• Paul delights in life after death; II Corinthians 5:8-9

• Psalm 116:15 - “precious”

• Simeon in Luke 2, “I can depart in peace”

• Jesus in John 14:1-3

I. The Finish Line of Faith:

1. Paul speaks of his death - v. 6

2. Paul speaks of his life - v. 7

• Paul fought (soldier, boxer)

• Paul finished (athlete)

• Paul kept (words of a vow)

3. Paul speaks of his afterlife - v . 8a

4. Paul speaks of our afterlife - v. 8b

• There is laid up for me -

• There is laid up for you -

• There is a qualifier - “to all who loved His appearing”

II. The Crowns Promised by God:

• Some crowns are given on earth: God has been good to His children!

• Psalm 8:5 (quoted in Hebrews 2:9) - Humanity has been crowned with incredible sanctity (of life)

• The others have qualifiers like the future crowns.

• Psalm 103:4 (our salvation) - crowned with steadfast love and mercy

• Proverbs 12:4 - An excellent wife is the crown of her husband

• Proverbs 14:18, The prudent are crowned with knowledge

• Proverbs 16:31 - Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.

• Proverbs 17:6 - Grandparents are crowned, Children’s children are a crown to the aged.