Planting Churches Among the City's Poor - Volume 2

58 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 2

4. New levels of responsibility and authority are given depending on the level of faithful execution of the task.

5. The Pauline example : the Crowns of Christ (symbol of authority, splendor, and glory)

a. 1 Cor. 9.16-18 (ESV) – For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship . b. 1 Cor. 9.24-25 (ESV) – Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. c. 2 Tim. 4.6-8 (ESV) – For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

d. 2 Tim. 2.5 (ESV) – An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

e. James 1.12 (ESV) – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life , which God has promised to those who love him.

f. 1 Pet. 5.4 (ESV) – And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

g. Rev. 2.10 (ESV) – Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

6. See Understanding Leadership as Representation: The Six Stages of Formal Proxy