Crowns to Glorify God
Phillipians 4:11-12
"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want"
Hong Kong was a country of "plenty" for our team, being spoiled by South Africans with South African products like biltong, droёwors, Woolies' boerewors and even koeksisters and beskuit. I quickly realised how easy it is to get caught up in every day’s things within a “normal functioning home”. It took some discipline to make time to spend with God, but I got blessed with so many new teachings and revelations from Him.
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Whether in need, or having plenty – whether sleeping in a church hall in Jamaica or sleeping on a sleeper couch in Hong Kong- I will not let my circumstances affect the relationship between me and God. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.
The topic God spoke to me about was unfamiliar to me. I have never heard a teaching on this, but I know it is important for Christians who strive for more than "just salvation"
I was doing an exegesis (in depth Bible study) on Philippians 4. The first verse was the key to discovering what God wants to teach me. Paul writes to the church: "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and CROWN, this is how you should stand firm in the Lord; dear friends"
It was the word CROWN that drew my attention. Why does Paul call the church his crown? In the New Testament there are references regarding rewards in heaven.
2 Cor 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad"
Rev 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done."
This clearly states that when Jesus returns he will be handing out rewards, according to our work. It is important to realise that this revers to work being done after salvation. Salvation is a free gift, it can't be earned by works. It is by grace and God's love alone that we are saved. If you haven't realised that you are a sinner and need Jesus' blood to cleanse you from all sin to restore the relationship between you and God, good works are useless. It is like standing before a judge and telling him what a good person you are. If you do not know Him, your works are of no value before Him.
The Bible talks of 5 crowns that will be handed out in heaven. I will give a brief summary of each with scriptural reference.
1. The crown of exultation or rejoicing
This is also called the 'soul winner's crown'.
This crown is handed out to people who joyously shared their faith and leaded others to Christ by sharing the gospel.
1 Thes 2:19-20, Dan 12:3, and Prov 11:30
2.The crown of life
This is also known as the Martyr's crown
This crown is meant for people who endured testing here on earth who stand unto death for the name of Jesus Christ.
James 1:12, Rev 2:10
3. The crown of victory
Also known as the incorruptible crown.
This crown will be handed for people who practised spiritual discipline and self-control. In 1 Cor 9:25-27 Paul mentions this crown. He also compares our lives with a race. We are like athletes who are in training for a race. It takes self-discipline in terms of your diet, exercise, and time management to train. We as Christians should also train for our spiritual race by spiritual discipline and self-control. This involves sacrifice on a personal level.
4. The crown of glory
This crown will belong to people who were willing to be 'shepherds' for God's flock. This doesn’t only include pastors but anyone discipling someone on a one-on-one basis and mentoring new Christians.
5. Crown of righteousness
Also called the Watcher's crown
For me the word righteous in the Bible can have one of two meanings. Firstly us being made righteous before God through the blood of Jesus and secondly we living a righteous life on earth. Righteous living is a choice we have to make personally.
2 Tim 4:8
The Bible also states that we can lose these rewards on earth, and that we should be wary so that the enemy doesn't steal our crowns.
Rev 3:11, 2 John 1:7-8 and Matt 6:2, 5+16.
So what is the point? Should we now be motivated to work for crowns so that we can walk around in heaven having more crowns than the next person Not at all! If we look at the next scripture:
Rev 4:10-11 "the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and worships Him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
We see that it is all to glorify God. Picture that moment when you have a chance to lay your crown that God gave to you before His feet. Or picture the moment you are standing empty handed, having noting to lay before Him.
The motive for us is thus not to do good works on earth so we can earn a reward in heaven but rather to do good works so one day we can give all the glory back to God and honor Him.
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