“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”
he will receive the crown of life
The term “crown” comes from the athletic area rather than the royal realm. It was a wreath of victory. God gives permanent reward to those who endure trials in a way that meets God’s approval.
“For 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” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
“…and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
which the Lord has promised to those
A promise is something that God announces openly and that He will emphatically fulfill what He says He will do. We can count on His word. We can hold Him to His promises.
Principle:
God has too much integrity to break His promises.
Application:
Since a promise is something that God will keep, without doubt, we can count on His word. We can indeed hold Him to His promises.
“God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures…” (Romans 1:1-2).
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5).
