God’s people should not be driven by the prospects of receiving a crown of glory, but the Scriptures tell us of a variety of crowns that are given. For instance, it’s certainly clear from the book of Proverbs that when a person follows in the pathway of godly wisdom as described in the book, there will be a crown. Which also means that when the way of wisdom is forsaken then the prize is missed.
Proverbs 4:7–9 (ESV) — 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. 8Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
The apostle Paul described the need for himself and those in ministry to be diligent in godly exercise of spiritual disciplines because in doing so one’s work will be manifest and as the work is tried, so is the reward given. Hence, Paul labored diligently so that after preaching to others he would not be disqualified but receive the prize for finishing well.
1 Corinthians 3:13–15 (ESV) — 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
1 Corinthians 9:25 (ESV) — 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
1 Corinthians 9:26–27 (ESV) — 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Look at how Paul assessed his life as he drew near the end. As a drink offering is poured out before the Lord, so he felt his life was poured out in service to the Master. Did Paul regret it? Not for a second! Paul he knew that there was laid up for him a crown of righteousness and not just for him, but for all who love the Lord and look forward to His return.
2 Timothy 4:6–8 (ESV) — 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.
As Paul labored with various churches, he found his joy to be as a crown as he saw the Lord Jesus Christ work in the people with whom he labored. Notice how he refers to the church at Thessalonica as his crown of joy.
1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 (ESV) — 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
James described the need to be steadfast when under trials because God has promised a crown of life to those who love Him.
James 1:12 (ESV) — 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Likewise in Revelation, Jesus speaks to the church at Smyrna, which was in heavy persecution, reminding them of the need to be faithful even unto death and they would receive the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10 (ESV) — 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Peter reminded church officers to be faithful in serving the flock as the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, will take notice of their faithfulness and reward them accordingly.
1 Peter 5:1–4 (ESV) — 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
In God’s economy, faithfulness equals success and is rewarded accordingly. Man equates success in making a big splash, but notice the comfort to those faithful to God and His word.
Luke 12:32 (ESV) — 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
As you can see, God rewards those who are faithful, but there is nowhere to boast in ourselves. We see in Revelation those who had received the crowns of glory cast them at the feet of the Lamb, for He alone is worthy. Paul best described that attitude in the following:
1 Corinthians 1:30–31 (ESV) — 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:31 (ESV) — 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
One more external glory that we often miss is for those who have gray hair, but not just gray hair, but a godly life that goes with it. That is saying those who have been faithful even to old age should be given great respect.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
