Do Not Grow weary #2142

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9–10, NKJV)

Those who walk in, are led by, and live in the Spirit of God produce the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 18, 25, 22-23). This fruit does not occur automatically; it results from maturing in one’s faith day by day. The apostle concludes his discussion of this life with the following divine counsel. 1) Do not grow weary while doing good (v. 9). To bear the fruit of the Spirit, we must not become disheartened while doing good. Paul described this good work earlier (Gal. 6:1-6). 2) Remember that the harvest will come after we sow to the Spirit (v. 9). The farmer plants and cultivates in anticipation of harvest (cf. 1 Cor. 9:10). Even so, doing good bolsters our spirits because we know the Lord will bless the harvest (Gal. 6:8; Eccl. 11:5-6). Do not faint with fatigue and exhaustion; be strengthen in hope. 3) Use your opportunities to do good (v. 10). They do not just fall into our laps; let us make our opportunities. Seek occasions to do good, and you will find them (Matt. 7:7-8). 4) Spread your good works to sinners and saints (v. 10). Let each disciple remember to be a neighbor to others even as we are “distributing to the needs of the saints” (Rom. 12:13). Such are the demands of pure religion and the fruit of living in the Spirit (Jas. 1:26-27; Gal. 5:22-23, 25).

We Reap What We Sow #2141

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 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, NKJV)

Jeremiah said the human heart is deceitful (Jer. 17:5). Indeed. Since our hearts can deceive us, Paul’s warning is for us all. God is not mocked; we do not deceive God. We will reap what we sow. Like Israel (who sowed the wind and reaped the whirlwind, Hos. 8:7), we will reap the results of the life we choose. With this sober reminder, Paul begins to conclude his exhortation to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh (Gal. 5:16-6:10). Fulfilling the lust of the flesh produces the works of the flesh and results in eternal corruption (Gal. 5:16, 19-21; 6:8). But, walking in the Spirit bears the fruit of the Spirit that results in everlasting life (Gal. 5:16, 18, 22-25). Helping one overtaken by sin is sowing to the Spirit (Gal. 6:1-2). Envious conceit and self-promotion sow to the flesh (Gal. 5:26; 6:3). Sharing in all good things with our teachers is sowing to the Spirit, but refusing to do so is a trait of the flesh (Gal. 5:20; 6:6). Paul’s broader context bears out this principle. Those who tried to be justified by the law failed and forfeited being led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:3-4, 18). We are accountable to God for what we sow in life (2 Cor. 5:10). When judgment comes, will we reap sorrowful tears or joyful glory? Do not be deceived.

Sow the Wind and Reap the Whirlwind #1425

5 Your calf is rejected, O Samaria! My anger is aroused against them— How long until they attain to innocence? 6 For from Israel is even this: A workman made it, and it is not God; But the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. 7 They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; It shall never produce meal. If it should produce, aliens would swallow it up. (Hosea 8:5–7, NKJV)

From the “excellent sacrifice” Abel offered God “by faith,” to the worship contained in the new covenant of Christ, God has always demanded reverent homage that obeys His revealed instructions concerning approved worship (Hebrews 11:4; John 4:23-24; Acts 20:7). It was a great sin when Jeroboam distorted Jehovah worship by building two golden calves for Samaria as an alternative to worshiping at the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:25-33). Even as Hosea prophesied, God was preparing to destroy the calf and the people who had flocked to it to worship. Israel sowed the wind of nothingness by honoring the graven image, and was about to reap the whirlwind of divine judgment. Whether an individual or a nation, beware when sin becomes the pattern and purpose of existence. The whirlwind of God’s destruction is not far behind. Only by repenting of sin and turning to God through His Son Jesus Christ will reaping the whirlwind be avoided (Acts 4:12; 26:20; Romans 2:1-6).

Sowing and Reaping #395

7  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8  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)

It is not as if we do not know this simple principle – we reap according to what we have sown. Nonetheless, sin can deceive us into thinking this timeless truth does not apply to us in spiritual matters. Untold millions upon millions are unwilling to admit “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). They convince themselves they can plant the seeds of sinful living yet reap the harvest of eternal life. But, God will not be mocked. We cannot live like the devil on His earth and expect Him to usher us into His heaven (a place of holiness, undefiled by sin). What you will reap on that last great day depends on what you plant today. Where will you spend your eternity?