Galatians 6:8
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that soweth to his flesh - In like manner, he that sows to the flesh - who indulges his sensual and animal appetites, shall have corruption as the crop: you cannot expect to lead a bad life and go to heaven at last. According as your present life is, so will be your eternal life whether your sowing be to the flesh or to the Spirit, so will your eternal reaping be. To sow, here, means transacting the concerns of a man's natural life. To reap, signifies his enjoyment or punishment in another world. Probably by flesh and Spirit the apostle means Judaism and Christianity. Circumcision of the flesh was the principal rite of the former; circumcision in the heart, by the Spirit, the chief rite of the latter; hence the one may have been called flesh, the other, Spirit. He who rejects the Gospel, and trusts only in the rites and ceremonies of the law for salvation, will reap endless disappointment and misery. He who trusts in Christ, and receives the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, shall reap life everlasting.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "He that soweth unto his own flesh," with a view to fulfilling its desires. He does not say, "His spirit," as he does say, "His flesh." For in ourselves we are not spiritual, but carnal. The flesh is devoted to selfishness. corruption--that is, destruction (Phi 3:19). Compare as to the deliverance of believers from "corruption" (Rom 8:21). The use of the term "corruption" instead, implies that destruction is not an arbitrary punishment of fleshly-mindedness, but is its natural fruit; the corrupt flesh producing corruption, which is another word for destruction: corruption is the fault, and corruption the punishment (see on Co1 3:17; Pe2 2:12). Future life only expands the seed sown here. Men cannot mock God because they can deceive themselves. They who sow tares cannot reap wheat. They alone reap life eternal who sow to the Spirit (Psa 126:6; Pro 11:18; Pro 22:8; Hos 8:7; Hos 10:12; Luk 16:25; Rom 8:11; Jam 5:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And let us not be weary in well doing,.... This may be understood of well doing, or doing good works in general, of every sort; which are such as are done according to the will of God, from a principle of love to him, in faith, and in the name and strength of Christ, and with a view to the glory of God: or else acts of beneficence to Christ's ministers and poor in particular; which are agreeable to the mind of God, and wellpleasing in his sight: and in doing which men should not be weary; nor are they, when their spiritual strength is renewed, and grace is in exercise, though they may meet with many things which tend to discourage and make them weary; such as change in their own circumstances, losses in the world, the multitude of objects, the ungratefulness of some, and unworthiness of others: for in due time we shall reap; either in this world, sooner or later; in proper time, in God's own time, by enjoying an increase of the fruits of righteousness; for the seed sown shall spring up again; the bread that is cast on the waters will be found after many days; and such as honour the Lord with their substance shall be blessed with plenty of temporal good things, either they or theirs: or else in the other world, or at the end of this; which will be the harvest time, the reaping time, the time of enjoying eternal life: if we faint not; but continue to the end, persevere constantly in doing acts of beneficence, and patiently wait, as the husbandman does, for the precious fruits of the earth; for there must be a distance of time between sowing and reaping; men must not expect to reap as soon as they sow; and therefore should not be weary of sowing, nor impatient in waiting, though they do not see as yet the appearance of the fruits thereof; for in their season they will be seen and enjoyed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:8 Living to please the Spirit is only possible in the Spirit’s power (3:3; 5:16). Those who trust in human effort and those who think they can do as they wish are in the same position: They live to satisfy their own sinful nature. Such people harvest decay and death. Those who live by the Spirit’s power and trust in God will harvest everlasting life.
Galatians 6:8
Carry One Another’s Burdens
7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Days of Our Flesh
By Steve Hill2.7K28:35Christian LifeECC 9:10MAT 6:33MAT 16:26JHN 9:4GAL 6:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who will challenge and convict them rather than just entertain them. The speaker shares personal stories of how his own life was transformed by his faith in Jesus and his dedication to hard work. He also highlights the urgency of spreading the message of Christ and calls for the church to rise up and take action in these critical times. The sermon references Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Jesus' words in John 9:4 to emphasize the need to work diligently while there is still time.
Paul's Allegory of the Covenants
By Peter Masters1.2K47:03GAL 1:6GAL 2:16GAL 3:10GAL 3:13GAL 4:12GAL 4:22GAL 5:4GAL 6:8GAL 6:14This sermon delves into the allegory of the two covenants as explained by the Apostle Paul in Galatians. It contrasts the covenant of works, which relies on human effort and leads to bondage, with the covenant of grace, based on God's promise and salvation through faith in Christ. The narrative of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac, is used to illustrate this spiritual truth, emphasizing the superiority of the covenant of grace. The sermon warns against false teachings that promote salvation through works rather than grace, highlighting the need to trust in Christ alone for salvation.
The Flesh & the Power of Darkness - Milton Green
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons93752:02RadioROM 13:14GAL 6:8EPH 5:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not loving the world and its deceptive ways. He encourages the audience to live in the world but not let their hearts be attached to it. The preacher highlights that the world is filled with falsehoods and expectations, constantly pressuring individuals to conform and play roles. He emphasizes the need to do the will of God and walk in covenant with Him, rather than analyzing and speculating about His plans. The preacher also warns about the dangers of giving in to the lusts of the flesh, as it leads to sowing seeds of corruption and opens the door for the enemy to attack one's mind, will, and emotions.
What Is a Christian 20 Christian an Ambassador
By James K. Boswell37551:23PRO 24:11LUK 6:23LUK 20:21GAL 6:8GAL 6:112TI 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and being trustworthy. He urges the audience to remember that their word should be their bond, whether in personal relationships, business, or within the church. The preacher also highlights the need for selflessness and reconciliation with God. He shares a story of a man who abandoned his family and the consequences that followed. The sermon concludes with a reminder that even in difficult times, one should not grow weary in doing good, as there will be a great reward in heaven.
De Profundis - Out of the Depths
By William MacDonald0RedemptionConsequences of SinPSA 51:10PRO 14:12EZK 18:30MAT 7:17ROM 6:232CO 5:10GAL 6:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:151JN 1:8William MacDonald emphasizes the inescapable consequences of sin, illustrating that while it may initially appear harmless, it ultimately leads to destruction and despair. He recounts the cautionary tale of a brilliant author who, despite his talents and success, succumbed to vice and faced a tragic downfall, highlighting the bitter reality of sin's grip. The sermon serves as a reminder that every action, even those hidden in secret, shapes our character and will eventually be revealed. MacDonald urges listeners to recognize the true nature of sin and its devastating effects on life and relationships.
Epistle 319
By George Fox0ROM 13:31CO 15:34GAL 6:8EPH 2:1EPH 4:161TI 5:171PE 1:231PE 2:13REV 19:8George Fox preaches about the importance of submitting to earthly authorities and watching against sin and evil in our hearts. He emphasizes the need to obey magistrates for the punishment of evil doers and to live a godly and peaceable life. Fox encourages believers to be vigilant in their faith, to resist unrighteousness, and to demonstrate their testimony against evil. He also urges them to preach Christ's kingdom and truth to all, showing forth His light, life, and righteousness in their lives.
Epistle 33
By George Fox0ISA 8:13MAT 18:20MAT 28:20JHN 3:19JHN 17:14ACT 26:18ROM 2:15ROM 5:17GAL 6:81PE 3:19George Fox preaches about the importance of waiting in the light of Christ, being guided by His power and wisdom, and manifesting the fear and dread of the Lord in all aspects of life. He emphasizes the need to be obedient to the power that comes from Christ, to avoid stumbling blocks, and to walk in righteousness and truth. Fox urges believers to condemn anything contrary to the light of Christ, to keep strife away, and to let the Prince of peace reign in their hearts.
Love—the Primal Fault Remedied
By Allan Halton0GEN 3:5ROM 8:20GAL 6:82PE 1:41JN 2:15Allan Halton delves into the concept of the 'bondage of corruption' as described in the Bible, highlighting how it originated from a self-centered desire that led to the primal fault in both the physical universe and humanity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the true meaning of 'corruption' and 'lust' in a biblical context, pointing to the divine nature of love as the remedy for this fault. Through the sacrificial love of Christ on the cross, the path to escaping corruption and embracing eternal life is paved by cultivating virtues that culminate in selfless love, mirroring the love of God and Jesus.
What Will You Do?
By Catherine Booth0ROM 6:22GAL 6:8EPH 1:7TIT 3:51PE 2:24Catherine Booth passionately preaches about the eternal nature of the soul, emphasizing the power of sowing to the Spirit and righteousness. She highlights the transformative work of Jesus Christ, who bore the punishment for our sins and offers freedom and renewal to all who come to Him. Through the precious blood of Christ, even the most hardened sinners can be washed, sanctified, and restored to favor with God. Catherine urges her listeners to make a decisive choice to stop sowing to the flesh and commit to sowing to the Spirit, promising the blessing of eternal life for those who choose righteousness and true holiness.
A Warning of Love From the Bowels of Life to Professors
By Isaac Penington0GEN 3:8JHN 12:24JHN 14:6JHN 15:4ROM 3:231CO 15:22GAL 6:8EPH 2:8COL 3:31JN 5:11Isaac Penington preaches a warning to the current generation, urging them to awaken and turn towards the life to be cleansed and saved before the impending storm of wrath. He asserts that man has fallen from God, losing the divine image and eternal wisdom, leading to a state of spiritual death and inability to desire God. Penington emphasizes that all human efforts to return to God are futile without the grace and mercy of a new begetting towards life. He highlights that all professions, knowledge, beliefs, and practices not rooted in the pure life are like fig-leaves, unable to truly heal or restore man to God. Penington concludes by emphasizing the importance of the living seed of eternal life hidden within man, which alone has the power to heal, restore, and bring man into unity with God.
June 14. 1678. God Doth Sow Himself in Man.
By Jane Lead0JHN 12:24ROM 8:111CO 15:42GAL 6:8EPH 1:181JN 3:2Jane Lead preaches about the interpretation of a vision revealing the renovation of Paradise as a new Creation-Glory, symbolized by the sowing and springing up of various seeds in different seasons. She emphasizes the importance of the Spirit sowing light in our hearts, transforming and preparing us for a celestial body. Lead discusses the sowing of celestial-fire, healing water, and the essential matter of God being sown within us, leading to a unity with the Godhead. She delves into the fulfillment of Christ's prayer for believers to be glorified with the same glory as Him, urging listeners to aspire to a higher spiritual consistency and image in Christ.
Epistle 345
By George Fox0Suffering For ChristFaith and PerseveranceMAT 5:10LUK 23:34JHN 1:4ROM 5:2GAL 5:25GAL 6:8EPH 4:3PHP 1:29HEB 12:11JN 5:4George Fox encourages believers to endure suffering with patience and faith, reminding them that their trials are a part of their journey in Christ, who overcame the world. He emphasizes the importance of submitting one's will to God and living in the Spirit, which leads to eternal life and unity among believers. Fox highlights that true suffering for Christ is marked by love and charity, urging his listeners to pray for their persecutors and embody the mind of Christ, who forgave even in the face of suffering. He reassures them that their sufferings will ultimately serve a greater purpose in establishing them on the rock of life.
Spiritual Sowing
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual GrowthEternal LifePSA 126:5ECC 3:13MAT 6:19LUK 6:38JHN 10:10ROM 8:62CO 9:6GAL 6:8JAS 1:121PE 1:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of spiritual sowing, explaining that while it may seem like a loss to invest in the Spirit, the true reward is everlasting life. He encourages believers to live in obedience to God and to promote His honor, assuring them that their efforts will not be in vain. Spurgeon contrasts the fleeting rewards of sowing to the flesh with the eternal joy found in spiritual pursuits, urging the congregation to seek the highest and purest ends. He paints a vivid picture of the abundant harvest of bliss that awaits those who faithfully sow to the Spirit. Ultimately, he calls upon the Lord to make them fruitful reapers for the sake of His Son.
Dishonesty (Or the Sin of Theft and of Injustice)
By Jonathan Edwards0GAL 6:8Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'wages' (misthos) in the Bible, highlighting its dual usage to refer to pay for labor or as rewards bestowed by God for moral actions, often in eternity. Misthos can be obtained through iniquity, as seen in Judas' betrayal of Christ. The principle of reaping what is sown applies to both present and future rewards, emphasizing the importance of motives in actions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that soweth to his flesh - In like manner, he that sows to the flesh - who indulges his sensual and animal appetites, shall have corruption as the crop: you cannot expect to lead a bad life and go to heaven at last. According as your present life is, so will be your eternal life whether your sowing be to the flesh or to the Spirit, so will your eternal reaping be. To sow, here, means transacting the concerns of a man's natural life. To reap, signifies his enjoyment or punishment in another world. Probably by flesh and Spirit the apostle means Judaism and Christianity. Circumcision of the flesh was the principal rite of the former; circumcision in the heart, by the Spirit, the chief rite of the latter; hence the one may have been called flesh, the other, Spirit. He who rejects the Gospel, and trusts only in the rites and ceremonies of the law for salvation, will reap endless disappointment and misery. He who trusts in Christ, and receives the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, shall reap life everlasting.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "He that soweth unto his own flesh," with a view to fulfilling its desires. He does not say, "His spirit," as he does say, "His flesh." For in ourselves we are not spiritual, but carnal. The flesh is devoted to selfishness. corruption--that is, destruction (Phi 3:19). Compare as to the deliverance of believers from "corruption" (Rom 8:21). The use of the term "corruption" instead, implies that destruction is not an arbitrary punishment of fleshly-mindedness, but is its natural fruit; the corrupt flesh producing corruption, which is another word for destruction: corruption is the fault, and corruption the punishment (see on Co1 3:17; Pe2 2:12). Future life only expands the seed sown here. Men cannot mock God because they can deceive themselves. They who sow tares cannot reap wheat. They alone reap life eternal who sow to the Spirit (Psa 126:6; Pro 11:18; Pro 22:8; Hos 8:7; Hos 10:12; Luk 16:25; Rom 8:11; Jam 5:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And let us not be weary in well doing,.... This may be understood of well doing, or doing good works in general, of every sort; which are such as are done according to the will of God, from a principle of love to him, in faith, and in the name and strength of Christ, and with a view to the glory of God: or else acts of beneficence to Christ's ministers and poor in particular; which are agreeable to the mind of God, and wellpleasing in his sight: and in doing which men should not be weary; nor are they, when their spiritual strength is renewed, and grace is in exercise, though they may meet with many things which tend to discourage and make them weary; such as change in their own circumstances, losses in the world, the multitude of objects, the ungratefulness of some, and unworthiness of others: for in due time we shall reap; either in this world, sooner or later; in proper time, in God's own time, by enjoying an increase of the fruits of righteousness; for the seed sown shall spring up again; the bread that is cast on the waters will be found after many days; and such as honour the Lord with their substance shall be blessed with plenty of temporal good things, either they or theirs: or else in the other world, or at the end of this; which will be the harvest time, the reaping time, the time of enjoying eternal life: if we faint not; but continue to the end, persevere constantly in doing acts of beneficence, and patiently wait, as the husbandman does, for the precious fruits of the earth; for there must be a distance of time between sowing and reaping; men must not expect to reap as soon as they sow; and therefore should not be weary of sowing, nor impatient in waiting, though they do not see as yet the appearance of the fruits thereof; for in their season they will be seen and enjoyed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:8 Living to please the Spirit is only possible in the Spirit’s power (3:3; 5:16). Those who trust in human effort and those who think they can do as they wish are in the same position: They live to satisfy their own sinful nature. Such people harvest decay and death. Those who live by the Spirit’s power and trust in God will harvest everlasting life.