3. The Crown of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8
Next in this Bible study on crowns, let’s look at 2 Timothy. For context, here Paul is about to die. He is about to go meet Jesus, who he has been living for. The crown laid up for him speaks of a crown for those anticipating His return.
This crown represents eternal righteousness that Christ gave us when He purchased us. Righteousness is not only the nature of the crown. It is the source of the crown. Righteousness means right living!
It’s impossible for us to say we are anticipating the Lord’s return when we are living in sin! What we believe dictates how we behave. So if we are anticipating the Lord’s return, we must diligently live for God as best we can.
Righteous living provides the confidence necessary for a Christian to look forward to Christ’s return. Do you want Christ to return right now? Or do you need to get some things right first?
4. The Crown of Life – James 1:12
This crown is for those who endure temptation. Trials and temptations are not fun. But they are imperative for us to mature in our faith.
Great coaches learn from their mistakes and losses. A great Christian learns and grows from setbacks. We will suffer setbacks, and through them, Jesus teaches us to be more like him.
5. The Crown of Glory – 1 Peter 5:1-4
This crown is for those who have served faithfully as shepherds of the church. Requirements are listed in verses 2 and 3. Pastors and overseers must have proper motivations. They should have a loving heart for the people. They must feed the flock, teach them, disciple them. Plus, they are to be humble and Godly examples for people to follow.
If pastors do these things, they are deserving of a crown of glory.
God may be preparing some of you for ministry. Realize it isn’t just fun and games. Ministry involves great responsibility. I have to answer to God for what goes on in this student ministry!
What will we do with our crowns?
Crowns are a sign of authority. They represent glory and honor. These crowns mentioned in Scripture are for people who live out the Christian life. They aren’t necessarily the most heroic. Rather, they endured and demonstrated that a person can live for God in this world.
Jeweled crowns of earthly royalty are but trinkets compared to the crowns Jesus gives! He will reward us with these crowns at the judgment seat of Christ. Will we walk around with these crowns boasting about us?
They will not be symbols of who was a super Christian on earth. They will not be displayed for all to see.
Jesus will give us these crowns, and we will cast them at His feet. Why? Because we did not have to wear the crown of thorns!
Revelation 4: What you do with what you get out of this life will be laid at the feet of Jesus! Will you receive any crowns to lay at His feet?
We hope this Bible study on crowns is meaningful for you and your kids!
