2 Timothy 4:8, "Now there is in store 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 longed for His appearing."

Interesting points:
1. In this verse, Paul helps us understand because of his faithfulness to Christ, he can confidently expect heavenly rewards. Although salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), eternal rewards are based on one's faithful service to Christ.

2. This is the only place in the New Testament referring to this specific type of crown. Other crowns include the imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24–25), the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians), the crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10) and the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). This crown of righteousness would come from the "righteous judge" who is also mentioned in Psalm 7:11.

3. Paul expects to obtain this crown on "that Day," a reference which is often debated by interpreters. Some believe this would be when Paul died and stood before the Lord, while others interpret this as a future time as the end-times "Day of the Lord." Given the context of this passage, it seems more likely to be a reference to when Paul dies.

4. Paul adds that the crown of righteousness is for him and "all who have longed for His appearing", signifying that the righteousness is one derived from Christ’s righteousness – a righteousness which is exercised in the lives of faithful believers who have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Those who do so in their lives also have the potential to receive this particular crown.

Application.
Brothers, what a great answer to our enemy’s lies “that we can engage in sin because we have been saved”: those who resist/flee such temptation to instead live righteously will receive the crown of righteousness “on that day”.

May we continue to do as Paul exhorts us in 1 Timothy 6:12, and “Fight the good fight of the faith” so that we may “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” and do so in such a way to receive the crown of righteousness!