Seen by Heaven

Seen by Heaven

There’s a quiet promise in Scripture that ought to strengthen every tired son or daughter of God: Our Lord sees you. We live in a world where much of what we do feels overlooked or unappreciated. But heaven keeps better records than earth ever could. Our labor for the Lord is not in vain. God knows all about your faithfulness. Those who live for the kingdom today will rejoice when their record is revealed tomorrow.

1. God’s Ledger is Gracious

   1. Better things that pertain to salvation

      1. Hebrews 6:9: Even though we are speaking this way, dearly loved friends, in your case we are confident of things that are better and that pertain to salvation.

      2. Hebrews 6:10: For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them.

         1. He mentions how they have served the saints - and are continuing to serve them.

         2. Their service was real, present, and ongoing.

      3. 1 Thessalonians 1:3: We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

   2. Ministry takes many forms:

      1. Using your spiritual gifts, praying for each other, encouraging the weak, and restoring the fallen; carrying burdens; giving to those in need; forgiving when it hurts; correcting in love.

      2. All of these are acts of service that grow from your love for Christ

         1. Hebrews 6:10: he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints… The key to real service is a burning love for the Lord.

   3. An Old Testament Example:

      1. Malachi 3:16: At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before him for those who feared the Lord and had high regard for his name.

      2. Heaven literally wrote down their faithfulness. Nothing done for His name is wasted.

2. Faithfulness is Never Wasted

   1. Don’t Stop Now

      1. Hebrews 6:11: Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, The Christian life is not a moment. It’s a direction.

   2. Don’t Grow Lazy

      1. Hebrews 6:12: so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. Your perseverance is precious to God.

3. Gratitude Fuels Endurance

   1. Faithfulness is not just about grit.

      1. Hebrews 6:11: Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, Gratitude is what gives that assurance depth. It fills us with hope.

   2. God Treasures Those who Fear Him

      1. Malachi 3:17: “They will be mine,” says the Lord of Armies, “my own possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.

      2. Gratitude grows when we remember who we belong to. We are not abandoned, forgotten, or on our own. The same God who has carried us this far will carry us the rest of the way.

4. As We Close:

   1. Your service matters. Your endurance matters. Your love for God matters.

   2. So, don’t slow down. Don’t lose heart. Don’t let discouragement pull you away from what is right. Keep going. The record is being written.