Sowing and Reaping

24 February 2013 AM – Galatians 6:6-10 – Scott Childs

Introduction: The law of sowing and reaping is a natural law created by God. It contains several facts that will always be true under normal circumstances. 1) You will reap what you sow. 2) You will reap after you sow. 3) You will reap more than you sow.

Transition: In our text today, Paul used this law to teach a spiritual lesson that we will all do well to heed.

I. God Instructs Us to Sow Good Seed Ga 6:6

A. The common interpretation

1. Many, if not most, Bible teachers interpret this verse outside its context. Read by itself, it seems to teach that if a preacher teaches you the Bible, you have a duty to support him in all good material things.

2. This is a true statement and is supported by other scriptures.

Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

3. However, this is probably not the correct interpretation of our text. Here are some reasons.

a) It does not fit in the context (law/grace, flesh/spirit, restoration/bearing burdens).

b) The word “communicate” means “to fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner.”

c) Bringing up a pastor’s need for financial aid would conflict with Paul’s arguments against those opposed to grace.

B. The contextual interpretation

1. Today there is much preaching that is designed to make you feel good. The preacher reads a Bible verse, departs, and builds his feel-good sermon on logic, psychology, or opinion. This is called eisegetical preaching. It is reading into the text what isn’t there.

2. Biblical preaching and teaching is to be exegetical. It is expounding from the text. It is unlocking a text and shedding light on it; making it easier to understand.

3. In this verse, God is calling for partnership and fellowship between the listener and the preacher. God wants the listener to share in the truths that the preacher teaches and explains in all good things – every kind of good thing that he preaches. Many of the Galatians were resisting good preaching and following false teachers. So when you hear biblical preaching, partner with it, say “Amen!”, encourage the preacher, let the preaching change your life.

II. God Reminds Us of the Sowing and Reaping law Ga 6:7-8

A. You will reap WHAT you sow.

1. The principle of sowing and reaping is a natural law created by God on the day of Creation.

Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

2. This gardening law of sowing and reaping applies to spiritual things as well.

3. God warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.”

a) We must not be tricked or led astray by false ideas. God’s gardening law is always true.

b) To live as though God’s law is not true is like trying to mock God. This verb means “to turn one’s nose up at” or “to sneer at” something or someone. God will NOT be mocked!

4. Anyone who rebels against the accurate teaching of God’s word will suffer for it. All who submit to the accurate teaching of God’s word will be rewarded generously for it.

B. You will reap AFTER you sow.

1. The word “shall” (v.7) reminds us that the reaping is future. It is after the sowing.

2. This is always true in nature. It is always true in spiritual matters.

3. You may ignore God’s word today and seem to get by with it, but mark it down; you WILL one day reap your rebellion.

4. I fear that some of you view the Bible as an out-dated book of unrealistic expectations for the 21^st century. You see God’s holy expectations and calls for separation as only for the super saints. If that is how you view the Bible, one day you will regret it.

Elijah prophesied that dogs would eat wicked Queen Jezebel. Years passed with no fulfilment. For years, she laughed at God’s promise. For years, she mocked God. However, eventually the day came Jehu had her killed and the dogs ate her body. We most certainly will one day reap what we sow. God’s word is always true.

C. You will reap MORE than you sow.

1. If you sow to your flesh (doing what you enjoy rather than what you know God wants), you will reap corruption.

a) If you sow to the flesh and never truly trust Christ for salvation, you will reap eternal corruption in hell. Hell is FAR worse than anyone imagines.

b) If you as a Christian sow to the flesh, you will miss God’s blessing and rewards. If truly saved, you will go to heaven, but so as by fire. You will reap a corrupt reward of loss and regret.

2. If you sow to the Spirit (first trusting Christ as Saviour then yielding to the Holy Spirit, walking with Him, and bearing His fruit), you will reap life everlasting with blessings.

1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

III. God Urges Us to Patiently Work On Ga 6:9-10

A. Do well and eventually you will reap well.

1. “Well doing” speaks of doing things that are beautiful, good, or right. These things please the Lord. For example:

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

2. God urges us not to get weary in well doing. At times, we are tempted to get tired of doing right when we fail to see immediate results. We must not get tired and give in to evil.

3. God promises that in due season (lit. in His own time) we will reap an abundant harvest if we do not relax our efforts and give in to evil.

B. Do good to all, specially to Christians

1. We are to do good. The word translated “good” is the same as in verse 6 but different from the word “well” in verse 9. Good refers more to wholesome character. Literally is says “the good” and likely refers back to the good things taught in verse 6.

2. The word “do” is usually translated “work” and means to “work, labour, or perform” something.

3. Thus, every time we have opportunity or the right time we are to work the good we hear preached toward all people, especially toward other Christians.

Conclusion: This morning, God is urging you to sow good seed. Hear and obey the clear teachings of the Bible. Fellowship with your pastor as he preaches the Word of God. Remember God’s gardening Law. You will reap WHAT you sow, AFTER you sow, and MORE than you sow. Sow right! Be patient and don’t give in to evil. Focus on God’s generous blessing to come.

If you are still not 100% sure of heaven, make sure today. God is not mocked. You will reap what you sow. You will never enter heaven by being religious or doing good. You must receive Christ to be saved.

Song: I Surrender All – 394

Sermons

Sowing and Reaping – Galatians 6:6-10

I. God Instructs Us to Sow Good Seed Ga 6:6

A. The common interpretation

1. Many, if not most, Bible teachers interpret this verse outside its context. Read by itself, it seems to teach that if a preacher teaches you the Bible, you have a duty to support him in all good material things.

2. This is a true statement and is supported by other scriptures.

3. However, this is probably not the correct interpretation of our text. Here are some reasons.

a) It does not fit in the context (law/grace, flesh/spirit, restoration/bearing burdens).

b) The word “communicate” means “to fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner.”

c) Bringing up a pastor’s need for financial aid would conflict with Paul’s arguments against those opposed to grace.

B. The contextual interpretation

1. Today there is much preaching that is designed to make you feel good. The preacher reads a Bible verse, departs, and builds his feel-good sermon on logic, psychology, or opinion. This is called eisegetical preaching. It is reading into the text what isn’t there.

2. Biblical preaching and teaching is to be exegetical. It is expounding from the text. It is unlocking a text and shedding light on it; making it easier to understand.

II. God Reminds Us of the Sowing and Reaping law Ga 6:7-8

A. You will reap WHAT you sow.

1. The principle of sowing and reaping is a natural law created by God on the day of Creation.

2. This gardening law of sowing and reaping applies to spiritual things as well.

3. God warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.”

a) We must not be tricked or led astray by false ideas. God’s gardening law is always true.

b) To live as though God’s law is not true is like trying to mock God. This verb means “to turn one’s nose up at” or “to sneer at” something or someone. God will NOT be mocked!

4. Anyone who rebels against the accurate teaching of God’s word will suffer for it. All who submit to the accurate teaching of God’s word will be rewarded generously for it.

B. You will reap AFTER you sow.

1. The word “shall” (v.7) reminds us that the reaping is future. It is after the sowing.

2. This is always true in nature. It is always true in spiritual matters.

3. You may ignore God’s word today and seem to get by with it, but mark it down; you WILL one day reap your rebellion.

4. I fear that some of you view the Bible as an out-dated book of unrealistic expectations for the 21^st century. You see God’s holy expectations and calls for separation as only for the super saints. If that is how you view the Bible, one day you will regret it.

C. You will reap MORE than you sow.

1. If you sow to your flesh (doing what you enjoy rather than what you know God wants), you will reap corruption.

a) If you sow to the flesh and never truly trust Christ for salvation, you will reap eternal corruption in hell. Hell is FAR worse than anyone imagines.

b) If you as a Christian sow to the flesh, you will miss God’s blessing and rewards. If truly saved, you will go to heaven, but so as by fire. You will reap a corrupt reward of loss and regret.

2. If you sow to the Spirit (first trusting Christ as Saviour then yielding to the Holy Spirit, walking with Him, and bearing His fruit), you will reap life everlasting with blessings.

III. God Urges Us to Patiently Work On Ga 6:9-10

A. Do well and eventually you will reap well.

1. “Well doing” speaks of doing things that are beautiful, good, or right. These things please the Lord. For example:

2. God urges us not to get weary in well doing. At times, we are tempted to get tired of doing right when we fail to see immediate results. We must not get tired and give in to evil.

3. God promises that in due season (lit. in His own time) we will reap an abundant harvest if we do not relax our efforts and give in to evil.

B. Do good to all, specially to Christians

1. We are to do good. The word translated “good” is the same as in verse 6 but different from the word “well” in verse 9. Good refers more to wholesome character. Literally is says “the good” and likely refers back to the good things taught in verse 6.

2. The word “do” is usually translated “work” and means to “work, labour, or perform” something.

3. Thus, every time we have opportunity or the right time we are to work the good we hear preached toward all people, especially toward other Christians.

I. God Instructs Us to Sow Good Seed Ga 6:6

A. The common interpretation

1. Many, if not most, Bible teachers interpret this verse outside its context. Read by itself, it seems to teach that if a preacher teaches you the Bible, you have a duty to support him in all good material things.

2. This is a true statement and is supported by other scriptures.

3. However, this is probably not the correct interpretation of our text. Here are some reasons.

a) It does not fit in the context (law/grace, flesh/spirit, restoration/bearing burdens).

b) The word “communicate” means “to fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner.”

c) Bringing up a pastor’s need for financial aid would conflict with Paul’s arguments against those opposed to grace.

B. The contextual interpretation

1. Today there is much preaching that is designed to make you feel good. The preacher reads a Bible verse, departs, and builds his feel-good sermon on logic, psychology, or opinion. This is called eisegetical preaching. It is reading into the text what isn’t there.

2. Biblical preaching and teaching is to be exegetical. It is expounding from the text. It is unlocking a text and shedding light on it; making it easier to understand.

II. God Reminds Us of the Sowing and Reaping law Ga 6:7-8

A. You will reap WHAT you sow.

1. The principle of sowing and reaping is a natural law created by God on the day of Creation.

2. This gardening law of sowing and reaping applies to spiritual things as well.

3. God warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.”

a) We must not be tricked or led astray by false ideas. God’s gardening law is always true.

b) To live as though God’s law is not true is like trying to mock God. This verb means “to turn one’s nose up at” or “to sneer at” something or someone. God will NOT be mocked!

4. Anyone who rebels against the accurate teaching of God’s word will suffer for it. All who submit to the accurate teaching of God’s word will be rewarded generously for it.

B. You will reap AFTER you sow.

1. The word “shall” (v.7) reminds us that the reaping is future. It is after the sowing.

2. This is always true in nature. It is always true in spiritual matters.

3. You may ignore God’s word today and seem to get by with it, but mark it down; you WILL one day reap your rebellion.

4. I fear that some of you view the Bible as an out-dated book of unrealistic expectations for the 21st century. You see God’s holy expectations and calls for separation as only for the super saints. If that is how you view the Bible, one day you will regret it.

C. You will reap MORE than you sow.

1. If you sow to your flesh (doing what you enjoy rather than what you know God wants), you will reap corruption.

a) If you sow to the flesh and never truly trust Christ for salvation, you will reap eternal corruption in hell. Hell is FAR worse than anyone imagines.

b) If you as a Christian sow to the flesh, you will miss God’s blessing and rewards. If truly saved, you will go to heaven, but so as by fire. You will reap a corrupt reward of loss and regret.

2. If you sow to the Spirit (first trusting Christ as Saviour then yielding to the Holy Spirit, walking with Him, and bearing His fruit), you will reap life everlasting with blessings.

III. God Urges Us to Patiently Work On Ga 6:9-10

A. Do well and eventually you will reap well.

1. “Well doing” speaks of doing things that are beautiful, good, or right. These things please the Lord. For example:

2. God urges us not to get weary in well doing. At times, we are tempted to get tired of doing right when we fail to see immediate results. We must not get tired and give in to evil.

3. God promises that in due season (lit. in His own time) we will reap an abundant harvest if we do not relax our efforts and give in to evil.

B. Do good to all, specially to Christians

1. We are to do good. The word translated “good” is the same as in verse 6 but different from the word “well” in verse 9. Good refers more to wholesome character. Literally is says “the good” and likely refers back to the good things taught in verse 6.

2. The word “do” is usually translated “work” and means to “work, labour, or perform” something.

3. Thus, every time we have opportunity or the right time we are to work the good we hear preached toward all people, especially toward other Christians.

4. I fear that some of you view the Bible as an out-dated book of unrealistic expectations for the 21^st century. You see God’s holy expectations and calls for separation as only for the super saints. If that is how you view the Bible, one day you will regret it.