LAID UP … IN STORE. 2nd Timothy 4:8 The word “finally,” referring to the apostle's last words, is particularly significant here. His life and testimony have concluded, but it would be much better. What comes after this life is opened to us as Paul looks ahead. The righteousness of his service for the Lord during his lifetime will be rewarded by the Lord, the Righteous Judge, at the “bema.” The judgment seat of Christ is not meant to determine one’s destiny, nor is it to condemn believers for their lack of faithful service or obedience. Instead, it reviews what we do in our bodies and how we run the race of life.
Rewards are awaiting the faithful for their service, completing the race, and guarding what has been entrusted to them. These are not earthly rewards like crowns or medals, as in the Olympic games, but "crowns" such as the crown of righteousness Paul knew was waiting for him in heaven. Beyond the suffering, persecution, hardship, and death that come with faithfulness like Paul experienced, there is the assurance that when he sees the Lord, he will receive the crown he can offer to his Lord.
Rewards recognize the level of success a person achieves when completing a designated task. Living a holy, righteous, and godly life now, with the goal of glorifying God and honoring our Lord, will be rewarded. The Righteous Judge always delivers just judgments. He knows everything that happens to us during our lives, whether it’s fair or unfair. He understands our response and motives for living, as well as the faithfulness we show in serving Him. Earthly rewards will mean nothing at the judgment seat of Christ. What we have done will be evaluated: "wood, hay, and stubble,” or “gold, silver, and precious stones.” On “that day,” what truly matters are the deeds done for Christ.
Believers who love His appearing live faithful lives on earth with the sure hope of our Lord Jesus Christ's return. When we live in the light of “that day,” we will be committed to righteous, sanctified, and consecrated lives. The second coming of Christ in all its aspects motivates us to obey our Lord’s word, engage in our Lord’s work, walk in our Lord’s way, and follow our Lord’s will. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (purifies) us from all sin.”