You reap what you sow!

Topics: bibilcal teachers, consequences, Christian growth

I. Sow God's Word - Reap Good Things

* Biblical teachers and learners are to share all good things!

1. The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches (Galatians 6:6).
2. The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

   For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing, and "The laborer" is worthy of his wages? (1 Timothy 5:17, 18; 1 Cor 9:14)

II. Sow to the Flesh - Reap Corruption

* Living to gratify our sinful desires will bring corruption into our lives!

1. 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 (Galatians 6:7, 8).
2. You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice, you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way (Hosea 10:13).

III. Sow to the Spirit - Reap Eternal Life

* Living by the Spirit's inspiration yields an abundant and eternal life!

1. But the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life (Gal. 6:8).
2. Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you (Hosea 10:12).

IV. Sow Good Deeds - Reap Rewards

* Don't lose heart or grow weary for a harvest of rewards is coming!

1. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Galatians 6:9, 10).
2. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 23rd, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

You Reap What You Sow!

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Christian growth is dependent on sound biblical teaching; therefore, it is imperative to sow God's Word with accuracy and passion. How does your Life Group use Scripture to inspire spiritual maturity (2 Tim 2:25; 3:16-4:4)?

Getting Started:

1. Why do you think God instructed those who preach the gospel to get their living from the gospel (1 Cor 9:14; 1 Tim 5:17, 18)?
2. What are some examples of the universal principle: Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap? (Gal 6:7)?

Discussing Truths:

1. What are some other "good things" (Gal 6:6) that disciples should share with those who teach God's Word (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13)?
2. Do you agree with the old proverb: "Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny!" This emphasizes how important our minds and thoughts are to our lives (Phil 4:8; Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5).
3. What are some ways people sow to the flesh and reap corruption?
4. How can we sow to the Spirit in our daily choices? How can we encourage others to sow to the Spirit?
5. Is there some habits that you practice that help you from growing weary and losing heart? in doing good (Gal 6:9)?
6. How do spiritual rewards motivate you in faithful living?
7. What are we told to do in Hebrews 12:3 to keep from growing weary and losing heart?

Now What? Application:

1. What are some of the opportunities the Lord has given you to do good for others, especially within the church family (Gal 6:10)?

Evaluate your stewardship of your time, talents and treasures! Are you sowing for eternal gain or temporal pleasures?