DON'T GROW WEARY

DON'T GROW WEARY Cultivating God’s Promised Harvest

Moment of Tithing and Offerings:

In 2 Corinthians chapter 9, verses 6 and 7, Paul writes:

"Remember this: A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NLT)

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NIV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

This verse beautifully reminds us that our giving is also a form of sowing good. When we give cheerfully and generously, we are not losing anything; we are planting seeds that God promises will yield a generous harvest, not just for the church, but often in our own lives as well. Let us now give with hearts of faith, trusting in His promise.

"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

Galatians 6:9 NIV

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

Baby dedication

Baby: Olivia Brasileiro Leitão

Father: Fernando Leitão

Mother: Talita Leitão

MSG

Good morning, church family! It's such a joy to be with all of you today.

The Star Moment :

The Unwavering Seed

Imagine a farmer. He wakes before dawn, toils under the sun, planting tiny seeds in the vast, unyielding earth. He waters, he waits, he battles pests.

Day after day, week after week, he sees nothing but dirt. No immediate reward, no instant gratification.

There are moments of doubt, moments of exhaustion, moments when he wonders if it's all worth it. But he persists. Why?

Because, deep down, he knows a truth that sustains him: the harvest will come.

And friends, in our spiritual lives, in our walk with Christ, many of us feel like that farmer right now. We are sowing good seeds, doing the right thing, trying to live for Jesus, but the soil feels hard, the sun is relentless, and the harvest seems nowhere in sight.

And the temptation to simply give up, to throw in the towel, can be overwhelming.

but today, I want to plant a seed of hope in your hearts, because God's Word promises us: your labor is not in vain.

Introduction:

Life can be tough, can't it? We face challenges in our work, in our families, in our personal lives.

We start with good intentions, with a desire to make a difference, to serve God, to be kind, to overcome that habit, to pursue that calling.

But at some point, the path gets rocky, the journey stretches long, and the initial enthusiasm begins to wane.

We might start to feel tired, discouraged, or even defeated.

We begin to ask ourselves, "Is it really worth it? Should I just give up?"

This feeling of weariness is universal, and it's something the Apostle Paul deeply understood. He wrote to the believers in Galatia, a group who faced their own struggles with false teaching and spiritual fatigue, and he gave them a powerful encouragement, a truth that still echoes with urgency and hope for us today.

Turn with me in your Bibles to Galatians chapter 6, verse 9. It’s a verse many of us know, but one we desperately need to internalize:

"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

Galatians 6:9 NIV

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

This isn't just a nice sentiment; it’s a divine promise, an anchor for our souls in life’s storms.

Over the next few minutes, we’re going to dive into this incredible verse, uncover its profound meaning, and learn how we can live out its truth in a world that constantly tempts us to quit.

We will explore what it means to "do good," why we get tired, and what kind of marvelous harvest God has promised to those who persevere.

Point 1: The Call to "Do Good" – Sowing the Seeds of God's Kingdom

Verse: "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good." (Galatians 6:9a NLT)

Context: To truly grasp what Paul means by "doing good," we need to understand the historical and literary context of his letter to the Galatians.

Paul is writing to a group of churches in the region of Galatia, primarily Gentile Christians who had initially embraced the Gospel of grace.

However, false teachers, often called "Judaizers," had infiltrated these churches, insisting that Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish laws, like circumcision, in addition to faith in Christ for salvation.

Paul’s entire letter is a passionate defense of salvation by grace alone through faith, contrasting it with attempts to earn salvation through works of the Law.

In chapter 5, he describes life in the Spirit, which leads to the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

Then, in chapter 6, he moves to the practical implications of living by the Spirit, encouraging them to carry one another’s burdens (v. 2), share with their teachers (v. 6), and generally to "do good" to all people, especially to fellow believers (v. 10).

So, "doing good" isn't about earning salvation; it's the natural outflow of a grace-transformed life, walking in step with the Spirit and serving others out of love.

Original Greek Term:

The phrase "doing good" comes from the Greek word kalopoieō (καλοποιέω). It's a compound word: kalos which means "good, beautiful, excellent" (often referring to intrinsic moral goodness or attractiveness), and poieō which means "to do, to make, to perform."

Thus, kalopoieō implies not merely performing good deeds superficially, but actively engaging in what is intrinsically good, beautiful, and right – a life characterized by moral excellence and genuine benevolence.

It’s not just about going through the motions; it's about living a life that reflects God's character.

Biblical Characters:

When we think of "doing good," Jesus Himself is our ultimate example. His entire life was a perfect tapestry of kalopoieō.

He "went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:38).

Consider the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. A man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead. A priest and a Levite, religious leaders, pass by him. But a Samaritan, an outcast in Jewish society, stops. He pours oil and wine on the man's wounds, puts him on his own animal, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care.

This is kalopoieō in action – practical, compassionate, self-sacrificial goodness.

Warren W. Wiersbe

"Paul’s emphasis is on doing good as a lifestyle, not merely an occasional act. It is a life lived in the Spirit, where love is the motivating force and serving others is the natural expression of that love.

This ‘doing good’ is not to earn God’s favor, but to express the favor we have already received."

Matthew Henry adds:

"We must not be weary of well-doing. We must persevere in well-doing, for the sake of goodness itself, and for the glory of God, and the benefit of others." This goodness isn't always glamorous or recognized; often, it's in the quiet, consistent acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service.

Quotes

John C. Maxwell once said, "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another."

In essence, doing good is about positive influence, about living in such a way that others are blessed and drawn to God. It's about being a channel of God’s love.

That’s the heart of doing good — believing in the inherent worth of others and extending grace to them, even when it’s undeserved.

Illustrations:

Awe Moment: I heard an incredible testimony recently about a woman named Maria. She spent years on the streets, battling addiction and despair. One day, a small local church started a regular outreach, simply providing hot meals and conversation. Maria was skeptical at first, but week after week, the same volunteer, an elderly gentleman named Arthur, would sit with her, listen to her story, and offer a silent prayer. He never judged, never preached, just consistently did good.

For over a year, she resisted. Then, one cold winter night, something shifted. Arthur's unwavering kindness, his persistent "well-doing" in the face of her hardened heart, broke through. Maria entered recovery, found faith, and now, years later, she runs her own ministry, helping other homeless individuals find hope. Arthur simply sowed seeds of goodness, and God brought an incredible harvest.

Reflective Questions:

Where in your life is God calling you to consistently "do good," even when it’s inconvenient or goes unnoticed?

How can your daily life better reflect the kalopoieō character of Christ?

Point 2: The Reality of "Weariness" – When the Soil Feels Hard

Verse: "...let’s not get tired of doing what is good..." (Galatians 6:9a NLT)

Context: The Apostle Paul, in exhorting the Galatians not to grow weary, acknowledges a fundamental human reality: doing good can be exhausting.

The temptation to give up is real, not just for us, but for early church members who faced persecution, internal strife, and the constant pull of old habits.

The Galatians, in particular, were facing the weariness of spiritual battles – the pressure to conform to legalistic practices, which might have seemed easier or more tangible than the demanding walk by grace and the Spirit.

Paul understood that sustained effort in the face of opposition or delayed results can wear down even the most committed heart.

Original Greek Term:

The word translated as "get tired" or "grow weary" is ekkakeō (ἐκκακέω). It’s a powerful term meaning "to lose heart," "to faint," "to become fainthearted and give up."

It's not just physical tiredness, but a deep spiritual or emotional exhaustion that leads to abandoning effort.

It implies a moral weakening, a succumbing to discouragement or despair that makes one want to stop doing what is right or what God has called them to do.

Biblical Characters:

Even giants of faith have faced profound weariness. Consider the prophet Elijah. After a spectacular victory on Mount Carmel, where he called down fire from heaven and challenged the prophets of Baal, we might think he’d be exultant.

Instead, a death threat from Queen Jezebel sends him fleeing into the wilderness, where he collapses under a broom tree and prays to die (1 Kings 19).

He is completely ekkakeō. He feels alone, defeated, and ready to quit.

God, however, doesn't scold him, but nourishes him, feeds him, and restores him.

The Apostle Paul himself knew weariness well.

He described his own ministry as filled with "hard labor, many sleepless nights, and many days without food... beaten, imprisoned, and facing riots. I have worked with my own hands to support myself... I have been cold, hungry, naked, and often in danger of death" (2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 6:4-5, 11:27).

yet, he famously declared, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." He knew weariness, but he refused to give up.

Matthew Henry touches on this, noting:

"The best Christians are apt to tire in their Christian work, and to faint in their minds when they meet with difficulties. We are apt to be weary of well-doing, when we meet with discouragements, or when we do not see the desired fruit of our labors immediately."

Warren W. Wiersbe reminds us:

"The world, the flesh, and the devil constantly try to wear us down. Legalism can make us weary because it depends on our strength; grace, on the other hand, empowers us, but still requires our faithful participation in sowing and serving."

Quotes

C. S. Lewis once wrote, "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."

This speaks to the weariness that comes from misaligned priorities, from trying to gain earthly rewards for spiritual work.

The exhaustion of chasing fleeting things is deep and unfulfilling.

Illustrations:

(Science): Let's get scientific for a moment. Psychologists talk about "decision fatigue." Every decision we make throughout the day – what to wear, what to eat, how to respond to an email – drains our mental energy.

By the end of the day, our willpower is depleted, making us more prone to irritability, poor decisions, and, yes, weariness in "doing good."

This is why consistent spiritual disciplines and clear priorities are so crucial; they reduce the mental load and free up energy for what truly matters.

Research on executive function shows that our capacity for self-control and sustained effort is a finite resource that needs to be replenished. When we aren't intentional, that resource quickly depletes, leading to spiritual burnout.

Awe Moment:

I remember reading about a pastor in a war-torn country. For years, he ministered to his congregation amidst constant danger, poverty, and loss. Often, he thought about giving up, about fleeing to a safer place. He was completely ekkakeō.

One day, after burying yet another church member killed in the conflict, he felt a profound hopelessness. He sat in the rubble of his church, questioning everything.

Then, a small child approached him, handed him a single withered flower, and simply said, "God is still good, Pastor." In that moment, a glimmer of awe re-ignited his spirit.

He realized that even in the darkness of weariness, God was present, and his faithful presence, even in deep weakness, was a testimony that offered hope to others. He found renewed strength not in himself, but in the simple, unwavering faith of a child and the quiet conviction that God was still at work.

Reflective Questions:

Where are you currently experiencing spiritual or emotional weariness in your walk with God or in your service to others?

What might God’s invitation be for you to rest, replenish, or re-strategize in this season of weariness?

Point 3: The Promise of the "Harvest" – Trusting God's Perfect Timing

Verse: "At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." (Galatians 6:9b NLT)

Context: This is the incredible motivation, the divine encouragement that keeps us going when weariness sets in.

Paul employs an agricultural metaphor, one that would have been immediately understood by his audience.

Just as a farmer plants seeds and knows he won't see fruit overnight, believers are assured that their persistent "well-doing" will yield a harvest.

The critical phrase here is "at just the right time." This isn't about our timing, but God's kairos – His perfect, appointed time.

Paul wants the Galatians to know that despite their struggles and the temptation to abandon Spirit-led living for legalism, their faithfulness will be rewarded, not as a wage, but as a gracious outcome of God's design.

Original Greek Terms:

Harvest: The Greek word is therizō (θερίζω), meaning "to reap" or "to gather the harvest." It vividly portrays the culmination of effort, the abundant fruit that comes after diligent sowing and patient waiting.

Right Time: This comes from kairos (καιρός), distinct from chronos (χρόνος), which refers to chronological time. Kairos signifies an opportune moment, a divinely appointed season, a time pregnant with purpose. It's God's perfect timing, often revealed after a period of waiting, testing, and perseverance. It's the moment when all elements align for maximum blessing and fruitfulness.

Biblical Characters:

The Bible is replete with stories of delayed harvests and, eventually, abundant fruitfulness for those who didn't give up. Consider Joseph. From the pit to Potiphar's house to prison, he consistently "did good" – served faithfully, managed diligently, interpreted dreams, all while enduring immense injustice and suffering. For thirteen long years, there was no apparent "harvest" for his goodness. Yet, in God's kairos, Joseph was elevated to prime minister of Egypt, saving his family and an entire nation from famine (Genesis 37-50). His story is a powerful testimony to the promise that we will reap a harvest if we don't give up.

The Apostle Paul also experienced this. Despite his imprisonments, beatings, and constant dangers, he saw the Gospel spread like wildfire throughout the Roman Empire. The churches he planted, the lives he discipled – these were his harvest, a harvest that continues to grow today.

Warren W. Wiersbe highlights this:

"God’s timing is perfect. He knows when the soil is ready, when the seed needs sun, and when it needs rain. We cannot rush the harvest, nor can we prevent it if we have faithfully sown.

Our responsibility is to sow; His is to bring the harvest in His appointed time."

Matthew Henry adds:

"We are assured of a harvest if we faint not. God will not suffer our labor to be in vain, but will reward us in due time. Those who sow in righteousness shall reap in mercy."

Quotes Billy Graham famously said,

"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." This courage is essential for perseverance, for waiting for the harvest. It is the belief that what we are doing matters, even when we don't see immediate results.

Illustrations:

Awe Moment:

In the 1950s, a missionary couple, the Nelsons, went to a remote tribal village in Papua New Guinea. They spent decades learning the language, translating the Bible, and building relationships, facing incredible hardship and seemingly little spiritual fruit.

For 20 years, they saw only a handful of conversions. The weariness was immense. But they did not give up. They kept sowing the seeds of the Gospel.

Then, in the 1970s, a revival broke out. Suddenly, within a few years, thousands came to Christ, entire villages were transformed, and churches sprang up everywhere. The Nelsons saw an unimaginable harvest after decades of patient, persistent "well-doing." It was a testament to God's kairos, His perfect timing, and the power of unwavering obedience.

Reflective Questions:

Where do you need to trust God’s kairos in your life right now, patiently waiting for the harvest?

What is one specific area where you feel tempted to give up, but God is calling you to sow for just a little longer?

Conclusion:

Friends, we've walked through Galatians 6:9 and unearthed its profound truth. We’ve seen that "doing good" isn't a burdensome requirement, but the joyful overflow of a Spirit-filled life, a life of loving service, just like Jesus. We've acknowledged the very real human tendency to experience "weariness," to want to quit when the journey is long, the results are slow, or the opposition is strong. And most importantly, we’ve been reminded of God's magnificent promise: that if we don't give up, "at just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing." It's not a "maybe"; it’s a divine guarantee.

Our world desperately needs people who refuse to grow weary in doing good. It needs people who will keep sowing seeds of kindness, truth, justice, and love, even when the soil seems barren. It needs individuals and a church that trusts in God’s kairos, knowing that His timing is always perfect.

The Star Moment (Last Minute): The Harvest Is Coming

So hear this, my brothers and sisters: do not dare to give up.

That small act of kindness you’ve been doing consistently? Keep going.

That prayer you’ve been praying for years without seeing an answer? Don't stop.

That battle against a sin, that commitment to a calling, that burden for a loved one? Fight on.

Because the God who hung the stars in the sky and orchestrates the seasons of the earth, He is the one who promises the harvest. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

The seed you sow today, in faith and perseverance, will one day burst forth into a glorious harvest of blessing, for His glory and for your eternal good. Keep sowing. Keep trusting. Keep believing. The harvest is coming. Do not give up.

Appeal:

Today, I want to invite you to make a fresh commitment.

A commitment to this powerful truth from Galatians 6:9.

Is there an area in your life where you feel like giving up on doing good?

Perhaps it’s a difficult relationship where you’ve consistently tried to show love, and it feels unreciprocated.

Perhaps it's a habit you’re trying to break, or a spiritual discipline you’re trying to maintain.

Maybe it’s a calling God has placed on your heart, and the road has been far longer and harder than you ever imagined.

Galatians 6:9 NIV

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

I challenge you today:

Don’t give up. If you are weary, if you are discouraged, know that God sees you. He knows your struggle.

And He is here to give you renewed strength. I invite you, wherever you are, to respond.

You can simply pray with me, or if you feel led, you can stand as a symbol of your decision to recommit to not growing weary, to trusting in God's harvest.

Let us pray:

"Heavenly Father, we confess that we often grow weary. We grow weary of doing good when we don't see immediate results, when life is hard, and when we face opposition. Forgive us for our moments of doubt and for our temptation to give up. Today, we stand on Your promise in Galatians 6:9. We ask for renewed strength to consistently sow seeds of goodness in our lives, in our families, in our workplaces, and in our communities. Help us to trust in Your perfect kairos, Your appointed time for the harvest. Remind us that our labor in You is never in vain. We recommit ourselves to not giving up, to persevering in faith, until we see the abundant harvest You have promised us. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen."

For all who stood or prayed that prayer, know that God has heard you. He is with you and will empower you.

Practical Applications:

Identify an Area for "Consistent Goodness": Think of one specific, small act of kindness, service, or spiritual discipline you can commit to doing consistently this week, even if it feels insignificant. It could be sending an encouraging text, offering a genuine compliment, praying for one specific person daily, or taking 10 minutes for God's Word.

Recognize and Address Weariness: Where are you feeling ekkakeō – weary and tempted to quit? Confess that to God. Then, prayerfully consider what steps you can take to replenish your spirit. Is it more rest? Delegating a task? Seeking wise counsel? Spending more intentional time in God’s presence? Remember Elijah’s story: God met him with rest and nourishment before sending him back to work.

Cultivate a "Harvest Mindset": Actively remind yourself daily that God’s timing is perfect (kairos). Write Galatians 6:9 on a sticky note, put it on your mirror, and declare it over your situation. Trust that your faithful efforts, even the unseen ones, are building toward a glorious harvest that God will bring forth. Don't try to force the harvest; just sow faithfully.

Connect and Encourage: Find someone else in your life who might be feeling weary in doing good. Send them an encouraging message, remind them of God's promise, and pray for them. We are called to carry each other's burdens, and together, we can overcome weariness and anticipate the harvest.

Go, church, and do not grow weary in doing good. Your harvest is coming! Amen.