A Stern Master's Kingdom (Luke 17:10)

Scripture speaks of us receiving crowns and rewards when we get to glory. One of think that our sole motivation is to have a bigger crown, a bigger mansion, or more rewards than another christian. What is wrong with this sort of motivation to obey to receive more from our Lord at the final judgment? Why should we want to conform to the Lord as we journey through this age?

Paradox of Wisdom (2) (Matthew 10:24-39)

Christ’s disciples will face trials, struggles, and hardships.  Christ has already mentioned the hardships that await us.  However, Christ goes on to speak of other problems that tempt us beyond just the comforts of this world.  Christ tells us that we might have to walk away from family to be incorporated into the kingdom of God.  How can Christ talk about disrupting the family?  Why would we want to give up these earthly comforts for Christ?

Stimulated or Sluggish by Grace? (LD 1; COD 1; 13; Deuteronomy 7:7; 1 Peter 2:9)

Why do we want to conform to the Lord if we are already secured in Christ?  Do we want to conform to the Lord because it is better than facing the dread of not conforming to the Lord?   What is the primary motivation for our desire to conform to the Lord?  If you look at our confessions it seems that we do so because of what God has done or as we say, “Out of Gratitude.”  It seems that we obey the Lord because of His grace.  So, how can grace motivate us to conform to the Lord rather than just living selfishly in rebellion against Him?