FBC Stuttgart Sunday Morning Service

Devotional

Day 1: The Law of the Harvest: You Reap What You Sow

Every action, word, and choice in life is like a seed planted in the soil of our hearts and the world around us. The principle that "what you sow, you shall reap" is both a spiritual and physical law, applying to the substance, quantity, and timing of our lives. Whether we sow good or bad, the harvest will reflect the nature of the seed, often multiplied and sometimes delayed, but always true to its kind. This truth calls us to be intentional about the seeds we plant, knowing that our present choices shape our future harvests. [35:44]

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV)
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Reflection: What is one “seed” you are sowing today—through your words, actions, or attitudes—that you want to see God multiply for good in your life or the lives of others?

Day 2: The Imperishable Seed: The Gospel Alone Brings New Life

There are many messages and religions in the world, but only the gospel of Jesus Christ is the imperishable seed that brings true, lasting life. All other efforts—no matter how religious or well-intentioned—are perishable and corrupted by our own sin. Only by receiving and surrendering to what Jesus has done on the cross, not by our own works, can we experience the new birth and the enduring hope that comes from God’s living Word. [41:26]

1 Peter 1:22-25 (ESV)
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to trust your own efforts or “good works” instead of fully relying on the imperishable seed of the gospel for your relationship with God?

Day 3: The Gospel Must Be Planted and Take Root

Just as a seed must be planted and nurtured to grow, the gospel must be received and allowed to take root in our hearts for true transformation to occur. Hearing the message of Jesus is not enough; it must be personally accepted, believed, and allowed to germinate, bringing new life and a relationship with God. Every person is made in God’s image and has the potential for this relationship, but it is only realized when the gospel is implanted and faith springs up through hearing the Word of Christ. [50:23]

Romans 10:17 (ESV)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel “seed” today, and how can you intentionally plant that seed through your words or actions?

Day 4: The Harvest of the Gospel: Love for God and Others

When the gospel takes root in our lives, it produces a harvest of love—first for God, then for others. This love is not just a feeling but is shown in obedience, sincere care, and even stretching to love those who are difficult. The evidence of God’s work in us is a growing desire to love Him more deeply and to extend His love to our brothers and sisters, even when it requires extra grace. [52:46]

John 14:15 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family or community who is “extra grace required” for you? How can you take one step today to show them sincere love from the heart?

Day 5: The Father’s Heart: Receiving, Not Earning, His Love

God’s love is not earned by our efforts or religious performance, but received as a gift through Jesus Christ. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son, God runs to meet us with compassion, whether we are far off in rebellion or close by in self-righteousness. The true proof of receiving the Father’s love is a heart that desires others to experience His grace as well, longing for all to come home and be transformed by His love. [01:02:47]

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

Reflection: Are you living as if you must earn God’s love, or are you receiving it as a gift? How can you celebrate and share the Father’s love with someone who feels far from Him today?

Sermon Summary

This morning began with the joy of witnessing two baptisms—Ryder and Piper—publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is a powerful outward sign of the inward transformation that Christ brings, a testimony to the new life found in Him. This new life is not the result of our own efforts or religious works, but is the fruit of the imperishable seed of the gospel, the living and enduring word of God. Just as in agriculture, the law of the harvest applies: what we sow, we reap—in substance, in quantity, and in timing. If we want a harvest of eternal significance, we must begin with good seed.

The world is full of perishable, corrupt seed—false religions and systems that teach we can earn our way to God by what we do. But the gospel stands apart: it is not about what we do, but about what Christ has done. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died and rose again so that we might be born again, not by our works, but by faith in Him. The seed of the gospel must be planted in our hearts, and when it takes root, it brings forth a harvest that is both abundant and enduring.

Being made in the image of God means every person has value and the capacity for relationship with Him. Yet, it is only when the gospel is received and believed that new life begins. The evidence of this new life is seen in a growing love for God and for others. Obedience to God is not a means of earning His favor, but a response of love to the One who first loved us. This love is not always easy, especially when it comes to loving those who require “extra grace,” but the same grace that saved us empowers us to love others sincerely and fervently.

The story of the prodigal son reminds us that both those who wander far and those who stay close but trust in their own works need the Father’s grace. God is not waiting passively for us to come to Him; He actively seeks us out, offering forgiveness and new life. The true harvest of the gospel is a community transformed by love—love for God and love for people. May we be a church that sows the good seed of the gospel, trusting God for a harvest that brings Him glory.

Key Takeaways

1. The Law of the Harvest: What we sow, we reap—not just in kind, but in greater measure and in God’s timing. This principle applies to every area of life, including our spiritual lives. If we desire a harvest of righteousness, we must be intentional about sowing the good seed of the gospel, not relying on our own efforts or religious activity. [35:44]
2. The Imperishable Seed: Only the gospel—the message of Christ’s death and resurrection—can bring about true and lasting transformation. All other “seeds,” whether religious rituals or good works, are perishable and ultimately corrupt because they originate from our fallen nature. The gospel alone is the power of God for salvation, and it must be received, not achieved. [43:28]
3. The Necessity of Planting: The potential of the gospel is realized only when it is planted in receptive hearts. Like a seed that remains dormant unless sown, the message of Christ must be heard, understood, and embraced personally. God has made each person in His image, capable of relationship with Him, but new life begins only when the gospel takes root and germinates in faith. [50:10]
4. The Fruit of the Gospel: Genuine faith in Christ produces a harvest of love—first for God, then for others. This love is not mere sentiment or emotion, but is demonstrated in obedience and self-giving, even toward those who are difficult to love. The mark of a gospel-changed life is a growing, stretching love that reflects the heart of God for His people. [55:02]
5. The Father’s Pursuit: God’s love is proactive; He seeks out the lost and the self-righteous alike, offering grace to all who will receive it. The story of the prodigal son illustrates that both rebellion and self-reliance are barriers to experiencing the Father’s love. True transformation comes not from what we do, but from receiving what God has done for us in Christ, and this compels us to share that love with others. [62:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:06] - Baptism: Outward Sign of Inward Faith
[33:37] - Holding Up God’s Word
[34:49] - Lessons from Agriculture and the Law of the Harvest
[35:44] - What You Sow, You Reap: Substance, Quantity, Timing
[38:48] - The Gospel Seed: Imperishable vs. Perishable
[41:17] - The Good Seed of the Gospel
[43:28] - False Religion vs. True Gospel
[47:20] - Planting and Germination: The Gospel Takes Root
[49:14] - Made in God’s Image: Our Value and Purpose
[50:10] - The Gospel Must Be Received
[52:12] - The Harvest: Love for God and Others
[55:02] - Loving Others: Even When It’s Hard
[58:27] - The Call to Sow the Gospel
[59:44] - The Prodigal Son: Receiving, Not Achieving
[62:24] - The Father’s Pursuit and Grace
[67:21] - Praying for a Harvest of Love
[69:23] - Invitation and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 1:22-25 (ESV) — > Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
>
> “All flesh is like grass
> and all its glory like the flower of grass.
> The grass withers,
> and the flower falls,
> but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
>
> And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Luke 15:11-32 (ESV) – The Parable of the Prodigal Son — (You may want to read this together in your group or summarize the story.)

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 1:23, what is the difference between perishable and imperishable seed? How does Peter describe the source of new life?
In the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15), what actions did the father take toward both of his sons?
The sermon mentioned that the evidence of new life is a growing love for God and others. What does verse 22 say about the result of obedience to the truth? [[52:12]]
What are some examples the pastor gave of “perishable seed” or false religion? [[42:00]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Peter use the image of seed to describe the gospel? What does this teach us about how spiritual growth happens?
The pastor said, “Obedience to God is not a means of earning His favor, but a response of love to the One who first loved us.” How does this change the way we think about following God? [[53:04]]
In the parable of the prodigal son, both sons needed the father’s grace. What does this reveal about the dangers of both rebellion and self-reliance? [[01:00:21]]
The sermon talked about “extra grace required” people. Why is it sometimes hard to love others, and what does the gospel say about how we should respond? [[56:34]]

Application Questions

The “law of the harvest” says we reap what we sow, in substance, quantity, and timing. What kind of “seed” are you sowing in your life right now—at home, at work, or in your relationships? Is there an area where you want to be more intentional about sowing the gospel? [[35:44]]
The pastor said that only the gospel is “imperishable seed.” Are there ways you’ve been trusting in your own efforts, religious activity, or good works instead of what Christ has done? How can you shift your trust to the gospel this week? [[43:28]]
Think about someone in your life who is “extra grace required.” What is one practical way you can show them sincere love this week, even if it’s difficult? [[56:34]]
The story of the prodigal son shows that God actively seeks out both the lost and the self-righteous. Is there someone you know who needs to experience God’s grace? How can you reach out to them or pray for them this week? [[01:02:24]]
The sermon said, “The true harvest of the gospel is a community transformed by love.” What is one step you can take to help our church become more of this kind of community? [[58:27]]
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. If you have been baptized, how does your daily life reflect the new life you have in Christ? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have? [[14:06]]
The pastor prayed that we would love God and love Stuttgart more tomorrow than we did yesterday. What is one specific way you can love God or love your community this week? [[01:07:21]]

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Chatbot

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