God Is A Rewarder – Pastor E. A. Adeboye (September Holy Ghost Service)

Introduction

In a powerful and spirit-filled message delivered at the September 2024 Holy Ghost Service at Redemption Camp, Pastor E. A. Adeboye emphasized a profound truth: God is a rewarder. 

Based on Exodus 20:4-6, Pastor Adeboye took the congregation through a journey of understanding how both sin and righteousness can bring lasting consequences, not just for individuals, but for entire generations. 

The central theme of the message was clear: our choices have far-reaching effects, but for those who love and serve God, He extends His mercy and rewards them for generations.

The Weight of Iniquity and Mercy

Pastor Adeboye began by reflecting on Exodus 20:4-6, which underscores God’s stance on idolatry and the generational consequences of disobedience. He noted how God’s jealousy leads Him to visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him, but He also shows mercy to thousands of those who love Him and keep His commandments. 

“Some people suffer because of what their parents did,” Pastor Adeboye explained, citing the example of Gehazi in 2 Kings 5:20-27. Gehazi’s sin not only brought leprosy upon himself but also upon his descendants forever. This story exemplifies how sin can have lasting effects across generations.

Yet, in contrast to Gehazi’s fate, Pastor Adeboye shared the story of Mephibosheth from 2 Samuel 9:1-13. Mephibosheth, a descendant of King Saul, experienced great favor because of his father, Jonathan, David’s close friend. 

Despite his disability and lowly position in life, David sought him out to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake, restoring all of Saul’s land to him and granting him a permanent seat at the king’s table. “God is a rewarder,” Pastor Adeboye affirmed, highlighting how God rewards not just the individual, but even the descendants of the righteous.

Reward Through Jesus Christ

Pastor Adeboye transitioned from Old Testament examples to the ultimate rewarder, Jesus Christ. He explained that for those who are in Christ, they can claim not only blessings but also healing, salvation, and victory—all because of what Jesus has done. 

He quoted 1 Peter 2:24, emphasizing that believers are entitled to healing because “Jesus bore our sins on the cross and by His stripes, we are healed.” He further explained that Jesus’ blood offers salvation, as 1 John 1:7 says, “His blood cleanses us from all sin.”

The sermon highlighted several rewards believers can claim through Jesus:

– Healing: “By His stripes, we are healed.”

– Salvation: Through His blood, we are cleansed from sin.

– Victory: As Revelation 12:10-11 states, “They overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb.”

– Prosperity: Citing 2 Corinthians 8:9, Pastor Adeboye pointed out that because Jesus became poor, we can claim prosperity.

Pastor Adeboye made it clear that every believer is entitled to these rewards, not because of their own merits, but because of what Jesus Christ, their “Father,” has done. 

He emphasized the importance of recognizing that believers are coming to the communion table not on the basis of their own works, but on the foundation of Christ’s sacrifice. “You are coming for victory because by His blood, we can overcome Satan,” Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation.

The Critical Choice: Are You a Child of God?

One of the most striking aspects of Pastor Adeboye’s sermon was the urgency with which he called the congregation to examine their relationship with God. 

He explained that all the rewards available through Christ—healing, victory, prosperity, and salvation—are only accessible to those who are truly children of God. “The only fellow who can come to the table and go away empty-handed is someone who is not a child of God,” he warned.

In a passionate appeal, Pastor Adeboye urged those who were unsure of their salvation to come forward and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. “If you are not a child of God, you are missing a lot because there is a reward for what your Father has achieved for you.” 

This call to salvation was a poignant reminder that, while the rewards of God are vast and eternal, they are reserved for those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s sermon on heavenly rewards reminds us that God is both just and merciful. He rewards the righteous for generations, offering them healing, salvation, victory, and prosperity through the work of Jesus Christ. 

However, these blessings are only available to those who are truly His children. For those who have not yet accepted Christ, the invitation is always open, as Pastor Adeboye so powerfully proclaimed.

As we reflect on this message, we are reminded of the enduring truth that our choices matter, not just for us but for future generations. Whether we experience the consequences of sin or the blessings of righteousness depends on our relationship with God. 

For those who follow Christ, the rewards are immeasurable, not because of what we have done, but because of what our Father has already accomplished for us.