A..The Tokyo Olympics was just over and the USA emerged with 39 gold medals, aside from several silver and bronze medals.

  1. Every 4 years, the Olympic Games are held at different places with new hosts every time.

  2. Here on earth, winners received medals to recognize their superhuman feats and accomplishments followed by monetary rewards.

 B. Similarly, we shall study heavenly rewards or crowns in contrast with earthly rewards gained in Olympic games.

  1. What are these heavenly rewards? Are they better and superior than the earthly prizes gained in Olympic Games?

  2. Let us find out from God's words as what Jesus said in John 8:32 " You shall know the truth...."

Discussion

 A. The Bible, particularly the New Testament, talks about crowns as heavenly rewards rather than gold, silver or bronze medals.

  1. In those days, in stead of medals, Greek Olympic athletes received " laurel crowns" called " stephanos."

  2. They were " wreaths" placed on heads and not literal crowns bedecked with jewels as those given to royalties.

 B. These crowns or heavenly rewards are described differently to emphasize the spiritual accomplishments.

  1. The Imperishable Crown- in contrast with Olympic medals which are perishable, we shall receive spiritual crowns.

  a. I Corinthians 9:25"..but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

  b. Matthew 6:19 " Do not lay up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in."

  c. I Peter 1:4 "...we shall receive an inheritance that can never perish, spoil and fade- kept in heaven for you."

 2..Crown of Rejoicing

  a. I Thessalonians 2:19-20 " For what is our hope, our joy or crown of rejoicing?.Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy."

  b. Luke 15:7 " ...joy shall be in heaven over one sinner who repents."

  3.Crown of righteousness

   a. 2 Timothy 4:8 " There is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day."

   b. Philippians 3:20 " But our citizenship is in heaven..."

 4. Crown of glory 

  a. I Peter 5:4 " when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

  b. Acts 7:55 "... Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."

  5..The crown of life ( a reward and not a gift)

  a. John 10:10 " I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,"

  b. James 1:12 " ...when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life..."

  c. I John 2:25 " This is what He promised us- even eternal life."

  d. Revelation 2:10 " Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life."

Conclusion.                                                  A. Summary of the Main points

  1. We shall face the judgment day to receive the heavenly rewards or crowns, 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12

  2. Invitation to become Christians so as to receive the heavenly rewards or crowns

  a. Matthew 11:28-30

  b. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38