Fear of the Lord (4)

Privilege

Last week we began the discussion of the rewards we will see in Heaven. We talked about Receiving praise from God. I believe this is probably what most will look forward too because there is nothing like receiving praise from your creator. The second is position—that we will be assigned a job or task not according to the size of our calling, but rather our obedience to the one who called us.

This morning we are talking about privilege. With privilege the bible gives us this idea of receiving crowns and there are 5 different crowns I have found in the bible. Before diving into what these are we need a little background to the idea of the crown.

We know in Acts 18 that Paul has stayed in Corinth for a year and 6 months. He used Corinth to do great things during his missionary journey where he spent the time teaching and preaching God’s word. Not far from Corinth was the Isthmian games which were held every two years funded by Corinth and second only to the Olympics. They were big festivals of religion, athletics, and arts.

For those who won crowns were given.The greek term used in 1 Corinthians for crowns is Stephanos. Which was more like a wreath or garland made from twisted leaves, pine shoots, parsley, or olive branches. It was considered the gold medal of its day and brought honor and benefits to those who wore it.

So as I stated the bible calls out 5 crowns.

Incorruptible/Imperishable

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

It is known as the crown of mastery or discipline. This is a reward that will go to those who practice self control and overcome temptations of the flesh. This crown greatly values discipline related to our physical bodies.

2. Crown of Righteousness

1 Timothy 4:7–8 ESV

7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

This is called the watchers crown. Every believer receives this crown of Jesus Christ. It’s the crown of Holy Living and those is given to those who received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and is walking out living or trying to live a righteous lifestyle.

3. Crown of Life

James 1:12 ESV

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Revelation 2:10 ESV

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

This is the crown of suffering given to those who endure or persevere under trials, tests of life, and for some martyrdom.

4. Crown of Rejoicing

Philippians 4:1 ESV

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 ESV

19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?

One Theologian states that this crown symbolizes people to whom we’ve ministered too and people we have brought to Christ. I believe we will receive this crown as we are celebrating the faces we see and the product of the seeds we planted that we may never have known sprouted into life.

5. Crown of Glory

1 Peter 5:1–4 ESV

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

This crown is reserved for Teacher who taught well. Those who stuck to the word of God and didn’t twist or bend the truth.

So what will we do with these crowns

Revelation 4:10–11 ESV

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Casting our crowns at the feet of God will be our ultimate sign of worship and surrender. This will be publically acknowledging that we couldn’t do any of the deeds we have done without the help and power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus quoted Daniel 12:3 in

Matthew 13:43 ESV

43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

All of God’s people will come together and shine in the glory of our God. For those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.