Victory with Jesus Christ
We are in the full swing of the Winter
Olympics in Sochi, Russia. It is amazing watching all of the skilled athletes
at the top of their game striving for medals. We are all watching as they smile
in victory or grimace in defeat. Regardless of the outcome, we are proud of
these talented few who have made it to the Olympics.
Meanwhile,
there are others athletes at home that may have decided for one reason or
another that they could not spend the time or energy required to reach that
level of success. It may not have seemed worth the cost of sacrificing one’s
life just for the temporary glory of competing on the world’s stage.
While we
may not be as talented as those competing in Sochi or as willing to put forth
the effort, there is another important arena and an honor with your name on it!
The Judgment Seat of Christ is where we all must give an account of our lives
to Christ. This is where we get our crowns for good service to God. Did we take
the easy way? Did we just do enough to get to heaven? Did we strive and do
everything that we could to please our Savior?
· The
Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25),
is a special crown given for faithfulness
· The
Crown of Exultation or Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19; Philippians. 4:1) is for sharing
the Gospel, follow-up, and ministry to others
· The
Crown of Life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10) for enduring trials and overcoming
temptation.
· The
Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy. 4:8) is given for faithfulness to use our
gifts and opportunities in the service of the Lord and for loving His appearing.
· The
Crown of Glory (1 Peter. 5:4) is for pastors for their faithfulness in
completing their responsibilities in shepherding the people.
We are so very happy for all of those
who participated in the Olympics and all of those who prepared through the
trials, but most of all, we want to get our crowns at the Judgment
Seat of Christ. We are looking for Jesus to say, “Well done, good and faithful
servant.” (Matthew 25:23).
Please comment below and share how you decided that, most of all, you wanted
God’s rewards and encourage others to look for and work toward God’s eternal crowns
of victory.
2 Corinthians 5:9-11
New International Version (NIV)
9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
New International Version (NIV)
9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
Revelation 22:12
New International Version (NIV)
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
Matthew
25:23 (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
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