57.226 --> 00:14:01.196
  • That's what he's saying here.
  • 00:14:01.196 --> 00:14:03.032
  • "nothing will last.
  • 00:14:03.032 --> 00:14:05.100
  • It will be consumed with fire."
  • 00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:08.404
  • On the other hand, you can build your life
  • 00:14:08.404 --> 00:14:10.739
  • With more durable materials.
  • 00:14:10.739 --> 00:14:13.309
  • Gold, silver, precious stones.
  • 00:14:13.309 --> 00:14:16.645
  • A life that is built around glorifying god, making him look
  • 00:14:16.645 --> 00:14:20.849
  • Good no matter what your daily responsibilities are.
  • 00:14:20.849 --> 00:14:24.186
  • A life built around sharing christ with as many people
  • 00:14:24.186 --> 00:14:27.156
  • As possible.
  • 00:14:27.156 --> 00:14:29.124
  • A life built around giving up some temporary pleasures
  • 00:14:29.124 --> 00:14:33.629
  • And perks in this life to invest your money in god's kingdom.
  • 00:14:33.629 --> 00:14:38.000
  • Those things really matter to god.
  • 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:40.102
  • They make a difference, it's a life built with gold, silver,
  • 00:14:40.102 --> 00:14:43.806
  • And precious stones.
  • 00:14:43.806 --> 00:14:45.808
  • Verse 14, "if any man's work which he has built upon it
  • 00:14:45.808 --> 00:14:49.178
  • Remains, he shall receive a reward."
  • 00:14:49.178 --> 00:14:52.748
  • But notice verse 15, "if any man's work is burned up,"
  • 00:14:52.748 --> 00:14:56.385
  • That is evaluated to be worthless.
  • 00:14:56.385 --> 00:15:00.255
  • "if any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss;
  • 00:15:00.255 --> 00:15:04.059
  • But he himself will be saved, though as by fire."
  • 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:08.530
  • That's probably a saying like we would have today.
  • 00:15:08.530 --> 00:15:13.135
  • He will be saved by the skin of his teeth.
  • 00:15:13.135 --> 00:15:16.038
  • Have you ever heard that before?
  • 00:15:16.038 --> 00:15:17.840
  • He'll make it to heaven.
  • 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.408
  • If you're truly a christian and your life is judged to be
  • 00:15:19.408 --> 00:15:22.711
  • Worthless, you'll still get into heaven, but you'll smell of
  • 00:15:22.711 --> 00:15:26.582
  • Smoke, you'll just barely make it there though as by fire.
  • 00:15:26.582 --> 00:15:30.319
  • That's what he's talking of here, by the skin of your teeth.
  • 00:15:30.319 --> 00:15:32.788
  • So the first criterion of judgment will be the
  • 00:15:32.788 --> 00:15:35.724
  • Significance of our works.
  • 00:15:35.724 --> 00:15:37.459
  • The second judgment will be according to the motives
  • 00:15:37.459 --> 00:15:40.796
  • Of our works.
  • 00:15:40.796 --> 00:15:42.364
  • Sometimes why we do what we do is as important as what we do.
  • 00:15:42.364 --> 00:15:46.402
  • In 1 corinthians 4:5, paul says, "therefore do not go on passing
  • 00:15:46.402 --> 00:15:50.739
  • Judgment before the time, but wait until the lord comes who
  • 00:15:50.739 --> 00:15:54.510
  • Will bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and
  • 00:15:54.510 --> 00:15:59.048
  • Disclose the motives of men's hearts, and then each man's
  • 00:15:59.048 --> 00:16:02.718
  • Praise will come to him from god."
  • 00:16:02.718 --> 00:16:06.755
  • God cares about our motives.
  • 00:16:06.755 --> 00:16:09.324
  • You know, if you give money to god's work in order to be able
  • 00:16:09.324 --> 00:16:12.361
  • To brag to others how much you're giving, that doesn't
  • 00:16:12.361 --> 00:16:15.397
  • Count for gold, it counts as wood.
  • 00:16:15.397 --> 00:16:18.267
  • If you are diligent in sharing your faith with other people so
  • 00:16:18.267 --> 00:16:22.337
  • That you can brag about how many people are in the kingdom
  • 00:16:22.337 --> 00:16:25.140
  • Because of you, that's not silver, that's hay.
  • 00:16:25.140 --> 00:16:29.478
  • Our motives really do matter before god.
  • 00:16:29.478 --> 00:16:32.648
  • Proverbs 16:2 says, "all the ways of a man are clean in his
  • 00:16:32.648 --> 00:16:36.118
  • Own sight, but the lord weighs the motives."
  • 00:16:36.118 --> 00:16:40.222
  • Now, some of you might ask, "well, pastor isn't living your
  • 00:16:40.222 --> 00:16:43.992
  • Life in order to earn rewards, isn't that kind of
  • 00:16:43.992 --> 00:16:47.362
  • A selfish motive?
  • 00:16:47.362 --> 00:16:49.498
  • Isn't that self-centered?"
  • 00:16:49.498 --> 00:16:50.933
  • "i wanna earn all these rewards so i can have a better spot in
  • 00:16:50.933 --> 00:16:53.102
  • Heaven than other people, that sounds pretty selfish to me."
  • 00:16:53.102 --> 00:16:56.305
  • Look, selfishness somebody said, is trying to achieve
  • 00:16:56.305 --> 00:17:04.012
  • At somebody else's expense.
  • 00:17:04.012 --> 00:17:06.782
  • Selfishness is trying to gain more at somebody else's expense.
  • 00:17:06.782 --> 00:17:11.687
  • But did you know it's possible to gain more at god's expense,
  • 00:17:11.687 --> 00:17:15.190
  • Because god does not have a finite amount of resources
  • 00:17:15.190 --> 00:17:18.460
  • That if you take some from him, he has less.
  • 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:20.796
  • He has an inexhaustible supply of riches.
  • 00:17:20.796 --> 00:17:23.732
  • When he rewards you, his net worth
  • 00:17:23.732 --> 00:17:26.835
  • Is not diminished one iota.
  • 00:17:26.835 --> 00:17:30.472
  • In fact, when you think about it, working for rewards
  • 00:17:30.472 --> 00:17:34.910
  • Is really a sign of what god values most in our life,
  • 00:17:34.910 --> 00:17:38.647
  • And that is faith.
  • 00:17:38.647 --> 00:17:40.582
  • Think for example about abraham.
  • 00:17:40.582 --> 00:17:43.018
  • Why is it that abraham was willing to uproot his family and
  • 00:17:43.018 --> 00:17:46.155
  • Travel to a land he didn't even know where he was going to?
  • 00:17:46.155 --> 00:17:49.424
  • What was his motive in leaving everybody and everything
  • 00:17:49.424 --> 00:17:52.027
  • Familiar behind him?
  • 00:17:52.027 --> 00:17:53.962
  • Verse 10 of hebrews 11 says, "abraham was looking
  • 00:17:53.962 --> 00:17:57.466
  • For the city which has foundations,
  • 00:17:57.466 --> 00:18:00.369
  • Whose architect and builder is god."
  • 00:18:00.369 --> 00:18:03.372
  • He did it for heaven.
  • 00:18:03.372 --> 00:18:05.440
  • He obeyed god because of the rewards
  • 00:18:05.440 --> 00:18:07.943
  • That awaited him in heaven.
  • 00:18:07.943 --> 00:18:09.745
  • Or think about moses.
  • 00:18:09.745 --> 00:18:11.380
  • Moses voluntarily surrendered the perks of living in pharaoh's
  • 00:18:11.380 --> 00:18:14.917
  • Household to identify with god's people, the israelites.
  • 00:18:14.917 --> 00:18:18.987
  • Why was he willing to give up those privileges out of his
  • 00:18:18.987 --> 00:18:22.724
  • Dedication to god alone?
  • 00:18:22.724 --> 00:18:24.960
  • Partly, but not completely.
  • 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:26.795
  • Verse 25 of hebrews 11 says, "moses, choosing rather to
  • 00:18:26.795 --> 00:18:31.166
  • Endure ill-treatment with the people of god than to enjoy
  • 00:18:31.166 --> 00:18:35.037
  • The passing pleasures of sin, considering," verse 26,
  • 00:18:35.037 --> 00:18:39.942
  • "the reproach of christ, greater riches than the treasures
  • 00:18:39.942 --> 00:18:44.913
  • Of egypt," for he was looking to the what?
  • 00:18:44.913 --> 00:18:48.617
  • To the reward.
  • 00:18:48.617 --> 00:18:50.819
  • Verse 26, that word considering, "moses considered the reproach
  • 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:54.756
  • Of christ greater than the rewards of egypt."
  • 00:18:54.756 --> 00:18:57.326
  • That word consider is a mathematic term.
  • 00:18:57.326 --> 00:19:00.929
  • It means to calculate, to calculate.
  • 00:19:00.929 --> 00:19:04.233
  • In other words, as moses was weighing what decision he was
  • 00:19:04.233 --> 00:19:07.002
  • Gonna make, he did the math in his head.
  • 00:19:07.002 --> 00:19:10.239
  • He said, "okay, the choice is temporary pleasure in pharaoh's
  • 00:19:10.239 --> 00:19:14.977
  • Household or eternal riches in heaven.
  • 00:19:14.977 --> 00:19:18.013
  • Hey, i think i'll choose the latter."
  • 00:19:18.013 --> 00:19:20.215
  • The eternal riches are better than temporary pleasure.
  • 00:19:20.215 --> 00:19:23.118
  • He did the math.
  • 00:19:23.118 --> 00:19:24.553
  • He calculated the rewards in heaven was
  • 00:19:24.553 --> 00:19:28.323
  • What was worth living for.
  • 00:19:28.323 --> 00:19:30.626
  • That wasn't a selfish motive.
  • 00:19:30.626 --> 00:19:33.061
  • You know, when you give up temporary money, pleasure,
  • 00:19:33.061 --> 00:19:38.066
  • Pursuits in this life in order to earn rewards,
  • 00:19:38.066 --> 00:19:41.670
  • That's the essence of what faith is.
  • 00:19:41.670 --> 00:19:44.473
  • "god, i believe what you've said, i believe you reward those
  • 00:19:44.473 --> 00:19:48.844
  • Who diligently follow after you."
  • 00:19:48.844 --> 00:19:52.581
  • Now, the third analogy here is the race analogy.
  • 00:19:52.581 --> 00:19:56.184
  • It's found in 1 corinthians 9 verses 24 to 27.
  • 00:19:56.184 --> 00:19:59.988
  • Just look at verses 24 and 25.
  • 00:19:59.988 --> 00:20:04.559
  • "do you not know that those who run in a race all run,
  • 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:08.397
  • But only one receives the prize?
  • 00:20:08.397 --> 00:20:11.033
  • Run in such a way that you may win.
  • 00:20:11.033 --> 00:20:13.969
  • Everyone who competes in the games exercises
  • 00:20:13.969 --> 00:20:17.539
  • Self-control in all things.
  • 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:20.309
  • They then do it to receive a perishable wreath,
  • 00:20:20.309 --> 00:20:23.745
  • But we an imperishable.
  • 00:20:23.745 --> 00:20:26.581
  • Therefore i run in such a way; as not without aim."
  • 00:20:26.581 --> 00:20:30.619
  • Now, the readers in corinth understood what paul
  • 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:33.188
  • Was talking about here.
  • 00:20:33.188 --> 00:20:34.690
  • This was an allusion to the isthmian games that were held in
  • 00:20:34.690 --> 00:20:38.660
  • Corinth every two years.
  • 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:41.663
  • Now, you had the olympic games that were held in athens,
  • 00:20:41.663 --> 00:20:44.232
  • But the isthmian games were held every two years in athens.
  • 00:20:44.232 --> 00:20:48.904
  • It was a multitude of different contests, wrestling, boxing,
  • 00:20:48.904 --> 00:20:53.275
  • Foot races, but paul here talks about the foot race.
  • 00:20:53.275 --> 00:20:57.112
  • And he says, "you know, if you're gonna win this game,
  • 00:20:57.112 --> 00:21:00.282
  • You've gotta run in such a way as to win."
  • 00:21:00.282 --> 00:21:02.984
  • And then he makes the allusion to the fact that those who run
  • 00:21:02.984 --> 00:21:05.554
  • A foot race in this world, they do it to receive
  • 00:21:05.554 --> 00:21:08.757
  • A perishable wreath.
  • 00:21:08.757 --> 00:21:11.026
  • Now, if you won in the olympics in athens, you got what?
  • 00:21:11.026 --> 00:21:14.096
  • You know what the reward was?
  • 00:21:14.096 --> 00:21:16.031
  • Gold.
  • 00:21:16.031 --> 00:21:17.699
  • I mean, you got the gold medals, gold coins, that was the award
  • 00:21:17.699 --> 00:21:23.505
  • At athens.
  • 00:21:23.505 --> 00:21:25.140
  • But at isthmian, they were kinda budget conscious there.
  • 00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:28.643
  • So you didn't get gold.
  • 00:21:28.643 --> 00:21:30.312
  • Instead, when you walked up the bema,
  • 00:21:30.312 --> 00:21:32.681
  • The judgment seat, the governor would place around your neck
  • 00:21:32.681 --> 00:21:36.451
  • A wreath made of parsley or wild celery.
  • 00:21:36.451 --> 00:21:41.857
  • A little step down from athens, okay?
  • 00:21:41.857 --> 00:21:44.426
  • Now, everybody was honored to receive that wreath, but you
  • 00:21:44.426 --> 00:21:47.796
  • Could only wear it for a day or two before it began to wilt,
  • 00:21:47.796 --> 00:21:50.966
  • You know, and you had to throw it away, started to smell.
  • 00:21:50.966 --> 00:21:53.235
  • Nobody wanted to wear that after a week.
  • 00:21:53.235 --> 00:21:56.037
  • And that's what paul was talking about here.
  • 00:21:56.037 --> 00:21:58.039
  • Those who win these foot races, they do it
  • 00:21:58.039 --> 00:22:00.275
  • For a perishable wreath.
  • 00:22:00.275 --> 00:22:02.277
  • We do it for an award that is imperishable.
  • 00:22:02.277 --> 00:22:07.315
  • You know, if you're gonna win a foot race, couple of things
  • 00:22:07.315 --> 00:22:10.085
  • You have to do.
  • 00:22:10.085 --> 00:22:11.420
  • First of all, you have to start when the official sounds
  • 00:22:11.420 --> 00:22:13.688
  • The firing gun.
  • 00:22:13.688 --> 00:22:15.257
  • Secondly, you have to stay in the course that has been
  • 00:22:15.257 --> 00:22:17.859
  • Designed for you, but most importantly, you have to keep
  • 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:20.862
  • Your eye on the finish line.
  • 00:22:20.862 --> 00:22:23.432
  • You can't get distracted.
  • 00:22:23.432 --> 00:22:25.233
  • Many of you know the name of john landy.
  • 00:22:25.233 --> 00:22:27.469
  • He was the australian runner who competed with roger bannister
  • 00:22:27.469 --> 00:22:31.840
  • To see who could break for the first time,
  • 00:22:31.840 --> 00:22:34.476
  • The four minute mile barrier.
  • 00:22:34.476 --> 00:22:36.912
  • Of course, we know that bannister did that
  • 00:22:36.912 --> 00:22:38.780
  • On may 6, 1954.
  • 00:22:38.780 --> 00:22:41.917
  • A few months later, landy was ready for another contest with
  • 00:22:41.917 --> 00:22:45.420
  • Bannister to see if he could beat him.
  • 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:47.789
  • And he started outta the gate at a blistering pace.
  • 00:22:47.789 --> 00:22:51.326
  • Everybody thought landy was going to win.
  • 00:22:51.326 --> 00:22:53.528
  • As he came around the final loop, however,
  • 00:22:53.528 --> 00:22:56.465
  • He was running toward the finish line,
  • 00:22:56.465 --> 00:22:58.467
  • He looked over his left shoulder to see
  • 00:22:58.467 --> 00:23:00.368
  • If he could see bannister.
  • 00:23:00.368 --> 00:23:02.304
  • He was nowhere to be seen because he was passing him
  • 00:23:02.304 --> 00:23:05.574
  • On the right-hand side.
  • 00:23:05.574 --> 00:23:07.943
  • Roger bannister won once again.
  • 00:23:07.943 --> 00:23:11.513
  • You know, the greatest threat to a runner is becoming distracted,
  • 00:23:11.513 --> 00:23:16.785
  • Not keeping your eye on the finish line.
  • 00:23:16.785 --> 00:23:20.856
  • And what paul is saying here is, "i don't run without aim.
  • 00:23:20.856 --> 00:23:24.659
  • I keep my mind on the finish line."
  • 00:23:24.659 --> 00:23:28.029
  • You know, it's so easy for those of us who are christians to be
  • 00:23:28.029 --> 00:23:31.833
  • Distracted, to forget why we're here.
  • 00:23:31.833 --> 00:23:36.872
  • Jeffress: throughout this teaching series, we've kept our
  • 00:23:41.009 --> 00:23:43.044
  • Eyes fixed on the finish line, learning to prepare
  • 00:23:43.044 --> 00:23:46.314
  • For our eternal home.
  • 00:23:46.314 --> 00:23:48.383
  • And there's much more teaching to come on this topic,
  • 00:23:48.383 --> 00:23:51.453
  • So be sure to join us again next time.
  • 00:23:51.453 --> 00:23:54.389
  • Well, i'm pleased to tell you that this has been another
  • 00:23:54.389 --> 00:23:56.791
  • Record setting season of growth for "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:56.791 --> 00:24:00.629
  • In fact, we've recently expanded our television coverage into
  • 00:24:00.629 --> 00:24:04.299
  • 50 new cities, including boston, cleveland, detroit, minneapolis,
  • 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:08.970
  • St. paul, seattle, anchorage, and las vegas.
  • 00:24:08.970 --> 00:24:13.008
  • Our goal through all this growth is not to lift up the name of
  • 00:24:13.008 --> 00:24:15.977
  • "pathway to victory," but to bring biblical hope
  • 00:24:15.977 --> 00:24:19.281
  • And truth to a world that desperately needs it.
  • 00:24:19.281 --> 00:24:22.918
  • So, please keep up the good work so that we can continue
  • 00:24:22.918 --> 00:24:26.521
  • To pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
  • 00:24:26.521 --> 00:24:30.425
  • Now stay right there i'll be back with one final word
  • 00:24:30.425 --> 00:24:33.528
  • In just a moment.
  • 00:24:33.528 --> 00:24:34.896
  • Announcer: whether you're mourning someone you love or
  • 00:24:36.932 --> 00:24:38.967
  • Facing your own difficult season, grief can feel
  • 00:24:38.967 --> 00:24:42.137
  • Overwhelming.
  • 00:24:42.137 --> 00:24:43.471
  • But the bible tells us not to be discouraged, because this life
  • 00:24:43.471 --> 00:24:46.908
  • Is not the end.
  • 00:24:46.908 --> 00:24:48.243
  • Dr. robert jeffress wants to help lift your eyes from earth's
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  • Sorrows to heaven's certainty with "encouragement from a place
  • 00:24:51.546 --> 00:24:55.183
  • Called heaven."
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  • This beautifully-designed book combines inspiring scripture,
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  • Stunning photography, and powerful biblical truths you can
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  • Keep close during difficult times.
  • 00:25:02.991 --> 00:25:05.627
  • Jeffress: the greatest hope we have is the promise of heaven.
  • 00:25:05.627 --> 00:25:09.164
  • In this book of encouragement, i wanna remind you what awaits us
  • 00:25:09.164 --> 00:25:12.367
  • After this life is over, not the myths and misconceptions tv and
  • 00:25:12.367 --> 00:25:17.072
  • Movies tell us about, but what god's word has promised.
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  • Announcer: this padded hardcover book makes a thoughtful gift for
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  • Anyone navigating grief, chronic illness, or stressful
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  • Request your copy of "encouragement from a place
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  • Called heaven" when you give a generous gift to "pathway to
  • 00:25:31.419 --> 00:25:33.888
  • Victory."
  • 00:25:33.888 --> 00:25:35.223
  • And when your gift is $75 or more, we'll also send you dr.
  • 00:25:35.223 --> 00:25:38.860
  • Jeffress's best-selling book "a place called heaven" along with
  • 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:42.664
  • The complete "a place called heaven" teaching series on both
  • 00:25:42.664 --> 00:25:45.567
  • Cd and dvd.
  • 00:25:45.567 --> 00:25:47.302
  • Jeffress: it's not gonna be very long till we go to that place
  • 00:25:47.302 --> 00:25:49.137
  • Called heaven.
  • 00:25:49.137 --> 00:25:50.472
  • But knowing that our future is secure ought to be a motivation
  • 00:25:50.472 --> 00:25:54.709
  • For us to live the most effective lives for god that we
  • 00:25:54.709 --> 00:25:58.413
  • Can right now.
  • 00:25:58.413 --> 00:25:59.914
  • Announcer: your generosity empowers this ministry to pierce
  • 00:25:59.914 --> 00:26:02.751
  • The darkness with the light of god's word.
  • 00:26:02.751 --> 00:26:05.387
  • Jeffress: good works won't get us into heaven,
  • 00:26:08.523 --> 00:26:11.459
  • But they will greatly affect our experience in heaven.
  • 00:26:11.459 --> 00:26:15.430
  • We'll all be blessed in our eternal home,
  • 00:26:15.430 --> 00:26:17.699
  • But we won't be blessed equally.
  • 00:26:17.699 --> 00:26:20.068
  • And next time, we're going to look at the eternal consequences
  • 00:26:20.068 --> 00:26:23.304
  • Of our actions here on earth.
  • 00:26:23.304 --> 00:26:25.507
  • Some christians will receive rewards.
  • 00:26:25.507 --> 00:26:28.810
  • We'll cover the five crowns listed throughout the new
  • 00:26:28.810 --> 00:26:31.680
  • Testament that represent those rewards, and some christians
  • 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:36.251
  • Unfortunately will experience regrets.
  • 00:26:36.251 --> 00:26:39.788
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:26:39.788 --> 00:26:42.157
  • In our series, "a place called heaven."
  • 00:26:42.157 --> 00:26:45.226
  • Jeffress: if we can get that excited about what a parent or
  • 00:26:46.428 --> 00:26:49.064
  • An employer says to us, think about what it's gonna be like if
  • 00:26:49.064 --> 00:26:53.435
  • We were to stand before god at the judgment seat and see
  • 00:26:53.435 --> 00:26:57.706
  • A smile across the face of jesus saying, "well done.
  • 00:26:57.706 --> 00:27:03.244
  • Well done, good and faithful servant."
  • 00:27:03.244 --> 00:27:08.917
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:27:08.983 --> 00:27:11.419
  • For the final part of the message,
  • 00:27:11.419 --> 00:27:13.488
  • "will heaven be the same for everyone?"
  • 00:27:13.488 --> 00:27:16.057
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:16.057 --> 00:27:16.057