Jumpstarter 7 of 10

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Question 7

“Even though two deeds may be identical, they can differ in quality depending on the motive,” and therefore “the reward is different”—how does this motive-based view of reward sit with common teachings about assurance and salvation, and what practical changes would it demand in the way we evaluate ourselves and others?

Another way to ask: If two people do the same thing but for different reasons, how should we think about God’s reward? What would that change about how we judge ourselves and others?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, God evaluates the inner motive—fear versus love—so reward differs even when deeds look the same; this pushes us to examine our hearts rather than relying on outward behavior as proof of spiritual health.

Support from Transcript:

“Even though two deeds may be identical, they can differ in quality depending on the motive behind them.”
“It makes a difference whether a deed is done out of fear or out of love.”
“Appropriately, then, the reward is different depending on the motive.”
He warns that confession “out of fear or an expectation of reward” means “I don’t really know Him.”
Giving to the poor “with thought of reward… I am nothing,” showing that even good deeds can be corrupted by motive.

Discussion Follow-ups The transcript doesn’t lay out a full doctrine of assurance, but it does imply that outward deeds can be misleading. What would change if churches praised “love-motive” more than visible productivity?

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Jumpstarter 7 of 10