Everyone goes through trials. At some point in your life, you are going to face a tragic situation, a death in the family, a fight with a loved one, etc.
So what is the purpose of life's trials?
Read James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Answer: the REWARD
God promises a CROWN OF LIFE to us when we have passed the test and endured life's trials.
Background on CROWNS:
In the ancient times, if one heard the word "crown", he or she would typically imagine 4 different types:
God promises a CROWN OF LIFE to us when we have passed the test and endured life's trials.
Background on CROWNS:
In the ancient times, if one heard the word "crown", he or she would typically imagine 4 different types:
- Crown of Flowers: usually worn at festivals, weddings, feasts, times of joy
- Crown of Royalty: worn by members of the royal family / other positions of authority
- Crown of Victory: given to the winner in an athletic game
- Crown of Honor: signified some sort of honor or dignity that had been bestowed upon a person
Match these 4 verses with the correct crown: [Some of them are not very obvious, but it's alright cause it all comes together nicely!]
2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.
John 12:26: Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Revelation 2:10: Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
[ANSWERS]
2 Timothy 4:7-8 = crown of victory
John 12:26 = crown of flowers
1 Peter 2:9 = crown of royalty
Revelation 2:10 = crown of honor
The CROWN of LIFE, or the crown that consists of life, includes ALL of the 4 different crowns that were just listed.
John 12:26 = crown of flowers
1 Peter 2:9 = crown of royalty
Revelation 2:10 = crown of honor
The CROWN of LIFE, or the crown that consists of life, includes ALL of the 4 different crowns that were just listed.
REAL LIFE IS ONLY FOUND IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!
When we become Christians, we:
- become part of a priesthood / royalty
- are bestowed with honor
- are victors because Jesus was and is the victory
- and we will one day be participants in a wedding feast
James used this term to provide a visual aid to his readers, who were not in the best of situations. His readers needed to know that PERSEVERING / remaining steadfast / sticking with a LIFE of FAITH IN CHRIST is very much worth it!
[from the book] "A life with God- even in the midst of suffering and persecution- is more valuable and full of more life than any life without God, even if it's filled with comfort and ease"
KEEP IN MIND: We are absolutely worthless. Like the things of earth, we are temporary and weak. Without God, who is everlasting and omnipotent, we have no worth. Nothing truly significant rests in us without God. But by God's wonderful grace, we can receive the crown which consists of life and have worth through Christ. So, as Christians we should be living for the sake of eternity and focus on living for God, not for the temporary things of earth.
So, what happens to your crown?
Read Revelation 4:1-11
Here, John sees some crazy stuff. But the important parts about the setting are the thrones. Here there are 24 elders that had crowns and were seated on their own thrones, surrounding Christ's ultimate and central throne. Verse 10 is very significant. In this verse, the crowned elders are falling down before Christ and casting their crowns to "the One who lives forever and ever."
So, what happens to your crown?
Read Revelation 4:1-11
Here, John sees some crazy stuff. But the important parts about the setting are the thrones. Here there are 24 elders that had crowns and were seated on their own thrones, surrounding Christ's ultimate and central throne. Verse 10 is very significant. In this verse, the crowned elders are falling down before Christ and casting their crowns to "the One who lives forever and ever."
So, this shows that everything that we are blessed with, every crown that is granted to us, should go back directly to God, who grants you the crown when you are faithful to Him. This is because God is the only Being that deserves a crown, the only One who deserves all the praise! You must praise Him with the crown He blessed you with!
[Lesson taught by Ethel, Micah, and Queenie 04.24.12]
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