WINNING THE IMPERISHABLE CROWN
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3
The Christian life is a race which demands diligence, determination and discipline. God has rewards for those who run, but they are for those who complete the race, and who do so lawfully.
Like athletes, runners and boxers, we must not just aim at competing, but target the prize (the incorruptible crown). We can only attain the crown through constant training, discipline and avoiding distractions.
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14)
P1. THE WEAKNESS OF EARTHLY CROWNS
1 Corinthians 9:25; Job 31:24-28;1 Peter 1:18-25; Matt. 6:19,20; James 5:1-3
Don’t be distracted by earthly crowns and glories:
➢ They are corruptible
➢ They are perishable
➢ They rust and corrode
➢ They can be gained through unfair and foul means e.g. doping and match-fixing
➢ They are uncertain ( 1 Timothy 6:17)
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
P2. THE WEALTH OF ETERNAL CROWNS
Zechariah 6:9-15; 1 Corinthians 2:9,10; 1 Peter 1:3,4
Eternal crowns await believers who overcome:
➢ An incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9:25)
➢ A crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
➢ A crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)
➢ A crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)
➢ A crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4)
➢ A crown of gold (Revelation 4:4)
“Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! ” (Psalm 31:19).
P3. WINNING THE ENDURING CROWNS
Philippians 3:8-11; Daniel 12:2,3; 2 Tim. 4:1-8; Revelation 2:10,11; 3:11,12
• Winning the crown should be your only goal and purpose:
➢ Discipline and take control of your faculties:
▪ body (tame your appetites- Proverbs 23:2; 25:16)
▪ mind and thoughts (1 Peter 1:13; Romans 8:5-7)
▪ spirit (Galatians 5:16,17; Ephesians 4:22-24)
➢ Diligently engage in your daily spiritual workouts (prayer, fellowship, evangelism, Bible study etc.)
➢ Determine to get to the finish line no matter what comes your way
➢ Don’t get distracted, stay focused!
➢ Remember God has no reward for believers who end their Christian race halfway!
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11)