October 17, 2025

THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (PART 5)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: Revelation 3:11 KJV: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

THE DANGER OF CARELESSNESS: Many believers start strong but lose their focus along the way. Carelessness in prayer, compromise in holiness, or neglect of God’s Word can cause one to forfeit the crown. It is possible to miss eternal reward if vigilance is not maintained. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41 KJV).

THE THREAT OF SPIRITUAL BACKSLIDING: Backsliding is a major danger to inheriting the crown. When a believer turns back to sin or loses zeal for Christ, the reward is put at risk. To remain qualified, we must repent quickly and return to our first love. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV).

THE CALL TO HOLD FAST: To keep the crown, believers must hold tightly to faith, truth, and holiness. This requires determination, endurance, and watchfulness. Christ has warned that no man should take our crown—therefore we must remain unmoved till the end. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV).

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, deliver me from carelessness, protect me from backsliding, and strengthen me to hold fast till the end, that I may never lose my crown, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

2 John 1:8 KJV: “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”