Will believers reap rewards for their labor in this life?
Not necessarily. Believers may not reap the rewards of their labor in this present life; they may go to the grave with little of this world's goods. Yet their labor in the Lord is not in vain, because God keeps a record of earthly activity and will reward them in glory.
Les explains that although Paul tells believers to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing their labor is not in vain, that does not guarantee earthly reward. Les says we may not reap the rewards of our labor in this life; we may go to the grave poor as church mice, with not much of this world's goods. He stresses that God has not promised believers they will drive Cadillacs or live in mansions. Instead, God is keeping a record of our earthly activity, and one day we will cash in on rewards in glory. Paul consistently teaches that believers are to run the race for reward.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
More Questions
Why is our labor in the Lord not in vain?
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain because God is keeping a record of your earthly activity and will reward you in glory.