• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"The crown of righteousness..."

Text: 2 Timothy 4:8

THE REWARD FOR THE FAITHFUL

Paul looked forward now to the reward that he knew God had reserved for him. With great confidence and joy Paul wrote about this reward.

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day,
and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:8

1. “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness”

a) Paul had written about this crown in 1 Corinthians (Greek “stephanos”) {1 Corinthians 9:25}.

b) A crown was given to the winner of a race.

i) This crown was called a “perishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

ii) It was a crown made of laurel leaves.

iii) Paul in the same text wrote about an imperishable crown.

c) The imperishable crown is called “a crown of righteousness”.

i) It is God’s way of recognising the faithful.

ii) This crown would not fade away.

iii) It is a symbolic but still very real crown to Paul.

2. The Giver of the crown of righteousness

a) He is called “The Lord”.

b) He is also called “The righteous Judge”.

c) The reference is to the Lord Jesus Christ to whom the Father has entrusted all judgment (John 5:24).

3. Who may look forward to receiving the crown of righteousness?

The crown of righteousness will be given out on the Day of the Lord’s appearing.

a) Paul certainly would be a worthy recipient.

b) To all who love the appearing of the Lord.

i) This is another way of describing the faithful.

ii) The faithful love the Lord Jesus Christ.

iii) They surely look forward to His appearing (The Second Coming).

iv) They also strive to be faithful to the Lord in life and ministry.

v) They too will run the race of life well.