Jesus and the Russian Judge

“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” (2Tim 4:8).

The Russian Judge

Growing up as a sports fan in the sixties and seventies, I was painfully aware of the infamous “Russian judge” at the Olympics. Back in a previous millennium, Cold War tensions spilled over into athletics.

In just about every event involving an evaluation of a performance, some dude from the Soviet bloc would toss out a ridiculous score ruining the chances of an American athlete. Figure skating. Gymnastics. Ski jumping. Diving. Boxing.

Some red-blooded jock from the good ol’ U. S. of A. would train for four years and deliver the performance of their lives only to see a judge from a communist country ruin any chance of a medal. You could never trust the Russian judge. Ever.

The Ultimate Victory

A couple of thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul knew his eternal fate wasn’t in the hands of some puppet looking to rig the system against him. Despite being on Death Row in a Roman prison, he writes to his spiritual son about ultimate victory.

“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” (v8). Unlike certain American Olympians, Paul trusts in the One who will make the call on his performance.

Up Close and Personal

Just like the TV networks like to give us those up-close-and-personal feature stories about these little known competitors in weird Olympic sports, let’s take a closer look at how the man from Tarsus found himself walking the Green Mile as an enemy of the Roman Empire.

Everything changed for Paul one day outside the city Damascus. Back in the day, the apostle previously known as Saul was trying to wipe the followers of Jesus off the face of the Earth (Acts 8:1-3). He was on his way bring the pain on another group of Christ’s disciples when the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter supernaturally mugged him (Acts 9:1-8).

From Murderer to Messenger

The next thing you know, this murderer becomes Jesus’ number one messenger. An assassin becomes an apostle. In case your keeping score at home, that’s exactly the same thing Christ does to you and me. He turns enemies into family members (Rom 5:8-10; Col 1:21-22). Our Savior loves flipping the script by showing off and using “what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1Cor 1:27). And by “foolish,” he’s talking about you and me.

Saul the Assassin transforms into Paul the Apostle and dedicates his life to touring the Mediterranean Rim telling everyone about how Jesus has thrown the doors of God’s kingdom open to everyone. This totally freaks out the Jewish leaders who immediately put a contract out on Paul in order to shut him up once and for all.

A Letter from Prison

After a wild and crazy thirty years on tour for the Good News, the apostle finds himself behind bars (2Tim 1:16; 2:9). It’s not the first time but it will certainly be the last. Paul writes to his protege Timothy (2Tim 1:2) who at last report is leading the megachurch in the big port city of Ephesus (1Tim 1:3).

For most of the letter, the author passes the baton of ministry to the young pastor (2Tim 2:1-4:5). He hopes to see Tim one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). He has lifted the glass of his life and poured himself out in an act of worship to Jesus (2Tim 4:6). It’s Paul’s last call.

At this point, the man from Tarsus transitions from the last drops of his earthly existence to the overflowing goodness of everlasting life with Jesus. He understands clearly that death is only a transition. His life has been a thrill ride. But now someone in the Roman government has sentenced him to die. And you thought you couldn’t trust the Russian judge!

And That’s Not All!

Paul begins talking about what will go down on the other side of eternity when he writes “Henceforth” (v8). Okay, the folks at the ESV decided to use a word we don’t hear much these days unless you’re binge-watching “Downton Abbey.”

It’s the Greek word λοιπος/loipos, which means from now on, in the future, finally, or in addition. The term refers to whatever part of the whole that remains. It’s like those informercial announcers who keep saying, “And that’s not all!” Believe me, this is WAY better than a second ShamWow.

The Keeper of the Crown

The apostle “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (v8). What’s next is a crown. A crown that Christ has kept safe until Paul’s arrival. He describes that what the Lord will give him is currently “laid up” (Gr. αποκειμαι/apokeimai). It describes something put away, stored up, reserved for safe keeping. It literally means “separately (Gr. απο-/apo-) laid away (Gr. -κειμαι/-keimai).”

In hockey, the champion wins the coveted Stanley Cup. Most of the time, they display the cup under tight security at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. But as the league is about to crown the new champ, the cup hits the road under the watchful eye of Phil Pritchard, AKA the Keeper of the Cup.

Phil stores the Stanley Cup in its protective case. He wears white gloves anytime he takes it out. Wherever the cup goes, he goes. As its caretaker, he makes sure that Lord Stanley’s legendary trophy is “laid up” for the winning team.

Heavenly Security

It’s the same with the award Paul will receive. God will personally make sure nothing happens to it before the apostle crosses the threshold into eternity. While the Keeper of the Cup does a great job, it’s nothing compared to heavenly security. Not even the British crown jewels get that level of protection!

The apostle is absolutely sure that nothing’s going to happen to the prize God will present to him. It’s safe and sound. Same for every follower of Jesus. He personally ensures its safety. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.

Not THAT Kind of a Crown

What sort of award awaits us on the other side? According to Paul, it’s “the crown of righteousness” (v8). If you’re like me, when you hear “crown,” you immediately picture a king or queen wearing one of those awesome gold lids covered in jewels. While those are pretty sweet, it doesn’t sound like that’s the kind of crown we’re getting.

The apostle uses the Greek word στεφανοσ/stefanos, which actually describes a wreath. No, he’s NOT saying Jesus is giving you something to hang on your front door during the holidays. This is the award made of leaves given to the winner of an athletic contest back in ancient times.

Crowns, Trophies, Rings, and Medals

Remember the sports analogy the apostle gave us in the previous verse. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7). He’s comparing the end of his life lived for Jesus to going the distance and leaving everything on the field. He’s headed to the medal stand.

Long before there were championship trophies, rings, and medals, the winner received a crown of laurel leaves. Did you know that’s where we get our expression “resting on your laurels?” If you’re sitting on the winner’s crown, you’re doing it wrong. But I digress.

Other Crowns in the New Testament

The writers of the New Testament talk a lot about these sort of crowns. First and foremost is the “crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of thorns” Roman soldiers slammed on our Savior’s head as they tortured and mocked Him (Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2, 5). The King of Kings wore that crown of ridicule so that we could receive the crown of righteousness.

Paul tells the Corinthians there’s a big difference between a champ’s laurel wreath and what God gives us at the end of our race. While the crown won by race winner will eventually wilt, the prize we receive is “imperishable” (1Cor 9:25).

The apostle wants his friends in Philippi to know that they are “my joy and my crown” (Phil 4:1). He writes pretty much the same thing to the Thessalonians. “For what is our hope or joy or crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you” (1Th 2:19). What greater trophy can there be on this side of heaven that people who follow hard after Jesus after He uses you in their lives?

Jesus’ kid brother James says those who hang tough for the faith “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12). Peter reminds church leaders how Jesus will give each of them “will receive the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (James 1:12).

And you can’t turn a page in the Book of Revelation without tripping over a crown! There’s “the crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos) of life” (Rev 2:10). Enemies of Jesus are out to “seize your crown (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” (Rev 3:10-11). Elders are seen wearing “golden crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” and later “cast their crowns (Gr. στεφανοσ/stefanos)” to God in worship (Rev 4:4-10).

Championship Hats

Think of the “crown of righteousness” (v8) like the hats handed out to the victorious team after winning the championship. You know, those officially licensed lids you can order online immediately after your favorite club takes the title. It can be yours for just $39.99 plus shipping and handling.

A couple of major differences between a championship caps and the “crown of righteousness” (v8). First of all, the righteous crown is MUCH more expensive. Trust me, it’s WAY out of your budget. You can’t afford it. Second, God is buying it for you.

This Crown Comes with a Cost

The righteous crown is free but certainly not cheap. It cost God the life of His one and only Son. That’s because we don’t get one of these hats because of anything we’ve done. It’s not about our righteousness. It’s all about what Christ did for us that we could never do for ourselves.

We’re eligible for a “crown of righteousness” (v8) by placing our trust in Jesus. He lived the perfect life of obedience (i.e. righteousness) that I’ve failed to live. He died the brutal death for my sin that I should have died. He rose to a glorious new life that I in no way deserve.

The Great Exchange

Because of the victory He won for us, we receive a championship crown. It’s all part of the most lopsided trade in history. He takes our rebellion and disobedience and gives us His perfection. Martin Luther calls it the Great Exchange. In one of his letters to the Corinthians, Paul says the sinless Son of God actually became our sin so “we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:21).

Just to be clear, there’s no righteous crown if it were up to you and me. It ain’t happening. We only receive one because of the overwhelming grace of Jesus and His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection on our behalf.

The Righteous Judge

You may be wondering what in the Wide World of Sports this has to do with the infamous Russian judge. So glad you asked. The one who’s in charge of doling out these championship caps is “the Lord, the righteous Judge” (v8). In other words, the Lord Jesus is the person who makes the call. Not some underhanded judge from the eastern bloc.

Aren’t you glad to know that the only One who truly IS righteous decides who gets the righteous crown? There’s no handwringing before the judges post their scores for the performance. No freaking out about money be exchanged under the table. No wondering if you’ll get a legit score.

It’s in the hands of Jesus. Not me. Not you. Not the Russian judge. And that’s a VERY good thing!

YOU Get a Crown! And YOU Get a Crown!

Just to make sure there’s no mistake about who gets one of these crowns, Paul goes out of his way to that it’s “not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (v8). It’s like Hat Day at the game. Picture walking through the turnstiles, they tear your ticket and asking you if you love Jesus. “You betcha!” Then they hand you a nifty “crown of righteousness” (v8).

There’s a good bit of debate about whether Paul is talking about Christ’s original incarnation or His long-awaited encore. While I think the apostle is talking about Jesus’ original appearance in Palestine, does it really matter? If you loved Him then, you’ll love seeing Him the next time. If you’re one of His followers and weren’t around before, you’ll love it when He returns.

Whatever the case, it’s going to be like one of those crazy Christmas episodes of “Oprah.” YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! And YOU get a crown! Each and every person who loves Jesus will get a spectacular crown of righteousness. Again, it’s not up to the host of a talk show. It’s not up to the Russian judge. It’s up to the Righteous Judge!

Truth for Today

So how do we apply all this? What good do these words in a 2,000-year-old letter from a Roman prison do for me?

First of all, God has your eternal reward in safekeeping until your arrival. Don’t worry about anybody stealing or damaging it before you get there.

Second, I know that my current circumstances or even any future situation have nothing to do with eternal reward. If Paul has this kind of confidence on Rome’s Death Row, I can be confident as well. Diagnosis. Divorce. Unemployment. Bankruptcy. None of them disqualifies a follower of Jesus from receiving their crown.

Third, these championship caps aren’t a limited time offer. They don’t just go to “professional” Christians and other spiritual superstars. Everybody who loves the idea of seeing Jesus gets one of a “crown of righteousness” (v8).

Finally, we can trust in the One who’s giving them out. Jesus is the Righteous Judge. Certainly NOT the Russian judge.

To Cheat Means Defeat

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2Tim 2:5).

Growing up as a child of the seventies, I’ll never forget the open to “Wide World of Sports.” Jim McKay would get us ready for what we were about to see. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” I mean, how many times did we see the ultimate epic fail of the dude on the ski jump?!?

A couple of thousand years before ABC spanned the globe, Paul wrote all winning and losing. “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (v5). Compete according to the rules and enjoy the thrill of victory. Cheat the system and you’ll feel the agony of defeat. Cheaters never really win and real winners never cheat.

To cheat means defeat.

When you first read Paul’s words, you might think they’re a cut-and-paste right out of the Olympic rulebook. Or maybe something lifted from the bylaws of the NFL, MLB, NBA, or NCAA. Play hard and play by the rules. But in the end, cheating to win is cheating to lose. Even when following Jesus. ESPECIALLY when following Jesus! 

Let’s face it, athletes and teams have been trying to pull a fast one for centuries. Baseball teams are always trying to steal signs. NASCAR’s known for it’s “if you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’” mantra. But you could fill a Sports Hall of Shame with names like Pete Rose, Ben Johnson, Lance Armstrong, Tonya Harding, and Barry Bonds. And we’re looking right at you, Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots. 

But long before PEDs and Deflategate, Paul is on Death Row in Caesar’s Supermax, better known by historians as the Mamertine Prison. The man who wrote a boatload of the New Testament writes what will be his very last letter. The apostle knows his days are numbered (2Tim 4:6-7). He pleads with his protege to get to Rome and get there quickly (2Tim 4:9, 21). 

Just in case Tim doesn’t get there before his execution date, Paul fires off a quick note to encourage the young pastor both his personal life and public ministry. Here in 2 Timothy 2:3-6, he compares church leadership with being a dedicated soldier, an elite athlete, and a sod-busting farmer. He wants us to learn big-time lessons from the battlefield, the athletic field, and the farm field. 

Now you might think the apostle was a one-dimensional dude who only talked about theology and church stuff. Think again. Check out what he wrote in the NT and he’s clearly a man who loved athletics. Paul probably would have had the cable TV sports package. Reading a few passages from his letters, you have to think he could have made it as a great sportswriter. Like he does here in this verse, Paul consistently compares following Christ to leaving it all on the playing field (1Cor 9:24-27; Phil 3:12-14; 2Tim 4:6-8). Train hard. Play hard. Play to the whistle. Play by the rules.

Here in his letter from Death Row to Timothy, Paul talks about the grit and competitive nature of an athlete. Two times in this verse he uses a word (Gr. athleo) which describes someone who competes, strives, or participates in athletics. Somebody with an insatiable desire to win. They have a burning passion to finish first. It drives them. Dominates everything they do. But they are unwilling to take shortcuts to victory. They do it the right way. They do it by the book.

At the heart of the term athleo is one who is willing to go through difficult struggles in order gain victory. He’s talking about enduring short-term suffering for long-term gain. You do realize that following Jesus is ultimate example of delayed gratification, don’t you? Paul says the garbage we face on this side of eternity is nothing compared to what God is preparing for us later (Rom 8:18; 2Cor 6:14). Jesus’ kid brother James tells us we’re blessed when we hang in there in the hard times because one the other side, the Lord gives us “the crown of life” (James 1:14). 

In the words of the legendary Jim Valvano, “Don’t give up! Don’t EVER give up!” Keep fighting. Keep competing. Don’t cut corners. Following Jesus is going to be an absolute bear at times. We’re going to want to throw in the towel. Quitting will look like the best option. But that’s just the smoke-and-mirrors of the enemy. It’s his demonic go-to strategy. Satan will tempt us in anywhere and everywhere to punk out. Marriage. Work. Church. Health. Don’t throw in the towel! Don’t wave the white flag! It’s worth it. So totally worth it! Be a competitor. Play hard to the whistle. Give it everything you’ve got until you hear the horn.

There is a prize on the line. While the modern Olympics are modeled after the ancient Greek athletic games, there are a couple of significant differences. First of all, athletes competed in the raw back in the day. Yup, that’s right. Naked. I really have no desire to catch a glimpse of one of those hefty heavyweight wrestlers or 300-pound shot-putters. The other modern change is the awards. We now award gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third. Back in the First Century, only the winner got the prize. Guess it’s like Ricky Bobby says. “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”

Paul makes it absolutely clear that there’s a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to cheating when following Jesus. “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (v5). The apostle probably wouldn’t be surprised at the long sad list of people who lost it all after winning the wrong way. Lance Armstrong. Ben Johnson. Marion Jones. Barry Bonds. Mark McGwire. Roger Clemons. Call it attempted victory through better chemistry. Winners in the short-term. Losers in the long run.

To cheat means defeat.

The apostle is making a point to Tim about the incredible importance of integrity, especially for those in ministry. There’s so much at stake. Every spiritual leader absolutely MUST play by the book. Do you hang it out over the edge of right and wrong? Don’t cut legal corners. Don’t fall for moral shortcuts. What are you watching? What websites do you visit? What are you reading? But integrity isn’t limited to preachers, pastors, and ministers. It applies to EVERY follower of Jesus! God promises that any secret sin is going to come out, sooner or later, and will be dealt with (Num 32:23; Prov 15:3; Ecc 14:12; Lk 12:2; Rom 14:12; 2Cor 6:9-11; Col 3:25; Rev 20:11-15).

To cheat means defeat.

But we need to be 100% sure of what Paul is NOT saying. He’s not telling us we earn our salvation by perfect performance. It’s not possible. The only way we enjoy the ultimate victory is by trusting in the One who totally played by the rules. Jesus lived the perfectly obedient life to His Father’s commands when I was a complete failure. He died the death of punishment for my sin that I should have died. And if that’s not all, He rose to a spectacular resurrection life that I in no way deserve. 

I follow God’s commands for my life as a response for what Jesus has done for me. I compete hard and according to the rules because He did that for me. When I fall short (and I will, you can take that to the bank!), there is more grace than I can imagine. I don’t have to cheat because He didn’t. Oh, He was certainly tempted to give up and punk out in His desert duel with the devil (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13). Three years later, He had a heart-to-heart with His Heavenly Dad about the Cross and stayed the course (Mt 26:38; Mk 14:36; Lk 22:42). Because of that, Christ is the only one qualified be our High Priest (Heb 4:15-16).

We can taste the ultimate thrill of victory because of what Jesus has done for us. We never have to know the eternal agony of defeat thanks to Him. But in the meantime, we need to hang tough and play by the rules. God’s rules. There’s too much at stake. Too much on the line.

To cheat means defeat.

A Slobberknocker

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1Tim 6:12).

Your team leads late in the fourth quarter of a tight game. Your offense has the ball and must do everything possible to move the chains and get first downs. There’s just one problem. One very BIG problem. You’re facing one of the greatest Ds in football history. They’re agile, mobile, and hostile. They specialize in creating turnovers. As the running back, you won’t just have to fight for every inch but do everything in your power to hang onto the ball. They’re coming after you. They’re coming after it. 

It’s going to be a painful gain, but it’s worth the fight.

You might think you’re watching one of those NFL Films highlight reels. You know the ones with a golden-throated narrator, a symphonic score, and super-slomo shots of spinning footballs. But this is also the scene near the end of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. The game is on the line. It’s been a seesaw struggle. After the apostle’s team got off to a hot start (Acts 19), the team of false teachers got the Big Mo on its side and got rolling big time. They took control with a combo of trick plays, cheap shots, and a demonic defense (1Tim 1:3-7; 4:1-3). 

Just when it looked like the fat lady was warming up her vocal cords, the Ephesian squad makes a miraculous comeback. After Paul knocks out two of the opponents best players (1Tim 1:20), Tim takes over (1Tim 1:3). The apostle gives him the ball in crunch time. He must avoid the same mistakes made by the opposition and start a long, hard drive for the things of God (1Tim 6:11). 

Paul calls a timeout and wants to talk it over with the young pastor about what is about to happen. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (v12). Tim’s totally gassed but he now has to gain some of the toughest yards of his career. And the defense is coming after the ball with everything they have. 

It’s going to be a painful gain, but it’s worth the fight.

The apostle goes all Vince Lombardi and gives Pastor Tim a first century version of “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” He tells his young protege, “Fight the good fight of the faith” (v12). He wants us to know the road ahead will be agonizing. Think I’m being a little melodramatic? Not according to the original language. Check out the two forms of the word “fight” we read in the ESV. 

First he commands Tim to “fight” (Gr. agonizomai). You don’t have to be a freak in Greek to see the English word “agonize.” It means to struggle hard to the point of pain or expend all effort to win. Give it all you’ve got. Leave it all on the field. We’re talking ripped jersey and turf in the helmet stuff. In one of his letters to his friends in Corinth, Paul compares following Jesus to painful training of a long distance runner. “Every athlete exercises (Gr. agonizomai) self-control in all things. They do it receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1Cor 9:25).

This isn’t a scrimmage. It’s no preseason game. This is going to be a “fight” (v12). This time Paul uses the noun agon. There it is again. This time it’s “agony.” The word describes a contest against powerful competition or an incredibly intense conflict. Ancient writers like Paul use it when talking about everything from a race to a game to a battle. The man from Tarsus reminds Thessalonian believers of the wild riots in their city when his team came “to declare to you the Gospel of God in the midst of much conflict (Gr. agon)” (1Th 2:2). 

It was a painful gain, but totally worth the fight.

This fight is all about “faith” (v12). But we’re not talking about gritting my teeth and simply believing in myself. This is faith in Jesus. Faith in what He’s done that I could never dream of doing on my own. It’s not about the strength of my faith. Don’t get my wrong, I want my faith to be super strong. “S” on the chest strong. Faster than a speeding bullet strong. Able to leap tall buildings strong. More powerful than a locomotive strong. But Paul is talking placing our faith in One who is makes Superman look like 98-pound weakling. 

There’s an all out assault on that faith. Paul tells Tim to “take hold of eternal life” (v12). Get both hands on what God is handing to you and do NOT let go! I constantly have to remind myself that eternal life isn’t something I have to wait for. Eternal life starts NOW! And because of that, the opposition is  will do everything they can to pull it from your hands. They’ll talk trash about how you’re going to fumble. They’ll try to get in your head. 

But remember, we’re actually trusting in what Jesus has already done for us. He lived the perfect life that we failed to live. He died the death on a cross for our sin that we should have died. He rose to a spectacular new life that we in no way deserve. Jesus trades His total goodness for our wretched badness (2Cor 5:21). That’s the only way we have a snowball’s chance of meeting God’s perfect standard (Rom 8:3-4). The writer of Hebrews encourages us to run hard and keep our eyes on our Hero who fought the ultimate fight on our behalf from start to finish. “Let us run with endurance the race (Gr. agon) that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:1-2). That’s what we hang onto. That’s Whom we hang onto. You can be sure He’s never letting us out of His hands. He hasn’t lost one yet and it’s not happening here!

It’s going to be a painful gain, but it’s worth the fight.

Do you get the point that following Jesus isn’t for wimps? This is no flag football game at the family picnic. It’s not a lazy game of H-O-R-S-E in the driveway. We’re talking about a knock-down, drag-out slobberknocker. “Game of the Century” kinda stuff. Don’t buy the lie that faith in Jesus is rainbows, unicorns, and an endless supply of Skittles. It’s hard. VERY hard. I must put the crap which destroys me in the rearview mirror and put the hammer down toward the things of God which He uses to build me up (1Tim 6:11). It’s going to be a hard road, not a skip down the path. It’s going to be a fight. Agonizing at times.

Just before his own death, the apostle tells Tim how he’s played he’s emptied the tank for the cause of Christ. “I have fought (Gr. agonizomai) the good fight (Gr. agon), I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7). He left it all on the field. Following Jesus was hard for the apostle. He gave it everything he had and to the finish line. He had no regrets. Why should we expect anything different? Don’t let our cushy, 21st Century, first world life fool you. Buckle your chinstrap. 

It’s going to be a painful gain, but it’s worth the fight.