Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 354

December 20;      2 Timothy 4:8;       199/260(III);        ‘Awarded’

2 Timothy 4:8 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.

2 Timothy is autobiographical.  As Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, writes this Book, he knows that the time has come for his death as a martyr.  In Philippians 1, he clearly tells us that physical death is nothing to fear and indeed he looks forward to it, so that he can be with Jesus.  In Philippians he knows that he will not be executed at that time because he has more teaching and ministering to do.  He just lets us know that physical death need not be feared.  Paul teaches that when he gets to heaven he will be awarded a crown of righteousness.  He became righteous legally when he was born again and his ministry reflected righteous conduct and full commitment.  Because of that Paul has a crown of righteousness awaiting him.  I believe that the Holy Spirit spoke this through Paul so that we could know that we have a crown awaiting us as well.  Remember we will be rewarded for fulfilling what the Lord called us to do.  We will never be compared with Paul or anyone else. As Christians, we have the assurance that one day Jesus will appear in the clouds, with the sound of a trumpet and take us to heaven.  It is called the rapture of the church.  Life for Christians in Paul’s day was a challenge.  Knowing that one day we will be with our Lord and Savior forever was a tremendous comfort.  Paul reveals incredible truths in this verse.  There will be awards in heaven. Physical death is nothing to fear.  Desire to be with Jesus comforts through challenges.