P r a c t i c a l L e s s o n s f o r U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e Wo r d o f G o d

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping

KEY PASSAGE: Galatians 6:7-10 | SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Numbers 32:23 | Proverbs 22:6 | Ezekiel 18:20 Romans 6:23 | 1 Corinthians 4:9-10; 15:58 | 2 Corinthians 4:1, 9-10; 11:23-28 | Galatians 5:16-23

SUMMARY:
Every choice has a consequence.
If we make wise, godly decisions, we can expect the Lord to reward us for our faithfulness. If we make rash or sinful choices, we can anticipate negative consequences. The fruitgood or badis usually not evident immediately. But one day, we will either be rewarded for righteous living or reap the consequences for rebellion against God. In Galatians 6:7-8, Scripture states the principle of sowing and reaping:Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. In other words, you reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow. Although the principle uses agricultural terms, it applies to spiritual thingsand almost every other area of lifeas well.

it must have seemed that he was getting away with mocking God. But at the end of his life, he committed suicide. Atheism could not bring him peace, hope, or joy. What does it mean to mock the Lord? It is like turning ones nose up at Him. Mocking Him includes laughing or sneering at His laws and being arrogant and rebellious towards Him. Some think that if they dont believe in God, it doesnt matter what the Bible says. But spiritual principles apply to all people, whether they accept them or not (Num. 32:23; Ezek. 18:20).

Clarification of Terms
Lets define a few terms in Galatians 6:7-8. FleshThe part of us that wants to live independently from God. When we trusted Jesus Christ to be our Savior, He pardoned all our sins and gave us His Spirit, who dwells within us. But a part of you and me still wants to live independently from God. We call that the flesh (Gal. 5:17). The flesh includes immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these (Gal. 5:19-21).
I I Sow to the fleshTo yield to cravings and sinful desires. In other words, a person fails to resist sensual, immoral, or ungodly attitudes or entertainment. For instance, people might overemphasize their appearance, focus on becoming rich, or allow themselves to watch a pornographic or otherwise immoral movie. I

SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES:
The Warning
This passage begins, Do not be deceived; God is not mocked (Gal. 6:7). The most common deception people have is that they can rebel against the Lord and get away with it. Ernest Hemingway, the well-known author, was an atheist who boasted of his unbelief. He went so far as to write a blasphemous version of the Lords Prayer. As he indulged in worldly pleasures,

CorruptionDecay, ruin, and destruction. Ultimately, sin leads to death (Rom. 6:23). Over
LIFE PRINCIPLES NOTES | LP100307

time, rebellion against God destroys a person, just as a fatal disease slowly takes a life. But because the consequence doesnt happen instantly, many people think they are getting away with sin.
I

Sow to the SpiritTo do things that please the Lord. Examples include reading Gods Word, sharing your testimony with someone, and making godly choices. Obeying God increases the Spirits influence in your life.

people who make very little money. They read the Word of God, faithfully attend church, pray diligently, and always tithe their income. But they cant point to any great accomplishments in life. To people like these, Paul would say, Dont become weary. Your crop is coming in, and it will be worth it all.

The Opportunity
Sowing to the Spirit is an act of faith, and as such, it is only possible during our earthly lifetimes. Thats why Paul wrote,While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Gal. 6:10). All of us have the chance to sow seeds into the lives of other peopleour friends, family, children, grandchildren, and co-workers. Seeds can even be small acts, like telling someone God loves them, offering to pray for a person who is sick, or showing kindness to a stranger in need. Sowing to the Spirit includes talking to people about Jesus, giving out tracts, or encouraging others to listen to radio or television broadcasts. When you are tempted to become weary and give up, remember that God sees all the little things you do.

EternalLong-lasting; high quality. Sow to the Spirit, and the crop you reap will be of an enduring and divine nature. When we plant righteous and godly seeds, we will harvest quality thingssuch as peace, integrity, and healthy relationshipsthat have permanent value.

The Promise
Those who continue to sow to the Spirit can expect God to reward them:Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal. 6:9). The apostle Paul had been persecuted, struck down, whipped, shipwrecked, stoned, and imprisoned (2 Cor. 4:9-10; 11:23-28). But he encouraged believers to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). Somehow, believers have come to expect material rewards for obedience to God. Is that what Paul received? No. Although his basic needs were provided during most of his life, he also experienced intense persecution and eventually was beheaded. However, millions of believers have been encouraged and instructed through his letters, which became part of the New Testament. His heavenly reward will be great. The promise in Galatians 6:9 reminds me of those who faithfully serve God with little or no earthly recognition. Imagine a pastor who shepherds a small church. Perhaps his salary is low. Even worse, the congregation doesnt seem to want to grow spiritually. He rarely gets a thank you, much less any sort of material reward. Yet, year after year, he continues to pastor his congregation faithfully. Or think about godly

CONCLUSION:
Do you usually seek to please the Spirit? Or do you often indulge your fleshthe part of you that acts independently of God? Perhaps you fluctuate between the two choices. I pray that you will make a decision today to sow seeds of love, patience, and truth. My friend, you will reap what you sowthere is no escaping this eternal principle. Take the time to plant seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a harvest of eternal rewards.

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The Principle of Sowing and Reaping

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