Five Crowns Of Reward

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Bible pictures life as a race from cross to crown and certain rewards (crowns) are given to those who are victorious.

2. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it … Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

3. “ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

4. Who – all Christians appear at the Bema Judgement.

5. Judge – Christ the righteous Judge.

6. When – “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

7. What – “ If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:14).

8. Crown – Stephanos, Conduct, Diadema, Character

a. Triumph

b. Distinguished service

c. Announcement

d. Kingly dignity

e. Imperial claim

f. Christ always wears the diadem expect the crown of thorns at death.

g. The believer never wears the diadem because our character is imputed. Believers are expected to triumph.

B. THE CORRUPTIBLE CROWNS

Faithfulness in self-control. “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

C. THE CROWN OF REJOICING

Faithfulness in service. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). “My joy and my crown” (Philippians 4:1). The only reward that approaches success.

D. THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Faithfulness in testimony. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Not fruit by faithfulness.

E. THE CROWN OF GLORY

Faithfulness in tending those entrusted to you. “ Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:2-4). Glory is an attribute of God.

F. THE CROWN OF LIFE

Faithfulness is temptation.

1. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

2. Crown is not eternal life.

3. Trials from God to approve mature.

4. Temptations from Satan to cast down castaway.

5. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

G. CONCLUSION

1. “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

2. “…the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:10-11).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.