Don’t Just Live to get to Heaven

Have you ever heard Christians talk about getting a crown?

In the scriptures, we see Paul living for the reward in heaven, not for the things on earth. 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27  - Paul is encouraging people to live life with intentional purpose, like if it's a race. Someone running in a race is intentional in preparing their body, and does everything for the sake of winning the prize. Everything they do (sleep, eat, exercise) is for the Lord. 

Five Crowns: The scriptures talk about rewards in heaven for believers who faithfully follow Christ. 

1. Incorruptible Crown - A reward for self-discipline and perseverance in walking with Jesus. To receive this crown, you must stay spiritually disciplined. Do you allow a sin to pull you away from God?
   1. Galatians 5:16-23 - Even for Christians, there is a regular battle between the flesh and spirit. The Spirit of God helps us to do the right thing and to fight against the flesh. There are many things that can keep us from the Kingdom of God, but there are characteristics that are of God.
2. The Crown of Rejoicing - This is a reward for helping others come to Christ. Joy on the inside gives you the ability to rejoice (an outside action). Do you have joy on the inside because of what Christ did for you? To receive this crown, you have to share with others what Christ has done for you, teaching them what's spiritually important and right. We don't condemn people when they make mistakes, but we do teach them what the scripture says is right. 
   1. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 - The people God uses you to bring towards Jesus should give you joy to rejoice. They are like a crown for you because God used you to tell them the good news of Jesus Christ. Have you lately told someone about the goodness of God?
3. The Crown of Righteousness - Loving Christ's appearing.
   1. 2 Timothy 4:7 - Paul talks about how he's fought and finished the race and now is excited to see the Lord Jesus, face to face. 
   2. Revelation 21:1-4 - When Christ appears again, all death will be gone and there will be no sorrow or suffering. 
4. The Crown of Life - Faithfully enduring trials, temptations, persecutions, etc. Trials don't go unnoticed by God. He loves you and He is with you in the pain, and to make you more like Him, He allows suffering (like what He went through). With every new level, there are new tests. Are you faithful to God even when things don't work out for your good?
   1. James 1:12 - Are you enduring temptations on this earth?
   2. Revelation 2:10 - If we are faithful until death, we will get a crown of life. 
5. The Crown of Glory - Faithful shepherding. To receive this crown, you must be a faithful example. This crown is associated with faithful and spiritual leadership - serving willingly and by example.
   1. 1 Peter 5:2-4 - help others learn about the Lord - teaching them what you know as a minister of the gospel, helping them grow in their faith.

What are these crowns for?

Revelations 4:9-11 - Our crowns that we "earn" by the grace of God are gifts for the Lord when we get to heaven. This is something we will have to present to the Lord. 

How do you get a crown?

By faithfully surrendering to the Lord and doing all that He asks you to do. It is a free gift.