What does "You reward each according to his work" teach about accountability? Key Verse Jeremiah 32:19: “Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and the fruit of his deeds.” Snapshot of the Setting • Jeremiah is assuring exiled Judah that the LORD remains “great in counsel and mighty in deed.” • God’s justice is highlighted: He is not distant; His eyes are on every human path. • In a time of national crisis, this line underscores individual responsibility—no one slips through divine fingers. What Accountability Means Here • God personally weighs every life. • “Reward” can be positive or negative—blessing or discipline. • The standard is “his work,” not public opinion, family legacy, or cultural norms. • Accountability is immediate (temporal consequences) and ultimate (final judgment). Key Truths Taught by the Phrase 1. God sees everything – Proverbs 5:21: “For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and He examines all his paths.” 2. God judges fairly – Romans 2:6: “God will repay each person according to his deeds.” 3. Works reveal the heart – Matthew 12:35: “The good man brings good out of his good treasure, and the evil man brings evil out of his evil treasure.” 4. Responsibility is personal – Ezekiel 18:20: “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” No scapegoats, no excuses. 5. Outcomes are certain – Revelation 22:12: “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to repay each one according to what he has done.” How This Fits with Salvation by Grace • Ephesians 2:8–10 keeps grace and works in balance: – We are saved “by grace … not by works.” – Yet we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” • Works do not purchase salvation; they prove salvation (James 2:17). • 2 Corinthians 5:10 shows believers still face Christ’s judgment seat “so that each may receive what is due for what he has done in the body.” Living in the Light of Divine Accountability • Examine motives regularly (Psalm 139:23–24). • Serve faithfully in every sphere—home, work, church (Colossians 3:23–24). • Steward resources wisely, knowing audits are coming (Matthew 25:14–30). • Rely on the Spirit for power to obey (Galatians 5:16). • Rest in God’s love; judgment for the believer is family discipline, not wrath (Hebrews 12:6). Takeaway Because the Lord “rewards each according to his work,” every choice matters, every hidden deed is noticed, and every act done for His glory will echo into eternity. |
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