A Crown Of Rightousness | Pastor Jeff Williams
Message: A letter of Paul to Timothy as he nears the end of his life as he has kept the faith and awaits the crown of righteousness. Paul has been isolated and imprisoned, relying on the support of friends for survival. Paul reflects on his life in Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit, caring little for his life, but that he might finish with joy in the plan God had for him. God has a plan and purpose for each of us, carrying it out in and through us. Paul is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and it allows us to see ourselves. In 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, we sing the praises of God together , but his grace should not be taken for granted. God has delivered us and salvation is critical. In all things we are in a fallen world and are in need, but are not to be part of this world. There are trials, because we proclaim the name of Christ, it arises from nowhere, so we're reminded of prayer, patience and God's plan. *IN-BY-AS In faith* we're called to finish the course, letting nothing forfeit us. By* God, by the supernatural power in us, defensively and offensively, we are to fear nothing, He is greater than any situation. Nehemiah 4:14 is an encounter with overwhelming forces. It's a reminder to remember the Lord, fight by* the power truth and Word of God. People call us out, treat us wrongly, but God has another report of you. We are known and beloved by* Him. As* we are in the middle of battle, there is a power available to us, when we walk in God's strength. The strength is His truth and promises as* our identity, that others my see us in Christ. There are many crowns awarded to believers after salvation. The Greek word for crown in stephanos, royalty and honor, such is the name of Stephen the martyr. In the New Testament, it refers to the reward for the faithful, not to seize unearned, but for a follower of the Lord, obedient to stay on the course God had laid out. A crown of righteousness is given to those who long Christ's appearance and those in the struggle to keep Him first. With lamps lit and oil full are those living for His appearance in their life as Savior and Shepherd, seeking Him in prayer, studies, and testimony, anticipating His return. Everything we've done, outside the righteousness of God will be consumed by fire. In this there is conviction for the things we prized in this world above God, thereby missing the reward He has for us. It's a reminder to lean on the Lord as course to follow, as a ministry to finish, which produces an opportunity to reveal Himself and a good God to others. They're examining us, "reading our book", to see if we're holding fast to our profession of faith and the calling placed on us. Maybe it's someone you know who persecutes Christians, what's your response going to be? When you are challenged, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?", do you say, "Yes, I do!" The crown of righteousness is for believers, purchased by Christ and bestowed to the saints who love His appearing, putting everything else secondary to His work, calling and leading. Will we say, "I do!"? The crown is a symbol of trust and desire to be with Christ in every aspect of our lives, given by the righteous Judge to all those who love His appearance and anticipate it. This is not our safe place, be expectant of Him; He is excited about you. Trust and lean upon Him, fighting the fight of faith, not only for eternal life but for the crown of righteousness of God, of Christ, in you. Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." - KJV
