The sermon emphasizes the importance of principled and passionate works for receiving divine rewards, drawing heavily from 2 Timothy 3:16 and 4:7. It asserts that true faith is demonstrated through actively contending for the truth, submitting the body to the spirit's guidance, and prioritizing obedience to God's word above personal desires. The message underscores that a life of genuine faith involves laying aside weights and sins, running with patience, and presenting one's body as a living sacrifice, ultimately leading to a crown of righteousness bestowed by a righteous judge.