Sermon on 6 October 2024 by Pastor Paul
2 Timothy 4:8
[8] And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
4 crowns that were promised to all the saints :
> Crown of righteousness ( 2 Timothy 4:8 )
> Imperishable crown ( 1 Corinthians 9:25 )
> Crown of glory ( 1 Peter 5:4 )
> Crown of life ( James 1:12 & Revelation 2:10 )
2 Timothy 4:1-8
[1] I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: [2] Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. [3] For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will reject the truth and chase after myths. [5] But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. [6] As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. [8] And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
The crown of righteousness is only given to those who have :
> Fought the good fight
- be victorious over sin
> Finished the race
- be testimony over sin
> Kept the faith
- be faithful in keeping the word
1. Is about GOD'S righteousness, not ours
Romans 3:23
[23] For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Matthew 6:33
[33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
2. The opposite of righteousness is sin
Romans 6:13
[13] Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
3. Only in JESUS we are made righteousness
John 15:5
[5] “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
2 Corinthians 5:21
[21] For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
4. Righteousness associates closely with holiness, goodness, truth, faith, love, peace and joy
Let's treasure crown of righteousness
1 Peter 2:24
[24] He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
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