The Crown Of Life

by Pastor Mark
September 14, 2023

Blessed is the man

It is never easy to go through the temptation/testing of life. But if we persevere through, the Lord will show us His blessings. The Apostle James wrote to his Jewish readers, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

The Greek word “hupomone” means, among other things, “to persevere”. The problem with the Jewish brethren was that they did not persevere so well. They had a wrong attitude in facing trials as they were not mature in faith and lacked wisdom. Our challenge is to persevere in order to receive the crown of life.

The concept of the crown of life

The word “crown” is used in different ways.

1. Crowned in victory

  1. It refers to the victor’s laurel wreath given to the winner of a race.
  2. The idea of being crowned is an imagery of the victory won.
  3. In the context of James 1, victory is given to the one who endures/perseveres to the end.
  4. The testing of life is seen as a race.
  5. There are many different races to endure in life as we face various trials.
  6. When we endure/persevere, we will receive the victory…the crown of life.

2. Crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:1–5)

  1. The blessings of God are given to the person who endures/perseveres.
    1. David went through many difficulties, such as persecution by King Saul.
    2. He endured much and was blessed with physical and spiritual blessings.
  2. Physical blessings
    1. Heals all diseases
    2. Redemption from destruction…was given deliverance
    3. Satisfies the mouth with good food and more
  3. Spiritual blessings
    1. Forgiveness of iniquities (also sin and transgression)
    2. Renewal of life like a youth renewed…given greater strength
  4. Crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies
    1. These special blessings are given along the way.
    2. They are given as part of the different physical and spiritual blessings of God.
    3. Behind all of God’s blessings, we have His special lovingkindness and tender mercies.
    4. Let us rejoice that we can be crowned with the Lord’s lovingkindness and tender mercies.

3. Final crown

  1. This is the final crown we will receive when Christ comes again.
  2. According to the Apostle Peter, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4)
  3. The challenge is to persevere to the end.

Those who will receive the crown of life

Let us be challenged to be among those who will receive the crown of life. Let us be encouraged to have faith in the Lord to endure. Our faith should also cause us to grow in our love for the Lord. If we love the Lord, we will persevere (James 1:12). Let us be challenged to have the faith to be victors of the race of life and be faithful to the very end.

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