We studied rewards and how to receive rewards the last few weeks. There is also another type of reward that we can receive, a crown. Paul tells us to learn to tough it out in the world today. He then calls us beautiful. If we remember Solomon’s words from last week, Solomon told us that we are the Lord’s weapon on the Day of the Lord. He told us that the righteous will receive a beautiful crown. Imagine being the weapon of the Lord, never being hurt or disabled, and not able to die. This surely is a brilliant plan for a weapon. As we studied previously, the devil was created to sport with the angels, and due to the fall of the adam, the devil now sports with us. We have never been told that we are living like we are having a chess match against the devil. Most people hardly believe there is a devil, let alone that he is a competitor. This certainly puts us at a disadvantage. Our lives are a journey to figure out how to battle with an enemy who has lived for ages and is far smarter than we are. Yet we have the tools that we need in the written scriptures, and if we follow the keys that we are given then we can earn rewards and crowns.
Wisdom 5:15 But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High. 16 Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them.
17 He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and make the creature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies. 18 He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true judgment instead of an helmet. 19 He shall take holiness for an invincible shield. 20 His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with him against the unwise.
21 Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the mark. 22 And hailstones full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them.
23 Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty.
Solomon tells us that the righteous will receive a glorious kingdom and a crown. Jealousy, zēlos, is “zeal or enthusiasm”. The creature, ktisis, is us. The Lord will take his zeal as complete armor and he will make his created people his weapon for revenge upon his enemy. We are Jesus’ weapons on the Day of the Lord. We are also his weapons now, and we are learning how to be effective. Paul tells us to increase in strength.
2 Timothy 2:1 G1473 You G3767 then, G5043 my child, G1473 G1743 be empowered G1722 in G3588 the G5484 favor, G3588 in the one G1722 in G5547 Christ G* Jesus!
1743 LSJ Gloss:ἐνδυναμόω to strengthen
Dodson:ἐνδυναμόω I fill with power, strengthen I fill with power, strengthen, make strong.
Thayer:
1) to be strong, endue with strength, strengthen
2) to receive strength, be strengthened, increase in strength
3) in a bad sense
3a) be bold, headstrong
ἐνδυναμόω
KJV Usage: enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong.
5484 Dodson:χάριν on account of for the sake of, by reason of, on account of.
Thayer:
1) in favour of, for the pleasure of
2) for, for the sake of
3) on this account, for this cause
χάριν
charin khar'-in Accusative case of G5485 as preposition; through favor of, that is, on account of KJV Usage: be- (for) cause of, for sake of, + . . . fore, X reproachfully
Paul tells Timothy to be strengthened in the pleasure or graciousness in Christ Jesus. To be made strong in the favor in the Anointed Messiah means we seek to do the things that he would have us do. We grow strong in doing what is right. Paul then tells Timothy to teach trustworthy people, who will teach the things that Timothy heard Paul teach, personally and through many other people. This is how the good news spreads. This is how we have learned about the intricacies of our Lord and Savior, and our Heavenly Father. We are to learn and to teach others also. But when we do teach others we will suffer hardships.
2 Timothy 2:2 G2532 And G3739 the things G191 you heard G3844 from G1473 me G1223 through G4183 many G3144 witnesses, G3778 these things G3908 place unto G4103 trustworthy G444 men, G3748 ones who G2425 will be fit G1510.8.6 G2532 also G2087 [2others G1321 1to teach]!
3 G1473 You G3767 then G2553 suffer hardship G5613 as G2570 a good G4757 soldier G* of Jesus G5547 Christ!
2553 LSJ Gloss:κακοπαθέω to suffer ill, to be in ill plight, be in distress
Dodson:κακοπαθέω I suffer evil, endure affliction.
Thayer:
1) to suffer (endure) evils (hardships, troubles)
2) to be afflicted
κακοπαθέω
kakopatheō kak-op-ath-eh'-o From the same as G2552; to undergo hardship KJV Usage: be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble.
2570 LSJ Gloss:καλός beautiful, beauteous, fair
Dodson:καλός beautiful, good, worthy beautiful, as an outward sign of the inward good, noble, honorable character; good, worthy, honorable, noble, and seen to be so.
Thayer:
1) beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable
1a) beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent
1b) good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends
1b1) genuine, approved
1b2) precious
1b3) joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be
1b4) praiseworthy, noble
1c) beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy
1c1) morally good, noble
1d) honourable, conferring honour
1e) affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming
καλός
kalos kal-os' Of uncertain affinity; properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), that is, valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from G18, which is properly intrinsic) KJV Usage: X better, fair, good (-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.
4757 LSJ Gloss:στρατιώτης a citizen bound to military service;
Dodson:στρατιώτης a soldier.
Thayer:
1) a (common) soldier
2) metaph. a champion of the cause of Christ
στρατιώτης
stratiōtēs strat-ee-o'-tace From a presumed derivative of the same as G4756; a camperout, that is, a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: soldier.
Paul says to endure affliction as a beautiful and valuable camper-out. A soldier who is on the front lines, camping out. Stratiōtēs is a derivative of stratia, meaning the heavenly host. When we use the phrase “God of the angel armies”, we mean heavenly host. We are not simply “good” soldiers as in inherently good; we are noble, honorable, beautiful to look at, and magnificent. Why did Paul say this? Paul is communicating that we are not soldiers because we are good enough. We are beautiful soldiers because we volunteered, and are attacked and afflicted. We may not do everything right. We came to Jesus broken, and through His blood we became magnificent soldiers who suffer evil. Why do we suffer evil? Because we have an age old enemy and because we teach others also. Paul goes on.
2 Timothy 2:4 G3762 No one G4754 soldiering G1707 entangles himself G3588 in the G3588 G979 [2existence G4230 1matters of];…
4754 Dodson:στρατεύομαι I wage war, fight I wage war, fight, serve as a soldier; fig: of the warring lusts against the soul.
Thayer:
1) to make a military expedition, to lead soldiers to war or to battle, (spoken of a commander)
2) to do military duty, be on active service, be a soldier
3) to fight
στρατεύομαι
strateuomai strat-yoo'-om-ahee Middle voice from the base of G4756; to serve in a military campaign; figuratively to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations KJV Usage: soldier, (go to) war (-fare).
1707 LSJ Gloss:ἐμπλέκω to plait
Dodson:ἐμπλέκω I enfold, entangle I enfold, entangle; pass: I am involved in.
Thayer:
1) to inweave
1) of a thing: to entangle, involve in
ἐμπλέκω
emplekō em-plek'-o From G1722 and G4120; to entwine, that is, (figuratively) involve with KJV Usage: entangle (in, self with).
979 LSJ Gloss:βίος life
Dodson:βίος life, manner of life, livelihood (a) life, (b) manner of life; livelihood.
TBESG:βίος life
G:N-M
βίος, -ου, ὁ,
[in LXX chiefly for יָמִים ;]
__1. period or course of life, life:
Refs Luk.8:14, 1Ti.2:2, 2Ti.2:4, 1Jn.2:16.
__2. living, livelihood, means (in Pro.31:14 for לֶחֶם; see DCG, ii, 39a):
Refs Mrk.12:44, Luk.8:43 15:12, 30 21:4, 1Jn.3:17.†
SYN.: ζωή, is life intensive, "vita quâ, vivimus," the vital principle; βίος, life extensive, "vita quam vivimus," (1) the period of life, (2) the means by which it is sustained. Hence, in cl., ζ., being confined to the physical life common to men and animals, is the inferior word (cf. zoology, biography). In NT, ζωή is elevated into the ethical and spiritual sphere (cf. Tr., Syn., §xxvii). (AS)
Thayer:
1) life
1a) life extensively
1a1) the period or course of life
1b) that by which life is sustained, resources, wealth, goods
For Synonyms see entry G5821
βίος
bios bee'-os A primary word; life, that is, (literally) the present state of existence; by implication the means of livelihood KJV Usage: good, life, living.
4230 LSJ Gloss:πραγματεία the careful prosecution of an affair, diligent study, hard work
Dodson:πραγματεία a business, an occupation a business, an occupation, affair, transaction.
Thayer:
1) prosecution of any affair
1a) business, occupation
πραγματεία
pragmateia prag-mat-i'-ah From G4231; a transaction, that is, negotiation
KJV Usage: affair.
The camper-out, the one on the front lines who is serving in a military campaign, does not involve him or her self with transactions of existence. The one warring is not negotiating for livelihood or wealth. The one warring is not entwined with the business of this earthly life. Why?
4758 LSJ Gloss:στρατολογέω to levy soldiers
Dodson:στρατολογέω I enlist troops I collect an army, enlist troops.
Thayer:
1) to gather (collect) an army, to enlist soldiers
1a) of the commander
στρατολογέω
stratologeō strat-ol-og-eh'-o From a compound of the base of G4756 and G3004 (in its original sense); to gather (or select) as a warrior, that is, enlist in the army KJV Usage: choose to be a soldier.
So that the one who enlisted him or her will be pleased, we don’t entangle ourselves in the affairs of this life. No one wants to battle next to someone who is distracted by the latest Hollywood scandal or the newest fashion trend. The one who enlisted that person would not be pleased because the distracted person is, in fact, distracted from the mission. Who enlisted us? Whoever entrusted us as trustworthy enough to teach. In other words, whoever taught us is our recruiter. Who wants our focus? Jesus. If someone was a camper-out, on the front lines, but was more concerned with the affairs of this life, that one might not be crowned.
2 Timothy 2:5 G1437 And if G1161 G2532 also G118 anyone should fight, G5100 G3756 he is not G4737 crowned G1437 if G3361 [2not G3545 4lawfully G118 1he should 3fight].
118 LSJ Gloss:ἀθλέω having contended with
Dodson:ἀθλέω I compete I engage, compete, in an (athletic) contest.
Thayer:
1) to engage in a contest, contend in public games, contend for a prize
2) to endure, suffer
ἀθλέω
athleō ath-leh'-o From ἄθλος athlos (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games KJV Usage: strive.
4737 LSJ Gloss:στεφανόω to be put round
Dodson:στεφανόω I crown, adorn I crown, adorn, decorate.
Thayer:
1) to encircle with a crown, to crown: the victor in a contest
2) to adorn, to honour
στεφανόω
stephanoō stef-an-o'-o From G4735; to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: crown.
3545 Dodson:νομίμωσ lawfully lawfully, rightfully.
Thayer:
1) lawfully, agreeable to the law, properly
νομίμως
nomimōs nom-im'-oce Adverb from a derivative of G3551; legitimately (specifically agreeably to the rules of the lists) KJV Usage: lawfully.
If we contend, compete, or engage, we will not be honored with a crown if we do not do it legitimately. Are there rules to engagement? It is safe to say, we are hardly ever told that we are soldiers today, let alone that there are rules we must follow.
As we saw last week, we are to labor for a reward, 1 Corinthians 3:6-8. Laboring means we lose strength. The soldier is not supposed to be checking his/her stock portfolio, polishing his/her nails, or negotiating a vacation, while camping out on the front lines. The soldier is to labor, and become tired by his/her labor. This tells us that there is a work ethic to warring and soldiering. If we are to receive rewards or a crown, we must labor to the point of being tired.
1 Timothy 2:6 G3588 The G2872 [3tire by labor G1092 1farmer G1163 2must] G4413 before first G3588 [2the G2590 3fruits G3335 1sharing].
2872 LSJ Gloss:κοπιάω to be tired, grow weary
Dodson:κοπιάω I grow weary, toil (a) I grow weary, (b) I toil, work with effort (of bodily and mental labor alike).
Thayer:
1) to grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief)
2) to labour with wearisome effort, to toil
2a) of bodily labour
κοπιάω
kopiaō kop-ee-ah'-o From a derivative of G2873; to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard KJV Usage: (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied.
A farmer must put in work, effort, and toil, to grow fruits and vegetables. The farmer physically works so hard that he/she becomes fatigued. Being tired after a long day of working is a good thing. It makes our rewards, fruits and vegetables, worth the labor.
2 Timothy 2:7 G3539 Comprehend G3739 what G3004 I say! G1325 [2may 5give G1063 1for G1473 6to you G3588 3the G2962 4Lord] G4907 understanding G1722 in G3956 all things .
4907 LSJ Gloss:σύνεσις ibo)
Dodson:σύνεσις understanding a putting together in the mind, hence: understanding, practical discernment, intellect.
Thayer:
1) a running together, a flowing together with
2) knowledge
2a) understanding
2b) the understanding, i.e the mind so far forth as it understands
For Synonyms see entry G5826
σύνεσις
sunesis soon'-es-is From G4920; a mental putting together, that is, intelligence or (concretely) the intellect KJV Usage: knowledge, understanding.
Paul says to be strengthened in the pleasure of Christ Jesus and to find trustworthy people to teach others what Paul had taught. Then we will suffer hardships as magnificent soldiers of Jesus Christ. We should not entangle ourselves in matters of this life which is not pleasing to our recruiter. If we war, then we will be crowned if we fight legitimately, which means we will tire from our labor. If we understand what Paul is saying, the Lord will help us put it all together. There are rules for receiving rewards and crowns, and rules for soldiering.
In his letter to the Thessalonians Paul writes that his crown of boasting will be the Thessalonians in front of the Lord at the rising up and seizing off the earth.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 G5100 For what is G1063 G1473 our G1680 hope, G2228 or G5479 joy, G2228 or G4735 crown G2746 of boasting? G2228 or G3780 is it not G2532 also G1473 you G1715 in front of G3588 G2962 our Lord G1473 G* Jesus G5547 Christ G1722 at G3588 G1473 his G3952 arrival?
The hope of the apostles is that the people they brought to the Lord will stand before Jesus, in the clouds, when Jesus calls; and people either rise up or are seized off the earth. The arrival of the Lord is the parousia. Paul takes his apostleship seriously. He is not looking for material gain, but instead for many people to be gathered in the clouds. Paul’s desire is to fill heaven up, making it a crowded place. This is why the people who walk faithfully are so important to him.
Paul calls the people that he led to the Lord the seal of his commission as an apostle.
1 Corinthians 9:2 G1487 If G243 to others G3756 I am not G1510.2.1 G652 an apostle, G235 but G1065 indeed G1473 [2to you G1510.2.1 1I am]; G3588 [3the G1063 1for G4973 4seal G3588 G1699 5of my G651 6commission G1473 2you are] G1510.2.5 G1722 in G2962 the Lord.
4973 LSJ Gloss:σφραγίς a seal, signet, seal-ring
Dodson:σφραγίς a signet-ring, impression of a seal, the proof a seal, signet ring, the impression of a seal, that which the seal attests, the proof.
Thayer:
1) a seal
1a) the seal placed upon books
1b) a signet ring
1c) the inscription or impression made by a seal
1c1) of the name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads
1d) that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof)
σφραγίς
sphragis sfrag-ece' Probably strengthened from G5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: seal.
651 LSJ Gloss:ἀποστολή a sending off
Dodson:ἀποστολή commission, duty of apostle, apostleship.
Thayer:
1) a sending away
1a) of the sending off of a fleet
1b) of consuls with an army, i.e. of an expedition
2) a sending away, i.e. a dismissal, release
3) a thing sent, esp. of gifts
4) in the NT, the office and dignity of the apostles of Christ, apostleship
ἀποστολή
apostolē ap-os-tol-ay' From G649; commission, that is, (specifically) apostolate KJV Usage: apostleship.
The people are a stamp of his apostleship. Paul states that no one soldiering uses his own money to fight a war. The context is whether receiving money for sharing the good news is acceptable. However, Paul states that he does not take any money for preaching and he brings up an interesting point; he does this so as to receive an incorruptible crown.
1 Corinthians 9:24 G3756 Do you not G1492 know G3754 that G3588 the ones G1722 [2in G4712 3 the stadium G5143 1running], G3956 all G3303 indeed G5143 run, G1520 but one G1161 G2983 receives G3588 the G1017 victory prize? G3779 Thus G5143 you run G2443 that G2638 you should overtake!
If we run a race we run to win a prize. There is a purpose for our running, whether it is to beat our previous time, to be recognized for our hard work, or to collect a trophy. There is an award ceremony that we will all stand for, the bēma, and our soldiering, or warring, will be rewarded.
1 Corinthians 9:25 G3956 But every one G1161 G3588 G75 struggling, G3956 in all things G1467 controls himself; G1565 that G3303 indeed G3767 then G2443 that G5349 a corruptible G4735 crown G2983 they should receive; G1473 but we G1161 G862 an incorruptible crown .
75 LSJ Gloss:ἀγωνίζομαι to contend for a prize
Dodson:ἀγωνίζομαι I strive, contend I am struggling, striving (as in an athletic contest or warfare); I contend, as with an adversary.
Thayer:
1) to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games
2) to contend with adversaries, fight
3) metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers
4) to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
ἀγωνίζομαι
agōnizomai ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee From G73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something) KJV Usage: fight, labor fervently, strive.
1467 Dodson:ἐγκρατεύομαι I exercise self-control I exercise self-control, am continent.
Thayer:
1) to be self-controlled, continent
1a) to exhibit self-government, conduct, one's self temperately
1b) in a figure drawn from athletes, who in preparing themselves for the games abstained from unwholesome food, wine, and sexual indulgence
ἐγκρατεύομαι
egkrateuomai
eng-krat-yoo'-om-ahee
Middle voice from G1468; to exercise self restraint (in diet and chastity)
KJV Usage: can([-not]) contain, be temperate.
4735 LSJ Gloss:στέφανος that which surrounds
Dodson:στέφανος a crown, garland a crown, garland, honor, glory.
Thayer:
1) a crown
1a) a mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank
1a1) the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games
1b) metaph. the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ: the crown (wreath) which is the reward of the righteousness
1c) that which is an ornament and honour to one
For Synonyms see entry G5833
στέφανος
stephanos stef'-an-os From an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238), literally or figuratively
KJV Usage: crown.
Athletes use self control to compete for a perishable crown. Soldiers of the Lord use self control to compete for an immortal crown. The comparison that Paul makes to athletes is not to infer that we are athletes, but to explain the dedication that we are to have to the battle we are in. Remember, we are to labor to the point of tiring while on the front lines of this spiritual battle.
1 Corinthians 9:26 G1473 I G5106 therefore G3779 so G5143 run, G5613 as G3756 not G84 uncertainly; G3779 so G4438 I box, G5613 as G3756 not G109 [2the air G1194 1flaying].
84 Dodson:ἀδήλωσ out of sight, uncertainly out of sight, obscurely, inconspicuously, uncertainly, without certain aim.
Thayer:
1) uncertainly
ἀδήλως
adēlōs ad-ay'-loce Adverb from G82; uncertainly KJV Usage: uncertainly.
Paul says that he competes knowing there is a prize ahead. He does not compete with uncertainty, not knowing if he will win. He knows that he will win because he is in Christ. He knows the end of the story. But he also knows that he must work at this warfare.
1 Corinthians 9:27 G235 But G5299 I bruise G1473 my G3588 G4983 body, G2532 and G1396 bring it into slavery, G3381 lest G243 to others G2784 having proclaimed, G1473 myself G96 [2debased G1096 1I should be].
1396 LSJ Gloss:δουλαγωγέω to make a slave, treat as such
Dodson:δουλαγωγέω I enslave I bring into subjection, enslave, treat as a slave.
Thayer:
1) to lead away into slavery, claim as one's slave
2) to make a slave and to treat as a slave i.e. with severity, subject to stern and rigid discipline
δουλαγωγέω
doulagōgeō doo-lag-ogue-eh'-o From a presumed compound of G1401 and G71; to be a slave driver, that is, to enslave (figuratively subdue) KJV Usage: bring into subjection.
Paul says that he wears out his body and subdues it, enslaving it. That means that physical exhaustion is good. If we keep pushing ourselves in this warfare, and keep pressing forward no matter how tired, we will receive an everlasting crown. Warring has benefits if we do it legally, following the rules. If we are distracted with the affairs of this life as a camper-out, we do not receive an everlasting crown. If we push ourselves, pace ourselves, and subdue ourselves, we are warring correctly. Remember, we are the weapons for the Lord at the end of the tribulation, on the Day of the Lord. We gain that status by pushing ourselves in this spiritual battle today. We receive rewards and crowns for our striving now.
Due to the prophecies spoken over Timothy, Paul commands Timothy to war.
1 Timothy 1:18 G3778 This G3588 G3852 exhortation G3908 I place G1473 unto you, G5043 son G* Timothy, G2596 according to G3588 the G4254 [2going before G1909 3over G1473 4you G4394 1prophecies], G2443 that G4754 you should soldier G1722 in G1473 them G3588 the G2570 good G4752 warfare
Timothy is to soldier in the beautiful strateia, military service, as an apostle. Solomon told us that we should receive a beautiful crown. Paul told Timothy to war as a beautiful soldier. Paul sees our service as a camper-out front line soldier in military service for the Lord, while we are on the earth as a beautiful, valuable, and excellent warrior. At the end of his life Paul sums up what we all should endeavor to say. That we have finished the race. Paul calls the contest, agōn, beautiful, valuable, excellent. He again uses an analogy of athletics.
2 Timothy 4:7 G3588 The G73 [2struggle G3588 G2570 1good] G75 I have struggled; G3588 the G1408 race G5055 I have finished; G3588 the G4102 belief G5083 I have kept.
73 LSJ Gloss:ἀγών a number of people brought together, a gathering, assembly
Dodson:ἀγών a contest an (athletic) contest; hence, a struggle (in the soul).
Thayer:
1) an assembly,
1a) a place of assembly: especially an assembly met to see games
1b) the place of contest, the arena or stadium
2) the assembly of the Greeks at their national games
2a) hence the contest for a prize at their games
2b) generally, any struggle or contest
2c) a battle
2d) an action at law, trial
ἀγών
agōn ag-one' From G71; properly a place of assembly (as if led), that is, (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively an effort or anxiety KJV Usage: conflict, contention, fight, race.
75 LSJ Gloss:ἀγωνίζομαι to contend for a prize
Dodson:ἀγωνίζομαι I strive, contend I am struggling, striving (as in an athletic contest or warfare); I contend, as with an adversary.
Thayer:
1) to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games
2) to contend with adversaries, fight
3) metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers
4) to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
ἀγωνίζομαι
agōnizomai ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee From G73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something) KJV Usage: fight, labor fervently, strive.
1408 LSJ Gloss:δρόμος a course, running, race
Dodson:δρόμος a running, course, career a running, course, career, race.
Thayer:
1) a course
1a) in the NT figuratively, the course of life or of office
δρόμος
dromos drom'-os From the alternate of G5143; a race, that is, (figuratively) career KJV Usage: course.
5055 LSJ Gloss:τελέωto complete, fulfil, accomplish
Dodson:τελέω I end, accomplish, pay (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay.
Thayer:
1) to bring to a close, to finish, to end
1a) passed, finished
2) to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)
2a) with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command
2b) with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfil
3) to pay
3a) of tribute
τελέω
teleō tel-eh'-o From G5056; to end, that is, complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt) KJV Usage: accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform.
It takes practice to run in a competitive race, just as it takes practice to spar and sport with the devil. We are all in the same position. We all have to work hard to finish the course. The assembling of the contestants is beautiful. Paul struggled to compete. He completed the race. What remains for Paul at the completion of his race is a righteous crown, reserved for him as payment.
2 Timothy 4:8 G3062 Remaining G606 reserved G1473 for me G3588 is the G3588 G1343 [2of righteousness G4735 1crown], G3739 which G591 [6will recompense G1473 7to me G3588 1the G2962 2Lord G1722 8in G1565 9that G3588 G2250 10day G3588 3the G1342 4righteous G2923 5judge]; G3756 [2not G3440 3only G1161 1and] G1473 to me, G235 but G2532 also G3956 to all G3588 the ones G25 loving G3588 G2015 his grandeur.
1343 LSJ Gloss:δικαιοσύνη righteousness, justice
Dodson:δικαιοσύνη justice, justness, righteousness (usually if not always in a Jewish atmosphere), justice, justness, righteousness, righteousness of which God is the source or author, but practically: a divine righteousness.
Thayer:
1) in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God
1a) the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God
1b) integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting
2) in a narrower sense, justice or the virtue which gives each his due
δικαιοσύνη
dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification KJV Usage: righteousness.
2015 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιφάνεια manifestation
Dodson:ἐπιφάνεια appearing, manifestation appearing, manifestation, glorious display.
Thayer:
1) an appearing, appearanceOften used of the glorious manifestation of the gods, and esp. of their advent to help; in the NT the advent of Christ, -- not only that which has already taken place and by which his presence and power appear in the saving light he has shed upon mankind, but also that illustrious return from heaven to earth to occur in the future.
ἐπιφάνεια
epiphaneia ep-if-an'-i-ah From G2016; a manifestation, that is, (specifically) the advent of Christ (past or future) KJV Usage: appearing, brightness.
There is a righteous crown awaiting all who love his epiphany, appearing. If we recognize our life as a contest, then we have to come back to the sporting of the devil. Yet even though we have to condition ourselves to wage this war, we will receive a crown. James says that we may receive a crown of life.
James 1:12 G3107 Blessed is G435 a man G3739 who G5278 endures G3986 test; G3754 for G1384 [2unadulterated G1096 1becoming], G2983 he shall receive G3588 the G4735 crown G3588 G2222 of life, G3739 which G1861 [3promised G3588 1the G2962 2Lord] G3588 to the ones G25 loving G1473 him.
5278 LSJ Gloss:ὑπομένω to stay behind, survive
Dodson:ὑπομένω I remain behind, endure (a) I remain behind, (b) I stand my ground, show endurance, (c) I endure, bear up against, persevere.
Thayer:
1) to remain
1a) to tarry behind
2) to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee
2a) to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ
2b) to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments
ὑπομένω
hupomenō hoop-om-en'-o From G5259 and G3306; to stay under (behind), that is, remain; figuratively to undergo, that is, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere KJV Usage: abide, endure, (take) patient (-ly), suffer, tarry behind.
3986 LSJ Gloss:πειρασμός trial, temptation
Dodson:πειρασμός trial, testing, temptation (a) trial, probation, testing, being tried, (b) temptation, (c) calamity, affliction.
Thayer:
1) an experiment, attempt, trial, proving
1a) trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily condition, since condition served as to test the love of the Galatians toward Paul (Gal.
4:14)
1b) the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy
1b1) an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances
1b2) an internal temptation to sin
1b2a) of the temptation by which the devil sought to divert Jesus the Messiah from his divine errand
1b3) of the condition of things, or a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from the faith and holiness
1b4) adversity, affliction, trouble: sent by God and serving to test or prove one's character, faith, holiness
1c) temptation (i.e. trial) of God by men
1c1) rebellion against God, by which his power and justice are, as it were, put to the proof and challenged to show themselves
πειρασμός
peirasmos pi-ras-mos' From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity KJV Usage: temptation, X try.
We are blessed if we stand our ground while being proved by the devil. We are born or birthed acceptable and approved. The waring is a birthing process, or coming into being. It is the way that we are born into the family of the Almighty, Most High, Eternal Heavenly Father. Then we receive a crown of life because we love Him.
To the church at Smyrna Jesus says:
Revelation 2:10 G3367 Do not G5399 fear G3739 the things G3195 you are about G3958 to suffer! G2400 Behold G1211 indeed, G3195 [3is about G906 4to throw G3588 1the G1228 2devil] G1537 some of G1473 you G1519 in G5438 prison, G2443 that G3985 you should be tested. G2532 And G2192 you shall have G2347 affliction G2250 [2days G1176 1ten]. G1096 Be G4103 trustworthy G891 unto G2288 death! G2532 and G1325 I will give G1473 to you G3588 the G4735 crown G3588 G2222 of life.
3985 LSJ Gloss:πειράζω to make proof
Dodson:πειράζω I try, tempt, test.
Thayer:
1) to try whether a thing can be done
1a) to attempt, endeavour
2) to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself
2a) in a good sense
2b) in a bad sense, to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments
2c) to try or test one's faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin
2c1) to solicit to sin, to tempt
1c1a) of the temptations of the devil
2d) after the OT usage
2d1) of God: to inflict evils upon one in order to prove his character and the steadfastness of his faith
2d2) men are said to tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, as though they wished to try whether he is not justly distrusted
2d3) by impious or wicked conduct to test God's justice and patience, and to challenge him, as it were to give proof of his perfections.
πειράζω
peirazō pi-rad'-zo From G3984; to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline KJV Usage: assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.
4103 LSJ Gloss:πιστός liquid medicines to be trusted
Dodson:πιστός trustworthy, faithful, believing.
Thayer:
1) trusty, faithful
1a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties
1b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust
1c) that can be relied on
2) easily persuaded
2a) believing, confiding, trusting
2b) in the NT one who trusts in God's promises
2b1) one who is convinced that Jesus has been raised from the dead
2b2) one who has become convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and author of salvation
πιστός
pistos pis-tos' From G3982; objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful KJV Usage: believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.
2288 LSJ Gloss:θάνατος death
Dodson:θάνατος death
death, physical or spiritual.
Thayer:
1) the death of the body
1a) that separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended
1b) with the implied idea of future misery in hell
1b1) the power of death
1c) since the nether world, the abode of the dead, was conceived as being very dark, it is equivalent to the region of thickest darkness i.e. figuratively, a region enveloped in the darkness of ignorance and sin
2) metaph., the loss of that life which alone is worthy of the name,
2a) the misery of the soul arising from sin, which begins on earth but lasts and increases after the death of the body in hell
3) the miserable state of the wicked dead in hell
4) in the widest sense, death comprising all the miseries arising from sin, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, to be followed by wretchedness in hell
θάνατος
thanatos than'-at-os From G2348; (properly an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: X deadly, (be . . .) death.
Jesus’ admonition to the churches is not to fear the proving of the devil. If we stay faithful to death, we will receive a crown of life. Rewards and crowns are not given to the unfaithful, untrustworthy, unrighteous. They are not given to those who are entangled with the cares of this life. The camper-out on the front line learns to endure hardness. Peter says something similar to what Paul said.
1Peter 5:4 G2532 And G5319 at the manifesting G3588 of the G750 chief shepherd, G2865 you shall carry G3588 the G262 unfading G3588 G1391 [2of glory G4735 1crown].
5319 LSJ Gloss:φανερόω to make manifest
Dodson:φανερόω I make clear, visible, or manifest
I make clear (visible, manifest), make known.
Thayer:
1) to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way
1a) make actual and visible, realised
1b) to make known by teaching
1c) to become manifest, be made known
1d) of a person
1d1) expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear
1e) to become known, to be plainly recognised, thoroughly understood
1e1) who and what one is
For Synonyms see entry G5812
φανερόω
phaneroō fan-er-o'-o From G5318; to render apparent (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self).
750 LSJ Gloss:ἀρχιποίμην a chief shepherd
Dodson:ἀρχιποίμην the chief shepherd.
Thayer:
1) chief shepherd
1a) of Christ the head of the church
ἀρχιποίμην
262 LSJ Gloss:ἀμαράντινος of amaranth
Dodson:ἀμαράντινος unfading, fadeless unfading, fadeless, enduring.
Thayer:
1) composed of amaranth
1a) a flower so called because it never withers or fades, and when plucked off revives if moistened with water
1b) a symbol of perpetuity and immortality
ἀμαράντινος
amarantinos am-ar-an'-tee-nos From G263; “amaranthine” , that is, (by implication) fadeless KJV Usage: that fadeth not away.
At the making visible and making known of Jesus Christ our head shepherd, we will receive an unfading crown of honor, glory and splendor. It is up to us as to whether we compete, endure, and strengthen ourselves; or whether we will be distracted and entwined with the affairs of this life.
Soldiers are beautiful. The assembly of the army is beautiful. The contest is beautiful. The crown is beautiful. We see a different perspective to this army. The beauty of people who willingly serve the Lord Jesus Christ as an army in training on the earth is magnificent from the heavenly view of earth. The ones who serve lawfully receive a beautiful crown which is immortal, and unfading. We are recruiters for the army. We enlist those who are camper-outers, who will learn to endure afflictions and to teach others how to also suffer hardships as we sport with the devil. If we do not fear the proving of the devil and stay faithful, even if we die we will receive a crown of life. Crowns are the reward for endurance, steadfastness, soldiering, and warring legitimately.
