Jesus indicates that the crown is already laid aside for the saints of Philadelphia (cf. 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12). They could lose the crown if they would fail to “hold fast” to the word they had received. In that case their opponents would seize the crown that the Lord had set aside for them. This is not to say that the opponents would inherit the crown (eternal life) instead. Here was incentive to continue straining toward the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24–27).
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.