Before we look at the FIVE CROWNS that may be given to believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ, let’s read the two passages that speak specifically of the Judgment Seat of Christ and how believers will receive rewards for “GOOD THINGS they have done” and “faithful SERVICE they have performed.” In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 we read, “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present of absent, to be WELL PLEASING to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may RECEIVE THE THINGS DONE IN THE BODY, according to what he has done, whether GOOD or BAD.” When the believer stands before Christ at His “Judgment Seat” He will review our whole life (from the moment we were saved until we were taken home to heaven) and whatever was DONE to “please the Lord” will “receive a reward.” The things we did to “please ourselves” will “NOT receive a reward.” In a moment we will consider the second passage which speaks more of our actual “SERVICE (word) for the Lord” as we ministered the truth to others, but in this passage, it may include anything and everything we did to PLEASE HIM. This could include “living a godly life before others” which would “manifest the life of our Lord and Savior” (see 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 7-11) or “giving to the poor” (Acts 20: 32-35 with 2 Corinthians 8:1-7). You mentioned “giving financially to your community” and if the motive in your heart was do to this to “manifest Christ to others” and thus to “please the Lord,” it will be rewarded.

The second passage is 1 Corinthians 3:9-15: “For we are God’s FELLOW WORKERS; you are God’s field; you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and ANOTHER BUILDS ON IT. But let each TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. For not other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, EACH ONE’S WORK WILL BECOME CLEAR; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and THE FIRE WILL TEST EACH ONE’S WORK, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” This passage speaks of our SERVICE/WORK for the Lord. The Apostle Paul “laid the foundation of truth” and now we are privileged to serve the Lord by giving out the truth to others. If we do this to “bless others” and to “glorify the Lord,” it will stand the test of fire (of Christ’s judgment) and we will be rewarded. You mentioned “giving out scripture booklets” and if you do this “to bring glory to Christ” and “salvation to lost sinners” (or “edification to other believers”) it will be rewarded.

Here are the FIVE CROWNS mentioned in Scripture:

1) The INCORRUPTIBLE Crown in 1 Corinthians 9:25. This is for the OBEDIENT SERVANT who serves the Lord faithfully according to His will.

2) The Crown of REJOICING in 1 Thessalonians 2:19. This is for one who WINS SOULS to Christ.

3) The Crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS in 2 Timothy 4:7-8. This is for one who lives a RIGHTEOUS LIFE in view of Christ’s coming.

4) The Crown of LIFE in James 1:12 & Revelation 2:10. This is for the PATIENT SUFFERER or the MARTYR.

5) The Crown of GLORY in 1 Peter 5:1-4. This is for the FAITHFUL SHEPHERD of God’s flock.  (DO)  (728.1)