Better Chaplain Series - Jewels in Your Crown

Without reading ahead or peeking at the verse, what is your hope or joy or crown of boasting before the Lord Jesus at his coming?

a. Jesus

b. Your disciples

c. The number of Bible Verses You’ve memorized

d. Your fruit of repentance

e. Your suffering

f. The Holy Spirit

g. Your pastor

h. All of the above

The answer is actually b. your disciples, and this is a theme found all through the New Testament. John said he had no greater joy than to hear his children were walking in the truth (3 John 4), Paul said the only thing that would keep him on earth was the sake of his disciples (Philippians 1:24-25), the author of Hebrews calls pastors to watch over the souls entrusted to them with joy (Hebrews 13:17), and Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2), an inheritance of nations (Revelation 21:26).

How does this apply to the chaplaincy? What’s your hope, joy, and/or crown of boasting (chaplain edition)?

a. Your promotion 

b. Your stratification

c. Your paycheck

None of the above! Jesus told you to store up your treasure in Heaven, none of those things are worth boasting about and none of them will last long in comparison to eternity. What is the only treasure that lasts forever? Souls. Human souls are how you store up treasure in Heaven, you help them towards the Saviour and exhort them to be born again.

As you make disciples, may you be storing up an imperishable reward in Heaven, a crown ready to be presented to the king who saved you, called you, employed you, and used you for his glory and the good of many.

With all her faults he loves the Church of England still, he loves the souls of men much more, and most of all the gospel of their salvation. ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon on JC Ryle

Key Verse: What is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

More:

1. Paul unapologetically takes possession of his converts/disciples; he is invested in their salvation, sanctification, and glorification (Philemon 10, 1 Corinthians 4:14-15, Galatians 4:19, Philippians 4:1, 2 Timothy 2:12, Titus 1:4, 2 Corinthians 11:28, etc.). Do you have any “children” in the faith? What do you think about calling them yours? Are you ready to give an account for their growth (or lack thereof)?

2. What sort of things have you heard people boast about that seem impressive on earth (to some) but have no weight in Heaven? A couple I’ve heard are pitching a no-hitter in baseball, paying off a mortgage, titles at work and church, achievements of children, and the amount of alcohol that can be consumed in one sitting (Isaiah 5:22). What would you add? What sorts of things will your disciples boast about you (2 Corinthians 1:14)?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 and consider: who is the ultimate example of disciple maker who finds infinite joy in his disciples? Are you imitating him?

4. Further Resources:

Shearer, Canyon R. "Crown of Boasting." Trust and Obey. March 23, 2012. https://trustobey.blogspot.com/2012/03/crown-of-boasting.html

Henry, Matthew. “1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary: Effects of the Christian Ministry.” Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary of the Bible. Accessed March 17, 2025. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-thessalonians/2.html