Scripture:
Galatians 6:6-10 NKJV
[6] Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. [7] Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. [9] And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Observation:
I woke up last night with this scripture on my mind, part of that might be because I had a discussion about it with 2 men that have become a big part of my life. Not just because they are next to me almost every day but because we have formed a bond of unity that seems to be more than just a work type relationship. As we were wrapping up the day in our usual fashion this scripture was at the forefront of our conversation, so I figured it was time to take a good look at it. Most of the time when something like that happens it’s because GOD is trying to tell us something, and I don’t know about you, but I want to hear what HE has to say. In fact I want to hear it so bad that I meditate on it even when I’m sleeping. The letter to the church in Galatia is a short power packed letter that allows us to identify where we are in our walk with GOD, in chapter 5 we receive a very powerful teaching about the flesh, the spirit, and the contrast between them. Paul very carefully lays that out so we can inevitably get to where GOD is leading us. As he begins to make the transition to close out his letter. He starts to bring the purpose of it into focus. Starting in chapter 6 and verse 1 through 5, verses I honestly should have included in the SOAP, but for some reason decided not to, Paul’s focus turns to those who are overtaken by sin. Calling them brothers, which identifies them as fellow believers. Showing us that no one is perfect, and all of us need others to help us see where we stray from Good Orderly Direction… notice the capital letters in the last three words. Good Orderly Direction… that’s what GOD brings to our lives. Restoring someone with gentleness isn’t always seen as strength and Paul knew that. So as he was teaching the Galatians not only about the fruit of the Spirit, the first of which is love, he shares an example of what that looks like. Sharing the burdens of others but not to the point of allowing temptation overtake you. Please take the opportunity to go back into the letter written the the church in Galatia and read the first few verses that were just explained. I never want to mislead anyone or say something that’s not in the scripture. As we move forward I believe it’s important to share what we learn in GOD’S word. It’s a command that Jesus Christ gave as HE was preparing to ascend back to the Father. Matthew chapter 28 tells the church exactly the same thing that Paul is saying here. Make disciples. Teach others what you know, sit down and go over the scripture. But as he brings that out, he also continues to give the church ways to what is going on. Verses 7 and 8 are some of my favorites. It can be used on both sides of the spectrum and shows the direction of an individual. Sowing to the flesh will reap corruption whereas sowing to the spirit leads to life everlasting. I think the important part of what should be remembered in those two verses is what is said first, however, do not be deceived GOD is not mocked, a lot of people believe that karma was something that Buddha thought about and taught, but it’s something that the Bible brought to the stage way before Buddha was ever born. As we approach the core of our message this morning, I want to say this is something I understand all too well. Verses 9 and 10 explain so much. Paul is showing the church that being generous and doing good in all circumstances is something that can wear on them. Not everyone wants what GOD has to offer. The flesh is a powerful opponent to the spirit. As he addresses the church and knowing that not everyone is going to receive what is given he encourages them not to give up…. Just don’t stop at some point they will see fruit. Continuing to do the right thing is just that…. The right thing to do.
Application:
Did you know that when you plant a fruit tree, it can take several years before you can even identify what kind of tree it is. But what would happen if you just gave up after the tree broke through the surface, and pulled it up because you thought it was a weed. GOD doesn’t always do things over night. It takes time. I have heard it said by others and have said it myself as well, don’t give up 5 minutes before the miracle. A lot of times people will not change until the pain of staying where they are at is worse than what they think the pain of change will be. Over the past 16 years of walking with Christ, not only have I fallen back into some old ways at times but I have seen others do the very same. Let me tell you something… it can get discouraging, especially after you yourself make some real headway and see the results of doing so, to watch someone else take a match and a can of gasses to their lives. Ministry is hard. What you sign on for is to get your heart broken time and time again, yet still pressing forward. Maybe the next one will receive the blessings of GOD. Setting the discouragement aside is not easy. But you can’t want it more than they do. That thought brings another scripture to my mind that was spoken about yesterday with a brother of mine. Paul says in the letter to the Corinthians, he plants Apollo’s waters, but GOD brings the increase. The thing is we can’t see what’s going on under the surface. The root of the word may be going nuts. That may be why all the turmoil is going on up top. Let’s just think about that for a minute. A seed can not grow unless it’s under pressure. It can sit on a shelf in a jar for years and do absolutely nothing. But the second you place it in the dirt and apply pressure something happens. Something that has never taken place before, decisions have to be made… Do I go down or do I travel up. I can only imagine the confusion… why not both let’s go down and up. As the roots begin to set something happens above the surface as well, something the seed never expected. The whole identity is changed. What it used to be is not at all what it is now, but growing into what it will be takes time. So I’m just going to be honest here. I know how easy it is to get discouraged. I have been in this for a long time now and have seen so many walk away. In fact there have been times when I have wanted to set it all down, especially after a bout with Jezebel. Thinking about Elijah after the huge victory over the prophets of Baal. One little threat from Jezebel and he is ready to throw in the towel, ready to give up on life… so he runs to the point of exhaustion falling asleep to be woken up by an angel with a sandwich. Sometimes we just need to rest in the LORD and allow HIM to renew our strength. Our job is not to worry about the results. That’s for HIM to do. Our job is to do the next right thing no matter how we feel. Our emotions will lead us astray. The heart is deceitful and wicked, who can know its ways. People leave, they move on to what they think is right, even if what they think is right is totally wrong. You can’t stop them. The pressure they will face will produce what GOD has begun to do in them. Just relax, HE is bigger than you.
Prayer:
Father, this is all part of your plan, and no matter what I do you will produce the results you are looking for, even if it hurts not only to watch but to be a part of. What you are doing will press forward. The harvest is yours. We are here to bring it in at just the right time. So what we can ask for is that you renew us and fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we do not grow weary. Fill our cups Father. As laborers of the harvest it’s easy when we are not seeing results to want to throw our hand up and say it’s not working. Father would you just show us some results from our labor that we can be encouraged to move forward. Our love for you is the reason we do what we do, and we know that not all will receive it from us. Help us to operate on the fruit that you produced in our lives, fruit that can only be brought about by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The very same Spirit that brought Christ back to life, the same Spirit that you gave us the day we said yes to Christ as our LORD. For its in HIS mighty name we pray amen