Bible Study

Title: Crown of Boasting
Date: Apr 12, 2011
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood, Evangelism
Scripture: Malachi 2:6, James 5:20, Daniel 12:3, 1 Corinthians 9:20-23, 1 Thessalonians 2:19

<  previous date

next date  >

Have you ever heard someone say: "He's so heavenly minded, He's no earthly good"? It means that someone is so focused on spiritual things that he or she doesn't get anything practical done and sometimes doesn't even remember the everyday details of life. But when it comes to the heavenly reward of crowns, there's no way to be too focused, especially when it comes to one particular crown. That crown is often called the "soul-winner's crown" or the "crown of boasting." Paul talked about it in 1 Thessalonians.

What Does God Say?

"After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!" (1 Thessalonians 2:19, NLT).

Others places in the Bible speak glowingly about the work represented by this crown:

"Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20, ESV).

"Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever" (Daniel 12:3, NLT).

"They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin" (Malachi 2:6, NLT).

• There are three promises in the above verses. What are they?
• Who can earn this crown?
• How can it be earned?
• Which promise appeals most to you?

My Thoughts

Everyone who knows the Lord has a message to share. Are you committed to receiving this "soul-winner's crown" or "crown of boasting"--a crown that is going to allow you to boast about what God has done through you to take the message of the Gospel to other people? You can earn this crown if you will seek opportunities to share your faith with other people. Paul tells us that's what he did.

"To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:20-23, ESV).

My Part

Witnessing isn't all that difficult; all we have to do is tell our story. But some people are better at it than others, have you noticed that? Make a commitment today that you will one day receive this crown--becoming so heavenly minded that you do the greatest good that can be done on earth--winning others to Christ.

Options

• Print Format
• Email a friend
• Help us provide Bible Minute

Search: