For Those Who Love His Appearing
2 Timothy 4:8

purpose: If a Christian truly believes in the return of Christ, then the life of that Christian will be vastly different from those around him/her who are out for what the world offers; will live a life in accordance with the Spirit of God within.

1.  First, Let Us See Why Paul says there was a Crown of Righteousness for himself.

a.  Verse 7 says, “I fought a good fight, …kep the faith”.
b.  We know of Paul’s conversion in Acts 9; and he “finished the race”.
c.  Though works do not save us they are evidence of the work of grace in us.

2.  Second, Let us see where this crown, and the other crowns in Scripture, will be given out.

a.  2 Corinthians 5:10 speaks of the “Judgment Seat of Christ”; this is where Christians will be judged for their part in the race.
b.  One most likely place these awards will be handed out;  There are other crowns; 1) Crown of life (James 1:12);  (2) Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4);  (3) Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thes. 2:19);  (4) Incorruptible Crown (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
c.  At the Judgment Seat of Christ there will be no judgment for sin; only for how we have done in the “race”.

3.  Thirdly, When that Judgment will be done.

a.  When the “race” is finished, and all the saints are gathered at the judgment seat.
b.  At this judgment there will be none of the condemned.
c.  When Jesus comes in clouds to take His chosen people to glory (1 Thes. 4:13-18).

4.  Fourthly,  For whom this Crown of Righteousness is reserved.

a.  The one’s who love the appearing/the second coming of Jesus in glory.
b.  These are ones whose lives are marked by strange living according to the world.

• 1)  We do not practice immoral, debaucherous, licentious, drunken, godless living.

• 2)  We do practice the commandments of the Lord, with repentance (1 John 1:9).

-Tim A. Blankenship