*****Galatians 6:9-10 Sowing and Reaping

Sermon • Submitted 4 months ago • Presented 4 months ago

0 ratings

· 2 views

Notes

Transcript

9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

I think you will agree that the past few weeks have been exhausting. I realize for most, our lives have slowed dramatically, and yet the emotional and psychological strain has been exhausting. We are faced with an issue that no one can provide solid answers or solutions. Our lives have become consumed with the Covid-19 pandemic. It is not my intention to appear judgmental or demeaning; in fact, I have faced similar struggles in recent weeks. During such a trying time, it is easy to focus solely upon the difficulties and lose focus upon the Lord and strength available in Him. Especially for the church in our current situation, the needs are real and abundant. We encounter those who do not share our faith, nor do they enjoy the peace and assurance we have in Christ. For those who routinely live out their faith, likely you have been called upon to provide insight and support regarding this time of uncertainty and pain. As difficult as this struggle is, as the body of Christ, we must remain steadfast and committed to serving the Lord while striving to reach others with the hope of the gospel. We cannot grow weary and abandon the work during such a crucial time, no matter how difficult it may be. As we discuss the admonitions revealed in our text, I want to consider:

Faithful not Fainting.

I. Our Faithfulness (9) – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Paul speaks of our faithful endurance. Consider: A. The Commitment (9a) – And let us not be weary in well doing: Paul knew the struggles would be many; there would be a tendency to grow weary in the work, with a temptation to abandon their efforts. He urges believers to remain committed to the task God has called them to. ▪ We are challenged against being “remiss or slothful in duty.” Growing weary also carries the idea of “becoming fainthearted or despondent in view or a trial or difficulty.” Colossians 3:23 – And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

B. The Consolation (9b) – for in due season we shall reap…Paul knew success in ministry cannot be measured or gauged by human reason or our expectations of time. Sometimes results appear immediate, but others require much longer. In fact, we may not live long enough to grasp the full result of our labors.

▪ My Pastor always said, “Payday might not be Friday, but it’s coming.” God sees our efforts and the attitude of our labor. He will reward faithfulness to the work we’ve been given! 1 Cor.15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

C. The Condition (9c) – for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. God promises blessings to us, but they are conditional. We cannot expect to receive the blessing of God if we faint in the journey. There is no place for the believer to take a detour from the will of God. Our work is given of Him and we must ensure we see it through. 2 Cor.4:16 – For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Tim.4:7-8 – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

II. Our Fellowship (10) – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Here we discover our responsibility and interaction with others.

Notice: A. The Opportunity (10a) – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men. Paul speaks of the opportunities we have to serve the Lord and others. This is an interesting thought. Really there is no English equivalent for the Greek root word, kariós. It doesn’t speak of simply a succession of minutes, but rather a period or season of opportunity.

▪ This relates directly to the previous thought. Our service to the Lord isn’t a once in a while thing. We aren’t expected to serve for a time and then be “off duty.” Each day we live, in fact each moment we live, we ought to be seeking opportunities to serve the Lord. This reveals a challenge to serve the Lord throughout the duration of our lives. Eph.5:16 – Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Colossians 4:5 – Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

B. The Enormity (10b) – let us do good to unto all men. This reveals a pretty tall order; doesn’t it? It is easy to be nice to those who are nice to us. It is easy to serve those whom we think genuinely appreciate our efforts. But, what about those who are unkind or unreceptive to our message? What about those who don’t appreciate what we do? Are we to ignore them and refuse to serve them or share the gospel with them?

▪ We don’t have the right to pick and choose. We can’t gravitate only toward those whom we perceive “fit our mold.” We are to do good to all men. That speaks of the “totality” of humanity. In essence, we are to overlook or avoid none. If there is an opportunity to serve, we are expected to embrace that opportunity. I didn’t say it would be easy, but it is expected! 1 Thes.5:15 – See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Consider the Great Commandments given of Christ our Lord – love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and being, as well as love our neighbor as ourselves. Doing good to all means all men.

C. The Priority (10c) – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. If we are to be good to all men, we especially ought to desire to be good to those of the household of faith. We are to be committed to the body of Christ in any way we possibly can.

▪ Our love and support of the household of faith is one of the first indicators of genuine love for the Lord, revealing our relationship with Him. 1 John 3:14 – We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. This serves as one of the greatest tools in reaching a lost world. Our love and support for one another speaks volumes to a watching world. The world should find a presence of love and support within the church greater and more obvious than anywhere else in society. If we have ever loved and served one another, now is the time to make that a priority in life.

Conclusion: As we close, I will again affirm the difficulties we currently face. We are all struggling with difficulty and uncertainty to some degree. Our lives have experienced significant change. Now is one of the greatest opportunities in our lifetime to shine brightly for the Lord. We cannot grow weary in well doing. There is too much at stake. Allow me to close with this word of encouragement from Isaiah. Isaiah 40:29-31 – He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. [30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: [31] But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.