Faith Filled Family Magazine September 2016 | Page 36

royal crowns, but are described
like the crowns for athletic competition of Paul’s time. These
are earned by our faithful works.
Since this is an Olympic year, we
There are five crowns mentioned like to watch competitors from
in the Bible (http://www.got- around the world perform with
questions.org/heavenly-crowns. amazing perfection the sporting
html). No one who does not events of their expertise. The
believe on Jesus for salvation ones who win receive medals
will receive any of them because of gold, silver, or bronze. The
the words in Hebrews 12:1-8 and other competitors receive nothHebrews 2:7-9 are addressed to ing but the satisfaction of being
believers. Only Christians, those honored to compete at Olympic
whose faith is in Jesus Christ, level. During Paul’s time, there
receive the Crown of Righteous- were many popular sporting
ness at the judgment seat of events. Paul refers to runners
Christ (2 Timothy 4:8). As joint in an endurance race (Hebrews
heirs with Jesus, we inherit this 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25,
crown because we belong to Galatians 2:2) or a fighter who
the Prince of Peace, the King of fights in competition, beating his
Kings, Lord of Lords (Romans body into submission (1 Corin8:15-17). When we accepted thians 9:26-27). These illustraJesus as our Savior, this crown tions bring across very important
was reserved for us as our spiritual lessons about persereward- a heavenly royal crown. verance in the Christian faith
It is about our position before God and living a disciplined life. The
in eternity. Believers in Christ laurel crowns of athletic events
re ceive it because we are made were made from living branches
righteous before our Holy God. which would fade and fall apart
Our sins are washed away by over time, but the crowns we
His blood, leaving us completely receive for finishing the race set
clean, not by anything we do to before us will never fade away (1
earn it (http://www.gotquestions. Corinthians 9:25).
org/heavenly-crowns.html). The
value of this crown is the price There are four crowns illustrated
Jesus paid, making it more valu- with a competition theme. We
able than anything in this world. may receive them for our works
We also look forward to Jesus’ here on earth as believers:
return. This crown is awarded Incorruptible Crown, Crown of
at the Judgment Seat of Christ Glory, Crown of Rejoicing, and
where our names will be found Crown of Life. Three of them are
in the Book of Life (Revelation for special service.
20:10).
The Incorruptible Crown is given
to those believers who live out
Reaping Rewards
God’s word daily. This illustration
There are other crowns we may uses running in an endurance
receive based on the works we race we are set to compete in
do here on earth. Curiously, (Hebrews 12:1-2)The Christians
these other crowns are not like Paul refers to are very disciplined
Kings and Lord of Lords. These
are not the physical crowns of
royalty, but spiritual crowns we
will be given in eternity.

about living their Christian faith
by following the rules, the teachings of Christ (2 Timothy 2:5)
There will be times when it can
become very difficult. They are
temperate, not giving in to temptation. When we are tempted
to say or do things we know are
wrong, we are reminded of the
value of standing firm in our faith
by not caving in to temptation.
These believers persevere until
Jesus returns (Revelation 3:11)
and receive this imperishable
crown as their reward (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Three Crowns for Special Service
The Crown of Glory is for those
serving Christ as a pastor, missionary, or other leadership form
of ministry, which does not fade (
1 Peter 5:4) Following God’s call
to ministry is not easy because
it requires servant-leadership.
Serving the Lord while leading
people in their faith flies in the
face of secular leadership. These
leaders serve because they are
willing to follow God’s call to ministry, not reveling in position or
status, rather with humility. They
also serve, not to become rich,
but trust God for provision of what
they need. They set the example
of Christian living to those who
follow under their leadership.
Pastors and missionaries often
work in adverse conditions with
people who can be very hostile
to the Gospel, yet they rejoice
when they see someone’s life
changed. Interestingly, Paul tells
Timothy anyone who wants to
become an overseer (pastor)
has a very big role to fill (1 Timothy 3:1-5). We must know our
call is from God and to follow
through with all humility. Those