Later Than We Sow

Galatians 6:6–10 NIV84

6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

1. The Principle of Patience

A. Your Future is in Your Seed

James 5:7 “7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.”

B. If you are tired, then do it tired

Galatians 6:9 “9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

C. You reap in a different season

Hebrews 10:36 “36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

2. The Process of Growth

A. You will reap the same kind of seed you sow

Galatians 6:8 “8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

B. Our Spiritual Growth is gradual

2 Peter 3:18 “18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

C. Our character is developed over time

Romans 5:3–4 “3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

3. The Promise of Harvest

A. Reaping in due season

Galatians 6:9 “9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

B. We must trust God’s timing

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

C. God is Faithful to fulfill His promises

Hebrews 10:23 “23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

4. The Power of Faith in Sowing

A. We sow by faith not by feelings

Proverbs 11:24–25 “24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

B. The Faith Equation: Believing + Trusting + Obeying

Hebrews 11:6 “6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

If any part of the equation is removed, we are attempting to grow through our feelings

C. When I have a need, I sow a seed

Luke 6:38 “38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.””

A farmer with no crops doesn’t gripe or complain or even pray!

He readies his dirt and plants the seed

Whatever I need more of, I need to give away

I can only reap what I am willing to sow