by Roby Ellis
[Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:11]
Introduction
A. This is a question that gardeners ask one another every spring.
B. The natural law of reproduction was put into place by God in the beginning (Genesis 1:11) and will remain until the end (Genesis 8:22).
C. The seed you sow will determine the harvest you reap (Galatians 6:6-10).
I. If we sow fleshly seed, we will reap fleshly fruit.
A. Paul put no confidence in flesh (Galatians 1:1,10-12,16-19; 2:3-7; 4:13-15; 6:11-16) and warned the Galatian churches of this.
B. The Galatians had abandoned faith and sown to the flesh instead (Galatians 1:6-9; 3:3).
C. This flesh is sure to fail us, and if we put our trust in it, we are certain to reap eternal consequences (Galatians 6:8).
II. If we sow spiritual seed, we will reap spiritual fruit.
A. If we desire to be pleasing to God, we must “walk in the spirit” (Galatians 5:14-18).
B. Before we can be “led by the Spirit,” we must first “crucify the flesh” (Galatians 5:24; Romans 8:10-14; Colossians 3:8-10; Romans 6:1-7).
C. We must die to ourselves before we can produce the fruit that God demands of His disciples (John 15:8).
III. You are known by your fruit.
A. This concept is observed in the natural world (Matthew 13:26).
B. If you are known for godly conduct, it can only be because you are planting good seed (Matthew 7:15-20; 12:33-35).
Conclusion
A. You may sow your wild oats, but you must expect to reap the consequences (Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1; Galatians 6:8).
B. When your fruit is judged by the Lord, will it pass the inspection?