Crowns in Heaven: Rewards for Faithful Living
Summary
Today’s focus is on the hope and encouragement found in the “crowns in heaven” that God promises to those who follow Christ faithfully. Life as a Christian is not always easy—there are seasons of weariness, suffering, and sacrifice. Yet, God sees every act of faithfulness, every moment of perseverance, and every step taken in obedience. He promises not only eternal life with Him, but also specific rewards—crowns—that reflect the ways we have loved, served, and endured for His sake.
There are five crowns described in Scripture: the crown of victory (for all believers who finish the race), the crown of righteousness (for those who long for Christ’s return and remain faithful), the crown of rejoicing (for those who share the gospel and see others come to faith), the crown of life (for those who suffer or are martyred for Christ), and the crown of glory (for pastors and elders who shepherd God’s people well). Each crown is not a prize to be won by our own standards, but a reward given by God for faithfulness according to His purposes.
The Christian life is not about keeping score or earning our way into heaven. God alone determines what is good, and our call is to trust Him, do good to all—especially to fellow believers—and to persevere in faith. The rewards we receive now—purpose, peace, wisdom, courage, and assurance—are just a foretaste of what is to come. Assurance of salvation is not a vague hope, but a settled reality for those who trust in Christ’s finished work.
When we finally stand before Christ at the judgment seat, our lives will be seen in full—both the faithful and the unfaithful moments. The crowns we receive are not for our own glory, but so that we might have something to lay at Jesus’ feet in worship, acknowledging that all we have and are is because of Him. The ultimate goal is not just to “get to heaven,” but to serve and honor Jesus both now and forever. Let us not grow weary in doing good, rejoice in the rewards we have now, and be ready to lay down our crowns in worship to the One who is worthy.
Key Takeaways
- God determines what is truly good, not us. Our culture often measures goodness by our own standards or by comparing ourselves to others, but God alone sets the standard. True goodness is found in obedience to Him, not in keeping our own score or just doing “more good than bad.” This calls us to humility and dependence on God’s wisdom, not our own. [37:24]
- Assurance of salvation is a gift to be lived out, not just hoped for. Many believers live with uncertainty, but Christ’s finished work on the cross and resurrection secures our place in God’s family. We are called to live like we believe it—walking in the confidence and peace that comes from knowing we are His, and letting that assurance shape every aspect of our lives. [42:03]
- Faithfulness is forged in the trials and uncertainties of life. The crown of righteousness is for those who keep looking up, longing for Christ, even when prayers seem unanswered or circumstances are desperate. True faith is not the absence of struggle, but the persistent hope and trust in Christ through every season, especially when we are tempted to despair. [51:47]
- The fruit of our lives is seen in the spiritual legacy we leave. The crown of rejoicing is for those who share Christ and invest in others’ faith journeys, even when we may never see the results this side of heaven. Our role is to faithfully “deliver the mail”—to share the gospel and trust the Holy Spirit to do the work, knowing that every act of witness has eternal significance. [57:30]
- The ultimate purpose of every crown is worship, not self-exaltation. In heaven, we will see the full story of our lives and realize that every good thing was from Christ. The greatest honor will be to lay our crowns at His feet, acknowledging that He alone is worthy. Our motivation is not to collect rewards for ourselves, but to have something to offer back to Jesus in grateful worship. [01:14:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[30:58] - Celebrating the Empty Chairs and Mission
[33:08] - Introduction to Crowns in Heaven
[34:41] - Earning Crowns, Not Winning Them
[35:48] - Doing Good: God’s Standard
[38:17] - Rewards in This Life
[40:17] - Assurance of Salvation
[42:39] - The Crown of Victory (Believer’s Crown)
[45:22] - The Call to Repent and Believe
[47:36] - The Crown of Righteousness (Faithful Crown)
[49:14] - Faith in Crisis: A Family Testimony
[54:23] - The Crown of Rejoicing (Soul Winner’s Crown)
[59:52] - The Crown of Life (Martyr’s Crown)
[01:02:23] - The Crown of Glory (Pastor’s Crown)
[01:07:07] - The Purpose and Mystery of Crowns
[01:08:02] - Heaven: Mansions, Work, and the Bema Seat
[01:12:15] - Laying Down Our Crowns in Worship
[01:16:33] - Applications: Living for Eternal Rewards
[01:19:42] - Communion and Response
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Crowns in Heaven
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### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
> Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
2. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
3. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)
> For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 6:9-10, what is the promise for those who do not grow weary in doing good? How does Paul say we should treat others, especially fellow believers? [35:48]
2. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, what kind of discipline does Paul compare the Christian life to? What is the difference between the crown athletes receive and the crown believers receive? [42:39]
3. In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, what does Paul say is “in store” for him, and who else is it for? What does it mean to “long for his appearing”? [47:36]
4. The sermon described five crowns mentioned in Scripture. Can you name them and briefly describe what each one is for? [33:08]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that God, not us, determines what is truly “good.” Why is it important to let God set the standard for goodness, rather than comparing ourselves to others or keeping our own score? [37:24]
2. The pastor said that assurance of salvation is not just a vague hope, but a settled reality for those who trust in Christ. How does this assurance change the way a believer lives day to day? [42:03]
3. The “crown of rejoicing” is for those who share the gospel and invest in others’ faith journeys, even if they never see the results. Why do you think God values faithfulness in sharing, even when we don’t see fruit right away? [57:30]
4. The sermon said that the ultimate purpose of every crown is worship, not self-exaltation. What does it mean to “lay down our crowns” at Jesus’ feet, and why is this significant? [01:14:03]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us not to grow weary in doing good, especially to fellow believers. Is there an area in your life where you feel tired or discouraged in doing good? What would it look like to persevere in that area this week? [35:48]
2. The pastor shared a story about someone who believed he was “good enough” for heaven by his own standards. Are there ways you have tried to keep your own score or compare yourself to others spiritually? How can you shift your focus to God’s standard instead? [37:24]
3. Assurance of salvation was described as a “sealed, signed, delivered deal” for those who trust in Christ. Do you struggle with assurance? If so, what is one step you can take to rest in Christ’s finished work this week? [42:03]
4. The “crown of righteousness” is for those who keep looking up and longing for Christ, even in hard times. When have you found it hardest to keep your hope in Christ? What helps you keep your eyes on Him during those times? [51:47]
5. The “crown of rejoicing” is for those who share Christ with others. Who is one person in your life you can pray for or share your faith with this month? What is one practical step you can take to “deliver the mail” and trust God with the results? [57:30]
6. The sermon said the ultimate goal is not just to “get to heaven,” but to serve and honor Jesus now and forever. What is one way you can serve Jesus or others this week that you might otherwise overlook? [01:16:33]
7. When you think about “laying down your crowns” in worship, what does that look like for you practically? Is there something you need to surrender to Jesus today as an act of worship? [01:14:03]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for perseverance, assurance, and a heart to serve and honor Jesus, asking God to help each person live in light of eternity and be ready to lay down their crowns in worship.
Devotional
Day 1: Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good
God calls us to persist in doing good, not according to our own standards, but according to His definition of goodness. When we serve others, especially fellow believers, we are sowing seeds that will reap a harvest in due time if we do not give up. The rewards of living this way are not just reserved for heaven; God gives us purpose, peace, wisdom, courage, and assurance in this life as we walk in obedience. Even when the world’s idea of “good” is different, we are reminded that God alone determines what is truly good, and He sees every act of faithfulness. [35:48]
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV 1983)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Reflection: In what specific way can you do good to someone in your church family today, trusting that God defines and rewards true goodness?
Day 2: The Crown of Victory—Living a Disciplined, Repentant Life
Every believer in Christ is promised an imperishable crown, but this is not a passive reward; it is for those who run the race with discipline and repentance. Salvation is secure, but we are called to make our bodies slaves to righteousness, giving our free will back to God and living out our faith with intentionality. Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual turning away from sin and a willingness to bring every area of life under Christ’s lordship. This disciplined pursuit is the mark of a life that truly believes and follows Jesus. [43:58]
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV 1983)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice spiritual discipline or repentance today, and how can you take a concrete step toward surrendering it to Christ?
Day 3: The Crown of Righteousness—Longing for Christ’s Return
The crown of righteousness is promised to those who keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, longing for His return and remaining faithful through every trial. Even when prayers seem unanswered or circumstances are overwhelming, hope is found in Christ alone. This crown is for those who, in the midst of suffering, disappointment, or uncertainty, continue to look up and trust in God’s sovereign plan, finding strength and assurance in Him rather than in the shifting sands of this world. [47:36]
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV 1983)
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 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.
Reflection: When you face disappointment or fear, what would it look like for you to “look up” and place your hope in Christ today, rather than in your circumstances?
Day 4: The Crown of Rejoicing—The Joy of Sharing Christ
There is a unique joy and eternal reward for those who share the hope of Christ with others. The crown of rejoicing, or the soul winner’s crown, is given to those who faithfully proclaim the gospel, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of salvation. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every invitation to church or prayer is a seed planted that God can use to bring someone to faith. The impact of sharing Christ may not always be seen immediately, but in eternity, the spiritual children you have influenced will be your glory and joy. [55:29]
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NIV 1983)
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? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus? How can you intentionally share the hope of Christ with them this week?
Day 5: Laying Down Our Crowns—Worshiping the Worthy King
The ultimate purpose of every crown and every reward is not our own glory, but to honor Jesus. In heaven, we will lay our crowns at His feet, recognizing that every good thing we have done was only possible because of His grace. The Bema seat of Christ will reveal the true story of our lives, and in that moment, we will see clearly that it has always been about Jesus. Our greatest act of worship will be to give back to Him what He has given to us, declaring that He alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and power. [01:12:15]
Revelation 4:10-11 (NIV 1983)
The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Reflection: As you consider your life and your service to Christ, how can you cultivate a heart that longs to give all glory back to Jesus, both now and for eternity?
Quotes
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