Topic: The Crown of Righteousness — Friday 18, August 2017.
Memorise: And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. – 1 Peter 5:4
Read: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 19-20; Ezekiel 26:19-27:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 14: Take My Life
Open Heavens 18th Friday, August 2017 Message:
In several passages of Scriptures, the Christian life is compared to
being engaged in a sporting activity, particularly the analogy of
running a race. In other to finish strong like Apostle Paul did, we need
to pay close attention to these analogies and apply their lessons to
our Christian life. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
makes it clear that everyone that participates in a race does so for
the purpose of winning. It also says that winning requires serious
training and perseverance. Furthermore, this passage states that of the
many participants in the race, only one person emerges as winner. 2 Timothy 2:5 reveals that you must play according to the rules and regulations of the game to be declared the winner. From Hebrews 12:1-3, we understand that we must have our minds set on the reward in order to endure the rigours and pains of training. 2 Timothy 2:4
says athletes must observe a discipline, controlled, and regimented
lifestyle like soldiers while preparing for a competition. You need to
measure your Christian life by these analogies to know how well you are
fairing in the race to Heaven. You should not be satisfied with just
being a Christian who enjoys the support and encouragement of the
spectators only; your ultimate goal should be to make it to Heaven and
receive the crown of righteousness. You should be prepared for rigorous
training in the word of God, and persevere through the process of
sanctification. Like the eagle, you should take the flight towards
Heaven as a personal endeavour and ignore the multitude. You must
strictly obey every detail in the word of God without reservation. Your
mind must be fixed on the crown of righteousness and the glory that
awaits the saints in Heaven, so that you can finish your course in this
world with joy. Furthermore, you must submit yourself to the discipline,
control and regimented lifestyle described in the word of God and as
directed from time to time by your divinely appointed coach: the Holy
Spirit.
The crown of righteousness is something of value promised to every
Christian that would serve God faithfully in this world and endure the
persecutions and tests of faith that comes with following Jesus Christ.
This crown is meant for those who would joyfully accept discipline and
training in righteousness, those who will remain obedient to the word of
God regardless of the dictates of popular culture, and soul winners
determined to sacrifice everything in order to make Heaven. I hereby
pray for everyone who is earnestly looking forward to eternal life, that
you will not lose your crown in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point: Father, please
help me to pay the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,
and help me make it to Heaven in Jesus’ Name.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A.
Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God,
one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the
President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
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