1. Introduction
   1. In writing this message,” What are the trophies of life”, well there are many! The trophies of this life that we acquire.
   2. For example, when I was playing hockey, I received a lot of trophies, things that were memorable to me.
   3. When I won and broke the world’s endurance record for simulated space flight, this was a memorable moment in time. I was 13 and the year was 1971.
   4. When I graduated from correspondence bible school and had taken over 168 courses, this was a memorable trophy that I would never forget because it was the trophy of life that has kept me sound in God’s Word, fulfilled in this life.
   5. Sustained in knowing that one day, the creator of creation that I worked so hard to serve would be the ultimate trophy. It would be eternal life.
   6. When I’d write a song, and win a contest, I would always receive a trophy. It satisfied me for the moment, but the taste of the gospel was the trophy forever.
   7. When you are down and out, feeling discouraged, not feeling loved and encouraged, the bible says in Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
   8. Now let’s look into our message today

 The Trophies of Life

2. What is a Trophy? Where did this word come from?
   1. In the Bible, a “trophy” refers to a memorial of victory, often signifying how God uses believers to display His power, particularly in the New Testament, where believers become “trophies of grace,” showcasing His saving power and favor, like Paul presenting converts (e.g., the Philippian jailer) to Christ as evidence of divine triumph.
   2. It’s less about physical awards and more about people being living testaments to God’s transformative work, reflecting His glory and spreading the “fragrance of the knowledge of God”.

1. The word “trophy” comes from Greek tropaion, meaning a monument to a victory, stemming from tropē (“a turning” or “rout”) and trepein (“to turn”), signifying the turning away or defeat of an enemy, evolving into English.
2. Originally, it referred to battlefield spoils like captured arms set up as a monument, later expanding to any prize or symbol of success, like modern sports cups or even status symbols.
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3. What trophies have you received and what did they mean to you.
   1. The greatest trophy I ever received was my salvation – eternal life and victory over sin and death. John 10:28: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. Once you ask Jesus to save your soul, you’re His forever. Now that’s a trophy worth going for!
   2. Every soul that I’ve led to the saving knowledge of Christ is a trophy that I’m thankful for. 1st Corinthians 9:25 & every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. Any trophy we receive on earth will rust and tarnish, but when we do the work of the Lord, we receive an eternal reward.
   3. Running the race and fulfilling my calling brings rewards in heaven as well as on earth. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, This Christian life is considered a race. We are on a race to eternity and souls are at stake. We must do everything we can to fulfill our calling and reach them.
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4. The bible describes many types of Trophies.
   1. These are described as crowns that we as believers can receive in eternity.
   2. 1) The Imperishable Crown – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. Our rewards in heaven will last forever. What you do for Christ in this life will reap rewards that last forever.
   3. 2) The Crown of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Every soul that obtains eternal life through your ministry, directly or indirectly is a crown of rejoicing for you.
   4. 3) The Crown of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do you long for the return of our Lord and Savior and live every day as if it could be the day He comes back? If so, this is an eternal trophy you can receive.
   5. 4) The Crown of Glory – 1 Peter 5:3-4: Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. This is a reward for those who look on the things of others more than themselves. This is particularly given to shepherds, those who feed the flock. Pastors who train and equip the saints for the work of ministry.
   6. 5) The Crown of Life – Revelation 2:10: Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. This is written to those who suffer persecution and are martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ.
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5. In the OT can one attain instances where some received a trophy.
   11. We can see a lot of trophy winners listed in Hebrews chapter 11. For example, Abel in verse 4: By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. When you live a righteous life before God, the impact you make can last long after your journey here is through.
   12. Enoch was another example of someone who lived by faith and pleased God. Verse 5: By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Verse 6 goes on to tell us that without faith it is impossible to please God.
   13. Noah was faithful to build the ark and was a part of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Verse 7: By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. There are many more examples in what I call the photo album of Father God. If you are living for Him, serving Him with all your heart, you too are in that number of saints who live by faith.
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6. Who in the OT Was out to acquire a trophy?
   1. In the Old Testament, figures like Abraham, Job, Daniel, and the prophets who received hospitality (like Elijah and Elisha) were promised or received divine rewards for faithfulness while those who sought worldly gain (like Balaam) were condemned. 2md Peter 2:15: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

1. God Himself is described as the ultimate shield and reward for the righteous, with promises of blessing, land, and eternal inheritance for those who serve Him faithfully, Psalm 84:11-12: For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
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7. Who in the NT was out to acquire a trophy?
   1. The Scribes and Pharisees were out for earthly recognition. Matthew 6:6-7: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, & when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking
   2. Cornelius was seeking heavenly reward. Acts 10:1-2: There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, & one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. The trophies & rewards we should be seeking are the eternal ones. Not the ones of this world.
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8. Is Jesus Christ our trophy in this life and the next?
   1. Yes, Jesus is our reward in this life and the next. Paul had this to say in Philippians 3:8: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
   2. We also see Jesus as our trophy or reward in Colossians 3:24: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Chris If you live for Him, you have a great reward in this life and the next. His Name is Jesus Christ.
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9. How important is a trophy in this life? Will you be able to take it with you? Maybe, yes or no.
   1. The trophies and material gains that we may get in this world are only temporal and will not last. 1st Corinthians 7:31: And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. The trophies of the Christian life are eternal and more meaningful than anything we receive in this world.
10. Story: The Gardener’s Gift
    1. An old gardener, Elias, receives a rare, exotic seed from a mysterious traveler. He’s told to plant it, but the seed needs constant care and specific conditions.
    2. Elias diligently tends to it, facing drought, pests, and doubt, while neighbors mock his effort, focusing on quick-yield crops.
    3. One day, the plant blooms into a flower that heals the sick in his village, revealing the seed wasn’t for profit but for purpose, and Elias’s faithful work brought a profound blessing.
    4. God gives us talents, abilities and opportunities; faithful stewardship, even when difficult, yields fruit that blesses others and honors God, with rewards found in service, not just the outcome.
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11. Conclusion
    1. What trophies in this life are you trying to acquire?
    2. What’s the most precious and treasurable trophy that you and I can win?
    3. When it says in Proverbs 11:30 He that Winneth souls is wise, what makes you wise to win a soul? Think about this.