SOWING AND REAPING
READ Galatians 6:7-10
We are studying an interesting principle this morning concerning sowing and reaping, along with its applications.
vs. 7 - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked." Paul first warns of the self-delusion of thinking that one can get away with sin. God, however, will not be mocked. He then touches upon a law of nature. "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” When one plants corn, he will get corn. If he plants beans, he will get beans. The same is true spiritually. Though we may deceive ourselves into thinking we can get away with sin, God is not mocked. We will reap what we sow (and we will always reap more than we sowed). Read Job 4:8, II Corinthians 9:6, and Matthew 7:16.
vs. 8 - "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Considering the preceding context in 5:17-26, the writer very well may, once again, have in mind the conflict of the old nature versus the new. Sowing any of the corrupt works of the flesh as noted in 5:19-21 will, without fail, produce corruption. Whatever sin mentioned in that list, though giving immediate gratification, will, without question, bring bitter results thereafter. This is true whether it be sexual sin, intoxicating sin (sins of the body), a nasty attitude (sins of the spirit), or any other form of sin. It will inevitably produce trouble, heartache, and a corrupt result.
To the contrary, sowing our lives in the new nature (the Spirit) will bring sweet spiritual fruit which will last on into eternity. Sowing to the spiritual nature, as described in chapter 5, will bring sweet fruit,
. not only now, but forever. What a distinction. The fruit of the flesh is corrupt (i.e., rotten) with no long-lasting positive good. The fruit of the Spirit is sweet and lasts forever.
vs. 9 - This leads Paul to the conclusion: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." The good clearly refers to sowing to the Spirit mentioned in the preceding verse. Again, it likely refers to our spiritual new nature. As we invest our lives in serving Jesus Christ, walking in the Spirit, and doing what is right; we will reap its good harvest at the appropriate time. It is a spiritual law as axiomatic as the natural laws of planting and harvesting. Most likely, Paul is going back to where he started in this regard, 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” There is a blessed harvest for so observing this injunction.
vs. 10 - Paul's final comment in this regard is: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." He ties together the entire section of walking in the spirit, bearing one another’s burdens, supporting those in the ministry, and sowing to the Spirit. As the opportunity arises, we are enjoined to do good to anyone in need. But this is particularly true for those who are brethren spiritually. As we see others facing a heavy burden in life, we ought to step in and help them bear it, especially if they are God’s people.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What kinds of things have you sown that will reap a blessing?
2. If you sow bad things, can you expect to reap good things? Explain your answer.
3. What would cause some Christians to look for a blessing after they have knowingly sown to their flesh?
4. Read Proverbs 3:27 and explain how it accentuates what is stated in Galatians 6:10.