Go For the Crown! - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-19

Image result for the crown of glory

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Throughout this letter we have seen Paul's deep affection for the church in Thessalonica.  He is disappointed that he has not been able to visit them personally.  But he realizes that the work he did among them was much bigger than himself.  Paul knew that the word of God was powerful, and as they received the word and lived according to it they would live with great power.  
He knew they were being persecuted by other Jews who were threatened by Gentiles becoming Christians.  The Jews were busy proseltyzing Gentiles to come into their own religion.  But Paul knew God would be faithful to them, and one day their persecutors would be judged for their misdeeds.  
What I find most interesting is that he refers to, "The crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes."  Paul refers this is 1 Corinthians 9:25 as well when he says, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 
So what does it mean to get a crown that will last forever?  Time does not allow to explain the many instances in which the word "crown" is used in the bible as a reward for Christian faithfulness.  There is a "crown of glory", "crown of righteousness", and "crown of life" in different passages in the New Testament. In today's lesson it is a crown in which we will glory in the Lord's presence when he comes.  Glory always refers to God's presence and brilliance.  There are times when people in the bible are filled with the glory of the Lord, but it is always temporary.  Just like the crown/wreath the Olympic runner received in the games at Corinth, any crown received in this life will fade away.  But the crown we receive in heaven will never fade away.  We will be filled with the crown of God's glory forever in heaven. We will radiate God's presence in His presence. 
Where in your life are you working for a crown of glory that will never fade away?  We are saved by grace not by works, but still there is a consistent theme in the bible for living a life worthy of the calling we have received.  As Paul says, "If I am going to run in a race I am going to run to win!"  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Acts 22 - Paul Sees the Light

Image
6  “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.   7  I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me,  ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’  8  “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.  “  ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth,  whom you are persecuting,’  he replied.   9  My companions saw the light,  but they did not understand the voice  of him who was speaking to me.  10  “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “  ‘Get up,’  the Lord said,  ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do. This is the famous story of the apostle Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.  Paul was going there to persecute Jewish Christians and throw them into prison and he meets Jesus is a spectacular way.  Not only is he blinded by a briliant light, but he hears the Lord's voice audibly.  And the Lord asks him, "Lord, Lord why are you persecuting me!"  Paul thought he was serving the Lord, but he was persecuting him b
Read more

Hebrews 6 - Have You Graduated From Elementary School of Faith Yet?

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 6 6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. The author once again picks up with the theme of moving on to Christian maturity.  He teaches them to move on from the "elementary" teachings about Christ. What does he mean by that?  He gives clues by citing repentance, faith, cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, and teaching on the judgment and resurrection from the dead. We might call these the basics of the Christian faith. If you read through the Apostle's Creed, which our church confesses in our 8am service, it contains many of these core doctrines.  Click here to see the Apostle's Creed Written Around “When we consider the
Read more

2 Timothy 4 - Fight the Good Fight! Finish the Race!

Click Here to Read or Listen to 2 Timothy 4 4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. Paul gives a closing charge to Timothy. First of all, he is to preach the word. God's Word speaks to all situations and seasons. The Word of God will sometimes correct us. Our lives can get of out alignment with God's will as outlined in
Read more