We Are Living What We Lived By
Main Topics Discussed
Introduction:
Open with instructions to grab a Bible from the pews, turn to Galatians 6 in the New Testament, and place a marker. Then turn to Proverbs 14:14.
Emphasize the unity of the Bible by explaining how teachings in the Old Testament are reflected in the New Testament.
Title: "We Are Living What We Lived By" – A message about reaping what we sow and the impact of our choices.
Introduction to the Concept of Sowing and Reaping (Proverbs 14:14 & Galatians 6:7-9)
Proverbs 14:14: "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."
A backslider lives with the consequences of his actions; a good person reaps satisfaction from living rightly.
Galatians 6:7-9:
Verse 7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The principle of sowing and reaping applies to both the flesh and the spirit.
Focus on choices: Sowing to the flesh brings corruption, while sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life.
Both passages give warnings about how we live: living by the flesh leads to decay, while living by the Spirit leads to blessing.
The Consequences of Sowing to the Flesh
Definition of sowing to the flesh:
Pursuing selfish desires, pleasures, and sinful gratifications.
The Bible warns that it results in corruption – physical, emotional, and spiritual decay.
Illustrations:
Alcohol and drugs: Corrupt the mind and body. Examples of people who have physically decayed due to addiction.
Romans 8:5-6: To be "carnally minded" is death, but to be "spiritually minded" is life and peace.
Corruption:
The word means decay or ruin, like a prune that shrivels over time. Our bodies and lives decay when we live for the flesh.
Sin leads to rapid deterioration of life, health, and joy. Examples of addiction, violence, and physical deterioration.
The Reward of Sowing to the Spirit
Sowing to the Spirit:
Comes from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and receiving the Holy Spirit.
Living in alignment with the Spirit leads to life, peace, and eternal reward.
Proverbs 14:14 (part 2): "A good man shall be satisfied from himself."
A life led by the Spirit produces lasting satisfaction and peace. It enriches both earthly and eternal life.
Benefits of Sowing to the Spirit:
Length of days, long life, and peace (Proverbs 3:1-2).
Eternal life: What we sow spiritually has everlasting significance (Galatians 6:8).
The Law of Sowing and Reaping
You Reap More Than You Sow:
A small seed produces a large harvest. The same applies to spiritual sowing or fleshly indulgence.
Example: Zucchini plants – you plant a few seeds, but reap an abundant crop.
Similarly, sin results in more destruction than we imagine, while righteous living yields eternal rewards.
Reaping is Not Immediate:
The consequences or rewards of what we sow may take time to manifest.
1 Timothy 5:24-25: Some people’s sins are revealed quickly, others later. Good works may not be immediately recognized, but they will not go unrewarded.
God’s Guarantee:
"In due season we shall reap if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).
God's promise ensures that whether good or bad, everyone will eventually reap what they have sown.
Applying the Law of Sowing and Reaping for Our Benefit
Change Your Future by Changing Your Seeds:
While you can't change your past, you can change your future by planting better spiritual seeds today.
Don’t Be Weary in Well-Doing: Keep sowing good seeds because God guarantees that the harvest will come.
How to Sow to the Spirit:
Accepting Christ as Savior is the first step. Without Him, there is no Spirit-led life.
Living by the Spirit means seeking God, following His Word, and focusing on eternal values.
Eternal Life vs. Everlasting Contempt:
Everyone will experience everlasting life, but the quality of that life depends on what they sow (Daniel 12:2).
Sowing to the flesh leads to everlasting regret; sowing to the Spirit leads to everlasting joy.
Conclusion & Call to Action:
Invitation to Salvation:
If you have not accepted Christ, now is the time to sow to the Spirit by placing your faith in Him.
For Christians:
If you've been backsliding, now is the time to return and begin sowing to the Spirit once more.
Reassurance: God’s law of sowing and reaping is meant for your benefit. Change your future by planting new seeds today.
Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help the congregation sow seeds of righteousness and reap a harvest of life, peace, and satisfaction.
Biblical References
Proverbs 14:14
"The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."
Galatians 6:7-9
Verse 7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Verse 8: "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
Verse 9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Romans 8:5-6
Verse 5: "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."
Verse 6: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Proverbs 3:1-2
Verse 1: "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments."
Verse 2: "For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee."
Daniel 12:2
"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
1 Timothy 5:24-25
Verse 24: "Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after."
Verse 25: "Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."
Luke 16:19-31 (Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus)
Reference to the parable where Lazarus ends up in Abraham’s bosom (paradise), and the rich man is in torment, illustrating the principle of sowing and reaping in eternal life.
Reflection Questions
1. What seeds am I currently sowing in my life?
Reflect on the choices, actions, and habits you engage in daily. Are they aligned with the Spirit, leading to life and peace, or are they rooted in the flesh, resulting in corruption and decay?
2. In what areas of my life have I experienced the consequences of sowing to the flesh?
Consider past experiences where your actions led to negative outcomes. How did these moments impact you, and what can you learn from them about the importance of sowing to the Spirit instead?
3. How can I intentionally sow more to the Spirit in my daily routine?
Think about specific ways you can align your thoughts, actions, and habits with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What changes can you make to prioritize spiritual growth and godly living?
4. Are there any areas in my life where I feel discouraged because I haven't yet reaped a harvest?
Reflect on moments when you've felt weary or disheartened in doing good. How does the promise that "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9) encourage you to remain steadfast?
5. How can I use the principle of sowing and reaping to positively influence others around me?
Consider how your actions and choices can impact those in your family, community, or workplace. How can you be an example of sowing to the Spirit, encouraging others to follow God's path and reap the rewards of a Spirit-led life?
Daily Activities
1. Daily Reflection and Journaling
Activity: At the end of each day, write down actions, thoughts, or words that align with sowing to the Spirit and those that sow to the flesh.
Application: This will help you become aware of patterns in your behavior, allowing you to identify areas where you need to sow more to the Spirit and less to the flesh. Reflect on ways to change negative actions into positive, Spirit-led choices.
2. Acts of Service
Activity: Commit to performing one intentional act of kindness or service for someone else each day.
Application: This represents sowing seeds of goodness and generosity, which will eventually yield a harvest of blessings in your life and in the lives of others. This practice helps shift your focus from selfish desires to a Spirit-led, giving attitude.
3. Bible Study and Prayer Group
Activity: Join or start a weekly Bible study and prayer group with friends, family, or fellow church members.
Application: Engaging with others in studying the Word and praying together helps sow seeds of spiritual growth and strengthens your walk with God. This will lead to reaping deeper understanding, encouragement, and a closer relationship with the Lord.
4. Fasting from Fleshly Desires
Activity: Identify one area where you tend to "sow to the flesh" (e.g., excessive social media use, unhealthy eating, gossip) and fast from it for a specific period (e.g., one week).
Application: Use the time and energy you would normally spend on this activity to engage in prayer, Bible reading, or helping others. This intentional fasting allows you to break habits that lead to corruption and replace them with Spirit-led actions that bring life and peace.
5. Creating a Vision Board of Spiritual Goals
Activity: Make a vision board that includes goals related to sowing to the Spirit, such as qualities you want to develop (e.g., love, patience, kindness), scriptures you want to memorize, or ways you want to serve others.
Application: Display this vision board somewhere visible to remind you daily of your commitment to sowing good seeds. Regularly update it as you progress, reflecting on the blessings and growth you experience from living according to the Spirit.
