1. Crowns of Life & Righteousness James 1:2-5,12 & 2 Timothy 4:1-8

2. Crowns of Life & Righteousness James 1:2-5,12 & 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Introduction: 2 Timothy 3:12 ‘righteous’ live godly, the one another's of the Bible 1 Cor 13:4-8a. Also Hebrews 10:32-39

3. Hebrews 10:32,33 Also Hebrews 11:25,26—Moses Q: What was Moses’ hope and reward?

4. The Stephanos of Life Jas 1:2-5,12 The Context. Jas 1:1 Perspective — Joy…consider it all joy my brothers Jas 1:2-4 J.B. Phillips, “when all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends.”

5. Wisdom enables us to understand that the answer in not in the challenge, hardship or trial but in how they deepen our character. Jas 1:3 — the testing of your faith produces endurance… cf Rm 5:3-5 Perseverance/endurance produces maturity. Application: Only the Lord knows how much time it takes to accomplish His goal(s) in my life.

6. Jas 1:12—the hope, the blessing, the encouragement. Application: Roots grow deep when the strong winds of life blow but a word of caution we could get angry, bitter and hard people when we loose perspective.

7. The Wreath of Righteousness 2 Tim 4:7,8 The larger context 2 Tim 3:12, “If you choose to live a godly life in Christ Jesus you will be persecuted/misunderstood/ridiculed/offended/ hounded/wronged/maltreated/oppressed. 2 Tim 4:5, …fulfill your ministry. No matter what the hardship. 2 Tim 4;1,2—the reason—2 Tim 4:3

8. The Wreath of Righteousness 2 Tim 4:7,8 The Present Context 2 Tim 4:6—nearing the end of his life in a Roman dungeon. Reflection; 2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight {agon} I have finished the course {Acts 20:24} I have kept the faith{Heb 11:6}

9. The Wreath of Righteousness 2 Tim 4:7,8 The Future Context 2 Tim 4:8—Paul’s perspective for himself and for others. Its not merely about him but others as well. Cf Titus 2:13 When we loose perspective we forfeit the grace that could be ours.

10. Application Loving Jesus well means: Fighting the good fight. Finishing well. Maintaining the faith Remember: Roots grow deep when the strong winds blow. Only the Lord knows how much time it takes to accomplish His goal(s) in my life. Perseverance is needed to successfully navigate the daily challenges the life throws our way.