Text: Philippians 4: 1-3 (CSB) – “So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.”
So far in our study, we have viewed the Philosophy that Paul is teaching – “To live Christ.” And the Pattern that Paul says we should live by – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” And next, the Prize that Paul says we should seek – “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Now, in Chapter 4 Paul shows you the Power in the Christian Life we lead..
Remember that this little book of Philippians is a real “Rubber hits the Road” description of Christianity. Paul tells us of the JOY and HOPE in the midst of adverse circumstances.
We have taken two sideroads before getting to the main point. So, without further ado - LET’S MOVE TO THE MAIN POINT – “MY JOY AND CROWN”
Paul is speaking of the reward that he receives – because of the Philippian believers. A good Pastor looks at his flock as his joy and crown – or else he better get an honest job. The flock of believers that a Pastor has the privilege of ministering to are given to him by the Lord. He needs to respect and lead as God directs.
The Bible speaks of rewards of many kinds. For a believer, they are given at the judgment seat of Christ. These are not for our works – but for the attitudes and work accomplished as a Christian. These “Stephanos” crowns that Paul speaks of were wreaths of victory given at public games. They are not “Diadema” – this was a kingly or imperial crown. We receive victory wreaths – not to lord over others, but to denote the walk and life attitudes of a believer.
The Bible lists 5 crowns given as rewards. We will quickly go through these.
1. The Crown of Life. This is given for FAITHFULNESS
a. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”
b. Mentioned with the Church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:10 – “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
c. When the trials and tests of life come our way – God is keeping track of how we respond.
d. How do you respond to the trials and temptations in your life? Do you react as Jesus would?
e. God says that we can endure – we can have victory – as we submit to him.
f. Our pride holds us back often from acquiring this reward.
2. Then, there is the Crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS.
a. It is given to those who love His appearing (why? What does this mean?)
b. In 2 Timothy 4: 7,8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
c. This is for a courageous soldier, a successful runner, or a faithful steward.
d. Remember, this reward is open to everyone – how do you measure up?
3. The third crown we find in the Bible is the Crown of REJOICING. It is for the person who seeks to lead others to Jesus.
a. Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians. 2: 19-20 – “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
b. Anyone can acquire this crown.
c. In fact, it is our duty as Christians to be sharing the message of the gospel with those around us.
4. The INCORRUPTIBLE Crown is the fourth one mentioned in Scripture.
a. It is received for self-mastery.
b. 1 Corinthians 9: 25 –27 tells us, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
c. Keeping close control over our bodies, thoughts, and desires.
d. Again, anyone can acquire this reward.
5. The final one is the Crown of GLORY.
a. This one is reserved for faithful pastors.
b. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:4 – “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
c. The pastor is judged by a higher standard, challenged with being the example for the believers in his care.
d. Therefore, there is a special reward for those who stay faithful.
So, today consider these thoughts –
· What about you? Do you have hope and joy because of the rewards you are laying up in heaven?
· Will there be any crowns awaiting you? You make the decision, you make the choice.
· You can wear the victor’s wreath. You can be a victor – but that decision is up to you.
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