Five Crowns for Believers

1. CROWN Of Righteousness:  2 Timothy 4:8

Given to all those who eagerly looked forward to and loved His appearing. When I was a young man working for IBM, we use to have a label for people who were leaving the business. They were called “short timers”.  All their focus was how they could position themselves to leave in good shape, take all they could get and land in a prosperous way. They were motivated by their best interest and their future. God is offering us a better deal in Heaven.  Let us face it, we are short timers on earth. I find few people in the Christian walk focused on Jesus coming back or the fact we are going to Jesus. Most Christians are focused on improving their temporal circumstances or creating a theocratic society. The attitude today is because Jesus loves me, there will be no judgment or accountability in Heaven. So don’t worry about being accountable. That thinking is unbiblical. He loves me and will discipline me. I am accountable. Be motivated and live life with a short timer’s attitude and be assured, you will see Jesus soon. This thinking is in your best interest.

Application: Do I think about Jesus return daily? Do I pray and do I desire that He come back today?

How would Jesus grade me on this mindset?

What do I need to do to get myself better focused on this mindset?

Would you be eligible for this CROWN?

2. INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN   1 Corinthians 9:25-27

Given to those who disciplined their bodies and exercised self-control. 1 Co 9:25 And everyone who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 1 Co 9:26 So then I run, not as if I were uncertain. And so I fight, not as one who beats the air. 1 Co 9:27 But I buffet my body, and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be rejected.  Observations:

In 1 Co 9:26 the word “so” is the same as the word therefore.  Paul concluded he would run his life in a Jesus direction on purpose. Not by accident or just drifting. His life was serving Jesus.

1 Co 9:27 – The word rejected means unapproved, rejected, in subjection. We have a choice, we can be spirit led or flesh led, i.e. accepted or rejected. This is what he is speaking about.  Don’t be flesh led.

In my younger years, I was flesh led. The call is to be disciplined and do what God instructs, i.e. spirit led. Your self-discipline is up to you but God advises you to be disciplined. You will not please God being flesh led.

Application: How would I grade myself on self-discipline? Areas of consideration are lust, eating, money, entertainment, vocabulary, etc.

What is one area, or flesh led I need to discipline?

How would Jesus grade me on this mindset?

What do I need to do to get myself better focused on this mindset?

Would you be eligible for this CROWN?

3. CROWN OF LIFE   James 1:12, Revelation 2:10

Given to those who loved God and endured through tests and temptations and were faithful until death.We live in a promiscuous, licentious, and corrupt society and culture. This is not a new state of man. We are continually tested, tempted and exposed to evil. There is so much evil around us, we are numb to what we are exposed to. I rarely “hate” evil or get disgusted with the things around me. Maybe I should be. But we are called out of this world to walk as a priest of God in our life. I must ask myself,Am I enduring the test and temptations

Would Jesus call my thought life and behavior “faithful unto death”.

It doesn’t matter or count what others around think of my performance. What will Jesus think of me?

Application: What am I reading? What movies am I going to? Is my vocabulary clean?

How would Jesus grade me on this mindset?

What do I need to do to get myself better focused on this mindset?

Would I be eligible for this CROWN?

4. CROWN OF GLORY 1 Peter 5:4

Given to Godly leaders who served believers willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain; leading by example.The problem I find in some Christians is they serve with a hidden agenda. They have a motive of payback from the recipient or organization. They teach a bible study hoping for praise. They speak at a party, SS class, or conference seeking praise. Self-worth and praise is the motive for their service. Put your pride in your pocket and serve with no agenda knowing God will “settle up” with you in the future. Pride comes before a fall.

Application: Do I serve without personal gain from the recipient as my motive?

How would Jesus grade me on this mindset?

What do I need to do to get myself better focused on this mindset?

Would I be eligible for this CROWN?

5. CROWN OF REJOICING    1 Thessalonians 2:19  Daniel 12:3
Given to those who were involved in influencing others to righteousness and relationship with God are you equipped and skilled at witnessing for Jesus? Do you know how to engage another person for the Gospel?  If not, you need to find a seminar or class on sharing Christ and go to it.

Application: How would Jesus grade me on this mindset?

What do I need to do to get myself better focused on this mindset?

Would I be eligible for this CROWN?

These are not the only Rewards but they are singled by the Scriptures for our focus. You should recognize the incredible glory you will receive in eternity for pursuing obedience in the temporal.

Focus and get these 5 CROWNS worked out in your life