Sermon Notes

April 14, 2024

Crown of Rejoicing

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

A simple question to start our sermon this morning: Do you want to change the world? Statistics tell us that over 90% of all people say they want to change the world for the better. They say it’s because they see all the problems and suffering in this world, problems their children and grandchildren will have to face as well, and they want to do something about it now. The sad part is almost all of those who want to make a difference don’t know where to begin and some think it’s too large of a task for them to tackle. If you are one of those who want to change the world, then you need to pursue the crown we will be talking about this morning because it’s a world changer. What is this crown? Well, the crown we will be speaking about might seem, at first, to be a little confusing because it’s known by a handful of different names. It's called the Soul Winner’s Crown, the Crown of Boasting, the Coaches Crown, or even called the Crown of Rejoicing. One of the beautiful things about this crown is that all these names are correct in their descriptions of it. Each one of them deals with a nuance of the crown that Paul speaks of here in 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20. It’s this crown (whatever you want to call it) that will change the world. The power of this crown is not in the crown itself or in those who wish to pursue it, but rather its power is found in the One who bestows this crown ― Christ Jesus. Paul mentions this crown in two of his epistles. I want to focus this morning on his first letter to the church in Thessalonica because in it we see a few things that must be present in the life of a believer to obtain this crown and change the world.

There was an affection that was felt. - 1 Thessalonians 2:17

Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again.

Paul starts this section by speaking of his affection for those who make up the church in Thessalonica. The language he is using here is very strong and gives us a picture of a toddler who is left with a babysitter and is longing to be back with his mother. He uses this language to let the church know the depth of his affection for them. This affection is the first step in obtaining the Crown of Rejoicing. It's a love and deep affection for the people who make up the church, but how can you obtain this kind of affection? If we are honest, affection for God’s people can be difficult at times. No matter where a church is located, we are all flawed sinners. To understand how we can have this kind of affection, we need to look at how Paul opens the letter to the church because he gives us a few clues on how we can make sure we can have the same affection in our lives.

He prayed for them constantly. - 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Prayer is the first thing that Paul mentions here in his greeting to the church― the fact He is always thankful to God for them and is constantly praying for them. Prayer will do that. Prayer will change our perspective on situations as well as people. It’s like when we are obedient to Jesus’ call to pray for our enemies. We will start to see them as Jesus sees them, not as enemies but rather as ones who are deceived by our enemies and in need of the grace and mercy only Jesus can bring. Prayer will change our perspective on others.

He focused on the positive. - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

We can’t be naive thinking that the church in Thessalonica was perfect because it wasn’t. It was made up of imperfect, but forgiven sinners, just as we mentioned before. However Paul wasn’t focused on the imperfections in the church, but rather he was focused on the positives. He applauded them for their faithful works, loving deeds, and enduring hope. You want to develop an affection for the church. Don’t focus on the bad all the time, but rather praise God for what is good in His church. Now I’m not saying we need to overlook the bad. Scripture is very clear of what needs to be confronted and how it is to be confronted, but we need to make sure we don’t just dwell on the negative. Look at what Paul told the Philippian church ― in Philippians 4:8. We need to be obedient to that command. This can be a real struggle, but when we struggle to see the good, we need to go back to step one and start to pray. Pray for the church as well as our attitude and outlook.

Paul loved them because God loves them. - 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Paul's identity was as a follower of Christ first and foremost. As a follower of Christ he knew that he was to follow the example of Christ in all things ― not the example of a pastor, or a teacher, or a leader, but that of Christ. When Christ shows us how to treat His church, we need to follow His perfect example. Is it going to be hard? Yes, but when we have an obedient heart, we pray for them, and we focus on the positive God is using them for. We will see that loving the church becomes easier and easier. This will become of the utmost importance when we get to the actual crown.

There is an enemy to be fought. - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.

Anytime we pursue the things of God in our lives we are always going to have opposition. God will always use it for good, but there will always be a spiritual battle involved. Paul wanted to return to the church that he loved in Thessalonica but knew that there was an enemy that was fighting them. Paul goes on to say in Chapter 3 that they finally were able to send Timothy alone to minister to them because Satan was evidently attacking the church as well and they needed some help. Timothy was sent to strengthen them in their faith, to encourage them, and to show them how not to be shaken by troubles (even though they were destined for them). Therefore when we are trying to change the world by pursuing the Crown of Rejoicing, there will be a fight. We must know how to fight, and it all starts with submitting to God.

Submit to God - James 4:7

When we fight our enemy, we need to understand our enemy. We are fighting not against flesh and blood, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. We are against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12). James tells us that to fight this enemy and win, we first must submit to God. When we submit to God and His ways, we are showing the enemy that we are ready to fight. Satan loves to attack us when our guard is down. However when we approach everyday as a fight, when we present ourselves each morning as living sacrifices (knowing that is a first step in winning the daily battle we are readying ourselves for the battle) every good warrior must put on armor, and we are no exception. We must put on the whole armor of God and be ready for a fight. We must be ready to make a stand, submitted wholly to God.

Resist the Devil. - James 4:7

After we submit ourselves to God, we must resist the devil and the temptations he throws our way because those are his greatest weapons against us. James once again tells us that once he knows that we are ready for a battle, submitted to God, and we resist and flee from what temptations he throws our way ― he has no choice but to flee. Why? Because we are equipped in God’s Armor and he knows he can never overcome the King, so that is why we are promised that he will flee. It has nothing to do with us or our fighting prowess, but it’s all because he was a defeated foe once Resurrection Morning came.

Use the only offensive weapon Jesus gave to His followers. - Ephesians 6:17

There is one more way we are called to fight our enemy and that is to go on the offensive. Once we submit to God, put on His armor, and resist the devil, we can go on the offensive with the only offensive weapon that we are ever given. It’s a weapon so powerful that Jesus Christ Himself used it to fight Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness. That weapon is the Word of God. We are to use Scripture to fight. We stand upon the Word of God and fight with the Sword of the Word. That’s exactly what Timothy did when he finally got to come to Thessalonica. He brought the Gospel to fight the enemy and encourage the church who were in the midst of the fight. We must do the same when we set out to change the world.

There will be pride to be flaunted. - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

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! Yes, you are our pride and joy.

It’s in these two verses that Paul explains this world changing crown to the believers in Thessalonica. The crown is the believers in Thessalonica. To understand it more, let’s go back to the names of the crowns to see how they describe this crown.

The Soul Winner’s Crown.

It’s important to note that the context of the description of this crown is when Jesus returns. It’s when they all stand before Christ. It’s referred to as the Soul Winner's Crown because it’s given to those who bring others with them into glory. Paul had brought the Gospel to the people of Thessalonica despite opposition and despite persecution. Paul loved those who Jesus died for and yearned to lead them to the Lord no matter the cost. That’s why He said they were the crown. It was those Paul and his companions, who they shared the Gospel with, and who believed, that made up the first church there in Thessalonica. That’s why it’s called the Soul Winner’s Crown, because you receive it based on those you bring with you. This is more than just having someone say a sinner's prayer. This is an investment in making disciples who will in turn pursue the Great Commission with their life and win the Soul Winner’s Crown.

The Crown of Boasting.

Usually when we talk of boasting it’s a bad thing, but in this case, it isn’t because it’s obedience to Scripture. Paul is not bragging about what he had done, but rather when he is before the resurrected Jesus. He is doing just what he speaks of in Galatians 6:14. He is boasting about what Jesus did to get them all to that point. He is boasting about the cross. The word “joy” that he uses to describe the church is a joy that only comes from what Jesus did. It’s not joy from a personal accomplishment or even in the faithfulness of the church, but rather it was all because of what Jesus did on the cross. When we share the Gospel, it’s all about Jesus. That’s who we always brag about.

The Coaches Crown.

You can always tell a good coach by their reaction when their team wins. When they love the game and love the players, you can tell. That’s what Paul is doing here. He loves the church just like we saw at the beginning of this passage. He loved the church's mission (Sharing the Gospel), and he was proud of them for being faithful and obedient to God’s call on the church. Just like a good coach he was excited for those he invested in and coached. He was going to be rewarded for all that effort. The greatest joy in the world comes from seeing someone for whom you’ve been praying for, and to whom you’ve been witnessing, and sharing the Gospel with receiving Christ as their Savior. That’s the joy Paul was experiencing here. No wonder Jesus tells us that when one person is saved, all of heaven breaks out in rejoicing (Luke 15:7).

The Crown of Rejoicing

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice (Philippians 4:4). That's exactly what Paul was doing. He was rejoicing in the church, and in their obedience. Most of all he was rejoicing on what Jesus did on the cross. Every time Paul sees, or even thinks about the church, he can’t help but think what kind of state they were in when he first met them. They were dead in their sins, but then they think of what happened when they put their faith in Jesus ― they were now alive. Paul was rejoicing in Jesus Christ and His victory. It’s this crown that will change the world. Why? The Gospel changes everything. Let’s dream for a moment. Can you imagine an entire church sold out to Jesus?

Seeking the crown we read about here

Connecting as many people as they can to Jesus

Disciplining them by bringing them and connecting them with other followers in His church

Helping them grow in that relationship

Worshiping and praising Jesus because of who He is and what He has done

It would change the world. The epicenter of change could be right here in a town that nobody has ever heard of ― a little town in the desert highland called Bloomfield. Jesus uses the weak and the unnoticed all throughout Scripture, so why can’t He use us? We can change the world with the Gospel, but we must pursue the crown that Paul shares here in God’s Word. How are you adding to the church and how are you investing in those who make up the church?

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Sermon Notes

Crown of Rejoicing

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

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