‘A Crown of Righteousness’ – Sunday Thought For Today

This morning I was reflecting upon the final days of the Apostle Paul’s life. He humbly wrote his auto-obituary in a brief few words: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)

He shared with confidence of his assurance and his security stating: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day;” (2 Timothy 4:8 KJV) It is important to note that in the same verse Paul assures us that a “crown of righteousness” awaits “all them also that love His appearing.”

But, the crown of righteousness that Paul spoke of, is based upon obedience. It’s based upon obeying the unchangeable Word of God. It is not based upon the attitude of many today who selectively choose and apply the portions of God’s Word that fit with what they want to do. Our reward, i.e., the “crown of righteousness” is not based upon what we think, it’s based upon our obedience to God’s Word and our submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit in us.

READ: 2 Timothy 3:1-14 KJV
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;