Who will receive the crown?
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:12-20 NIV)
A Christian's life is like a race
•there are times of testing endurance and hardship
•there are stumbling blocks
•there are points in which we might want to give up
•but we are persistent and heading towards the finish line to be with God
and receive the crown
What is the crown according to the Bible?
•crown of glory (1Peter 5:3,4)
•crown of righteousness (2Timothy 4:7,8)
•crown of life (Rev 2:10)
•crown of joy (1Thes 2:19)
•crown of gold (Rev 14:14) - only for Jesus Christ
•crown of a husband is his wife (Proverbs 12:4)
•crown to be proud of - in Jesus
•crown of sanctification (Proverbs 4:8,9), (Proverbs 16:31)
•crown of pride and corruption (Isaiah 28:1-3) More power you have, the
more you must serve
What do we need to do to obtain the crown
•persevere and hold on to your faith
•be obedient and do good in service
•share the Gospel •Luke 19:10
•Acts 1:8
•Daniel 12:3
Why do we need to receive the crown?
•because God wants this for us and He deems it good
•because it is for the glory of God
•because it fills us with joy
•because it allows us to share the love, joy and peace as we share the gospel with those around us
Do not waste away sacrificing your life for worldly riches and status… But instead focus, persevere and fight to stay in the race to keep your faith to receive the crown of glory in God who allowed us to be perfected through Jesus Christ!
