'Unpopular' Promises Regarding Sowing and Reaping
The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the principle of sowing and reaping, and the consequences of sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit.
Bob Hoekstra preaches on the principle of reaping what we sow, emphasizing the certainty of consequences for our actions. He warns against deception and mockery of God by neglecting accountability in sowing spiritual seeds. The sermon highlights the distinction between sowing to the flesh, leading to corruption, and sowing to the Spirit, resulting in everlasting life. Believers are urged to sow seeds of the Spirit, bearing fruits like love, joy, and self-control, rather than seeds of the flesh that bring destruction and spiritual dryness.
Text
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
We now revisit the category of "unpopular" promises. This set of promises concerns the absolute certainties of the reaping and sowing process. "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." In a world that often rejects accountability, these promises are very "unpopular."
Many people are deceived on this matter. They wrongly assume that they will not have to face the consequences of the "daily seeds" they are planting. To hold such an inaccurate perspective is actually a mockery against God, who established this principle. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked." The pattern of planting and harvesting is clearly demonstrated in the case of physical seeds. Whenever a farmer sows corn, he always reaps corn. He never reaps wheat. This pattern is just as certain in the realm of spiritual seeds. Every person is sowing spiritual seeds every day of their lives: either, seeds of "his flesh" or seeds of "the Spirit." The harvest for each person is thereby determined: either, "corruption" or "everlasting life."
Throughout the world (and, sadly, in many instances within the church world) seeds of flesh are sown day by day. In word, deed, attitude, or relationship, people are planting seeds that are characterized by this fleshly list in Galatians 5:19-21. "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like." These seeds bring forth a harvest of destruction. "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption." Such seeds diminish and destroy every life that engages in them. Such seeds bring multiplied condemnation and judgment for unbelievers. When believers are caught in such carnal indulgences for a season, these seeds bring forth spiritual dryness, fruitlessness, and lack of appetite for communion with the Lord.
On the other hand, far different seeds are available for sowing, and they produce a distinctly different crop. "He who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." The seeds that are planted by dependence upon the Spirit of God bring fruit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
Heavenly Father, I deeply regret the fleshly seeds that I have sown. They always diminish my life and dishonor You. I desire to sow seeds of the Spirit. They always enrich my life and bring glory to You. I long to please You, not mock You, Amen.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
- A. God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap
- B. The pattern of planting and harvesting is clearly demonstrated in the case of physical seeds
- II. The Consequences of Sowing to the Flesh
- A. Seeds of flesh bring forth a harvest of destruction
- B. Such seeds diminish and destroy every life that engages in them
- III. The Benefits of Sowing to the Spirit
- A. Seeds of the Spirit bring fruit as described in Galatians 5:22-23
- B. Such seeds enrich the life of the believer and bring glory to God
Key Quotes
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” — Bob Hoekstra
“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” — Bob Hoekstra
“He who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” — Bob Hoekstra
Application Points
- Recognize and acknowledge the principle of sowing and reaping, and the consequences of your actions.
- Seek to please God and depend on the Spirit of God to guide you in your decisions and actions.
- Desire to sow seeds of the Spirit, which bring fruit such as love, joy, peace, and self-control.