What Is Your Hope, Your Joy, and Your Crown of Rejoicing? скачать в хорошем качестве

What Is Your Hope, Your Joy, and Your Crown of Rejoicing?

Let me ask you something this afternoon—something personal and deeply important: What is your hope? What brings you joy? What would you call your crown of rejoicing? Because whether we’ve realized it or not, every single one of us is living for something. Every one of us holds on to something—something we’re looking forward to, something that gives us purpose, something we take pride in, something that fills our heart. But the question is, is it what it should be? Is it the same answer that Paul gave? In 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20, Paul opens up his heart in a way that’s hard to ignore. After planting the church in Thessalonica, Paul had to leave far too soon—chased out by unbelieving Jews who stirred up opposition. He didn’t get to say goodbye. He didn’t get closure. And he compares the separation to a child being torn from their parent. That’s how much it hurt. He longed to return. He says, “We endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.” He wanted to be with them. But even though he tried—again and again—he says plainly: Satan hindered us. Friend, don’t forget this. The devil doesn’t just attack individuals—he attacks relationships. He doesn’t want you growing in Christ. He doesn’t want you drawing close to your brethren. He certainly doesn’t want you sharing the gospel. And he will work, subtly or loudly, to get in the way. But what Paul says next is what I want you to really hear. He asks, “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” Paul’s greatest source of joy wasn’t his reputation. It wasn’t material gain or worldly accomplishment. It was souls. It was people he had taught, encouraged, loved, and helped lead to Christ. He found his hope—not in what he had—but in who would stand with him before Jesus on that final day. So again I ask you: What’s your hope? What’s your joy? What’s your crown of rejoicing? For some, it’s possessions. It’s the things you own, the things you buy. But Scripture tells us plainly: those things won’t last. They rust, they fade, they can be stolen—and they can pull your heart away from God if you’re not careful. For others, maybe it’s your career. Maybe you’ve taken pride in how far you’ve come. And there’s nothing wrong with working hard—but jobs come and go. Careers shift. Companies close. And if your joy is tied to a title or paycheck, it can disappear overnight. Some find their joy in their families. And listen—I understand that deeply. There’s a powerful joy in watching your children grow, succeed, and thrive. But if your family doesn’t know the Lord—if they’re not walking in His truth—then that joy ends at death. And there’s no reunion on the other side. I’m not saying it’s wrong to enjoy these blessings. But I am saying this: they cannot be your ultimate hope. They won’t last into eternity. If you’re a Christian, your hope is to stand with your brothers and sisters in the presence of Jesus. Your joy is found in seeing someone you taught walk in the truth. And your crown of rejoicing is knowing someone will be in heaven because of the seed you planted, the example you lived, or the love you showed. Paul wasn’t speaking in theory. He had lived among the Thessalonians. He had preached, suffered, and rejoiced with them. And that made them his reward. He says the same in Philippians 4:1—“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown…” Can you say that about your church family? Can you say that about the ones you’ve shared the gospel with? Can you say, “You are my joy. You are my crown of rejoicing”? Because Paul wasn’t just talking about now. He was talking about the future. 2 Thessalonians 1:10–12 tells us that when Jesus returns, He will be glorified in His saints. That’s where Paul’s hope pointed—to eternity with those he loved in Christ. John said it well in 3 John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” That’s not just biological children—that’s spiritual ones. Those who came to faith because someone shared it with them. If you truly believe that the greatest joy is found in helping someone get to heaven, it will change how you live. You’ll stop chasing what won’t last. You’ll invest in people. You’ll nurture your church family. You’ll make disciples. You’ll shine your light. And when this life is over, your joy will never fade. So today, can I say it? You are my joy. You are my crown of rejoicing. And I hope there’s someone you can say that to as well. But if you can’t—if your life is wrapped up in things that don’t last—you can change that today. You can obey the gospel. You can walk in truth. You can be part of that glorious reunion when Christ returns. Or you can come back to Him—if you’ve drifted, if your focus has shifted. He’s waiting. The invitation is open. What is your hope? Your joy? Your crown of rejoicing? Make sure your answer matches Paul’s.