Galatians 6 7 9 Do not be deceived

Galatians 6. 7 -9 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 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. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 7

Reaping and Sowing • This is a farming concept – Luke 8. 4 -18 – Matthew 7. 18 -19 • Yet, even in farming this doesn’t always work – Matt 13. 24 -30 • The teaching is a principle, a general truth

Applying the Principle • If we sow nothing, we reap nothing • If we sow bad things, we reap bad things • If we sow good things, we reap good things • When our fruit doesn’t match our sowing, then something has gone amiss

Some Examples • Encouragement receives reward – 1 Corinthians 3. 6 -9 • Benevolence receives blessings – 2 Corinthians 9. 6 • Righteousness receives blessings – Proverbs 11. 18; Jeremiah 4. 3; Hosea 10. 12 • Obedience receives reward from above – Proverbs 14. 14; Malachi 3. 10

Galatians 6. 7 -9 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 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. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 7

Facing Reality • God is promising to apply the principle of sowing and reaping to us • This is true in: – – Relationships Church work/involvement Finances Hard work • This is true no matter your personality, circumstances, or natural bents

No Pain, No Gain Life is simple: You get out what you put in. Don’t expect more until you do more.

You just can’t beat the person who never gives up. - Babe Ruth

Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out. -John Wooden

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my choices. -Steven Covey

Facing Reality • God’s teaching here is that our decisions matter! – We craft our future by our actions – We craft our actions by our habits – We craft our habits by our decisions (or lack of decisions) – We craft our decisions by our purpose – God gives us a purpose! • If we will pursue God’s purpose, we will reap bountifully! (Ephesians 3. 20)

Using This Principle for Your Benefit • “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great” (John D. Rockefeller) • We have lives filled with good • We must decide if we’re willing to shoot for the great • If we do, God guarantees that we sow, we will reap