Pastor Rusty Milton
"Sowing and Reaping"
Galatians 6:6-10 ESV

Most people don't have a harvest mentality in life, as though what they do in this world doesn't matter. Paul says that such a view of life mocks God and is self-deceiving. There is a God who is the moral judge of the universe, and what we so in this life will be reaped in the next. One could say that the sowing is always the father of your reaping. Paul speaks of reaping in three main ways. 

1) We are to sow in the Word (vs. 6; 1 Corinthians 9:11). We do this by: bearing the burdens of those who are teaching the Word of God. By doing so, we are fulfilling Christ's law to help others grow spiritually.

2) We are to sow in eternity (vs. 7-8). Paul illustrates his meaning by discussing harvesting of the flesh as opposed to harvesting of the Spirit. One who sows to his flesh (without repentance) will reap corruption in eternity under judgment of God. One who sows of the Spirit reaps eternal life. Does this mean that one who does good things will be saved? No. Faith saves, but it is always accompanied by works.

3) We are to sow with endurance (vs. 9-10). While we have opportunity, we should persevere in doing good. If we don't give up, we will reap a bountiful harvest. All grow weary, but in looking to Christ for rejuvenation, we can finish the work God has planned for us. 

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be difficulties along the way. These difficulties will discourage you to quite the good and embrace the bad. Christ is our model for dealing this. He persevered in the good the Father set before him, which was redeeming us, because of the joy set before us. Therefore, keep the joy of eternal life before you so that you may endure in the work God has for you.

Galatians 6:6-10 ESV

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 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. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

___________________

1 Corinthians 9:11 ESV

11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?