Intentional Sowing: The Law of Seed Time and Harvest
Summary
In our second week of the Good Pharma series, we delve deeper into the law of seed time and harvest and its profound impact on every area of our lives. This principle, as taught by Jesus in Mark 4:26-29, likens the Kingdom of God to a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. The farmer's primary role is to sow seeds, and while he may not understand how the seeds grow, he knows that they will eventually produce a harvest. This analogy is crucial for us to understand because, as believers, we are part of God's Kingdom, which operates on different laws and principles than the world we are accustomed to.
The moment we accept Jesus Christ, we become part of this Kingdom, but many of us fail to realize that the blessings and promises of God are contingent upon understanding and applying these Kingdom principles. One of the primary laws is the law of seed time and harvest. Our words, choices, actions, and giving are the seeds we sow today, which will determine the harvest we reap tomorrow. Therefore, it is imperative to be intentional about the seeds we are sowing in our lives.
We must first decide what kind of harvest we want in various areas of our lives, such as our relationship with God, marriage, family, health, finances, and ministry. Once we have a clear vision of our desired future, we can begin sowing the appropriate seeds to achieve that harvest. Just like a farmer who decides what crops to plant in different fields, we must be deliberate in planting seeds that will yield the desired outcomes in our lives.
It's important to note that the conditions for sowing are rarely perfect. Ecclesiastes 11:4 warns us that farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant, and those who watch every cloud never harvest. Similarly, we cannot wait for perfect conditions in our lives to start sowing good seeds. Whether it's in our marriage, finances, or any other area, we must begin sowing seeds even in the midst of storms and challenges. The only way to see a positive change and rise above our current circumstances is to get some seed in the ground.
Understanding the law of seed time and harvest means recognizing that we may not always understand how our actions will lead to the desired outcomes, but we must trust that they will. Jesus emphasized that the farmer does not need to understand how the seed grows; he just needs to know that it does. This principle applies to every area of our lives. Whether it's being kind to our spouse, being responsible with our finances, or any other positive action, we must trust that these seeds will eventually produce a good harvest.
Moreover, we must be diligent and consistent in our sowing. Ecclesiastes 11:6 encourages us to plant our seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon. This means we should not only sow seeds but also tend to them, nurture them, and continue sowing throughout the day. Different areas of our lives may produce different results, but our responsibility is to keep sowing good seeds.
There are several hindrances to realizing a good harvest. One major hindrance is the misconception that a great life will just happen if we love God and have faith. While faith is essential, it must be accompanied by action. James 2:14-18 reminds us that faith without deeds is dead. We must actively sow good seeds to see the blessings of God manifest in our lives.
Another hindrance is failing to understand the law of seed time and harvest. Many believers do not realize that the blessings of God often require us to sow specific seeds. Additionally, not knowing what we want for our future can lead to inaction and uncertainty. We must have a clear vision of our desired future and sow the appropriate seeds to achieve it.
In conclusion, the law of seed time and harvest is a fundamental principle that governs the Kingdom of God. By understanding and applying this law, we can intentionally sow seeds that will produce a bountiful harvest in every area of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Law of Seed Time and Harvest: The Kingdom of God operates on the principle of seed time and harvest. Our words, choices, actions, and giving are the seeds we sow today, which determine the harvest we reap tomorrow. Understanding this law is crucial for realizing God's blessings in our lives. [01:26]
2. Intentional Sowing: We must decide what kind of harvest we want in various areas of our lives and intentionally sow the appropriate seeds. Just like a farmer who decides what crops to plant, we must be deliberate in planting seeds that will yield the desired outcomes in our lives. [05:45]
3. Sowing in Imperfect Conditions: We cannot wait for perfect conditions to start sowing good seeds. Whether it's in our marriage, finances, or any other area, we must begin sowing seeds even in the midst of storms and challenges. The only way to see a positive change is to get some seed in the ground. [13:50]
4. Faith and Action: Faith without deeds is dead. We must actively sow good seeds to see the blessings of God manifest in our lives. This means being diligent and consistent in our sowing, tending to the seeds, and continuing to sow throughout the day. [37:02]
5. Overcoming Hindrances: Misconceptions about how blessings come, failing to understand the law of seed time and harvest, and not knowing what we want for our future can hinder us from realizing a good harvest. We must have a clear vision of our desired future and sow the appropriate seeds to achieve it. [29:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - The Law of Seed Time and Harvest
[05:45] - Intentional Sowing
[13:50] - Sowing in Imperfect Conditions
[29:16] - Overcoming Hindrances
[37:02] - Faith and Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 4:26-29: "Jesus also said, 'The kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.'"
2. Ecclesiastes 11:4: "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."
3. James 2:14-18: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 4:26-29, what is the primary role of the farmer in the Kingdom of God? ([01:26])
2. What does Ecclesiastes 11:4 warn us about when it comes to waiting for perfect conditions? ([11:06])
3. In James 2:14-18, what is the relationship between faith and deeds? ([37:02])
4. How does the sermon describe the process of a seed growing into a harvest? ([02:55])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to understand the law of seed time and harvest as described in Mark 4:26-29? ([02:55])
2. How can the principle in Ecclesiastes 11:4 be applied to different areas of our lives, such as marriage, finances, or ministry? ([13:50])
3. What does James 2:14-18 suggest about the necessity of actions accompanying faith? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about sowing seeds? ([37:02])
4. How does the analogy of a farmer deciding what crops to plant in different fields help us understand the importance of intentionality in our actions and decisions? ([05:45])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life circumstances. Are there areas where you have been waiting for "perfect conditions" before taking action? How can you start sowing seeds in those areas today? ([13:50])
2. Think about the different "fields" in your life (e.g., relationship with God, marriage, family, health, finances, ministry). What specific seeds can you start sowing to achieve the desired harvest in each of these areas? ([05:45])
3. In what ways have you relied solely on faith without accompanying actions? How can you begin to incorporate deeds into your faith to see God's blessings manifest in your life? ([37:02])
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you have seen a negative harvest. What seeds have you been sowing in that area, and how can you change your actions to produce a positive harvest? ([27:38])
5. How can you be more intentional about sowing good seeds even when facing challenges or storms in your life? Share a specific example of a challenge you are currently facing and how you plan to sow good seeds despite it. ([13:50])
6. Reflect on a time when you saw a positive change in your life as a result of consistent and intentional actions. How can this experience motivate you to continue sowing good seeds in other areas of your life? ([16:47])
7. What steps can you take to ensure that you are not just a hearer of the Word but also a doer, actively sowing seeds that align with God's principles? ([39:05])
Devotional
Day 1: The Law of Seed Time and Harvest
The Kingdom of God operates on the principle of seed time and harvest. Our words, choices, actions, and giving are the seeds we sow today, which determine the harvest we reap tomorrow. Understanding this law is crucial for realizing God's blessings in our lives. The moment we accept Jesus Christ, we become part of this Kingdom, but many of us fail to realize that the blessings and promises of God are contingent upon understanding and applying these Kingdom principles. One of the primary laws is the law of seed time and harvest. Our words, choices, actions, and giving are the seeds we sow today, which will determine the harvest we reap tomorrow. Therefore, it is imperative to be intentional about the seeds we are sowing in our lives. [01:26]
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 seeds are you sowing with your words and actions today? Are they aligned with the harvest you desire to see in your life?
Day 2: Intentional Sowing
We must decide what kind of harvest we want in various areas of our lives and intentionally sow the appropriate seeds. Just like a farmer who decides what crops to plant, we must be deliberate in planting seeds that will yield the desired outcomes in our lives. We must first decide what kind of harvest we want in various areas of our lives, such as our relationship with God, marriage, family, health, finances, and ministry. Once we have a clear vision of our desired future, we can begin sowing the appropriate seeds to achieve that harvest. [05:45]
2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs intentional sowing today? What steps can you take to plant seeds that will lead to a bountiful harvest in that area?
Day 3: Sowing in Imperfect Conditions
We cannot wait for perfect conditions to start sowing good seeds. Whether it's in our marriage, finances, or any other area, we must begin sowing seeds even in the midst of storms and challenges. The only way to see a positive change is to get some seed in the ground. It's important to note that the conditions for sowing are rarely perfect. Ecclesiastes 11:4 warns us that farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant, and those who watch every cloud never harvest. Similarly, we cannot wait for perfect conditions in our lives to start sowing good seeds. [13:50]
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (ESV): "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap."
Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that are preventing you from sowing good seeds? How can you start sowing despite these imperfect conditions?
Day 4: Faith and Action
Faith without deeds is dead. We must actively sow good seeds to see the blessings of God manifest in our lives. This means being diligent and consistent in our sowing, tending to the seeds, and continuing to sow throughout the day. Understanding the law of seed time and harvest means recognizing that we may not always understand how our actions will lead to the desired outcomes, but we must trust that they will. Jesus emphasized that the farmer does not need to understand how the seed grows; he just needs to know that it does. [37:02]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: In what ways can you combine your faith with action today? What specific deeds can you perform to align with your faith?
Day 5: Overcoming Hindrances
Misconceptions about how blessings come, failing to understand the law of seed time and harvest, and not knowing what we want for our future can hinder us from realizing a good harvest. We must have a clear vision of our desired future and sow the appropriate seeds to achieve it. There are several hindrances to realizing a good harvest. One major hindrance is the misconception that a great life will just happen if we love God and have faith. While faith is essential, it must be accompanied by action. [29:16]
Proverbs 29:18 (ESV): "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Reflection: What misconceptions or hindrances are holding you back from sowing good seeds? How can you develop a clear vision for your future and take actionable steps to overcome these obstacles?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Now here's the deal, farmers do a lot but Jesus is really honing in on one main thing, one primary thing that a farmer's life is really all about. It's the main thing that he does. He does everything else for the sake of this. What's he do? The farmer scatters seed on the ground night and day. While he's asleep or awake the seed sprouts and grows but he doesn't understand how it happens. The earth produces its own. It produces crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through. Then the heads of wheat are formed and then finally grain ripens and as soon as the grain is ready the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle. That's what it's all about. That's what he's sowing for. That's what you know that's putting all that effort into because he wants to realize this harvest in his life for the harvest time has come." [01:26]
2. "You can't wait until your life is good, everything's going well, well then pastor then I'll get in here and I'll start planting that seed like you're talking about but right now you know I just got a lot going on in my life and there's a lot of a lot of bad stuff a lot of hell you know there's a lot of it's raining and it's it's raining in my life and it's you know the weather's not good it's storming in my life and and uh you know and and it just doesn't look like it's going to get any better and you know one of these days listen the only hope you have of seeing a harvest in your life that'll help you rise above all of that stuff that you're saying is a part of your life right now is to get some seed in the ground and you can't wait until the weather's perfect in your life." [13:50]
3. "Doing good always creates a harvest of good things. Anybody want a harvest of good things in your life? Do good. Don't grow weary of doing well, don't grow weary of doing good things for in due season you'll reap if you don't faint. Doing good things always produces a harvest of good things." [32:38]
4. "If the seed you're scattering won't produce the harvest, you're not going to get the harvest. You're going to get the harvest that you desire. I would strongly encourage you to discontinue with the sowing of that seed immediately. And start sowing the seed of the life that you want to live. Because it works. That's the cool thing about the law of seed, time, and harvest. It works. It's no respecter of person. It'll work for you if you're 14. It'll work for you if you're 40. It'll work for you if you're white. It'll work for you if you're black. Or if you're pink or any other color. It'll work for you if you're a new Christian. It'll work for you if you're an old Christian." [40:51]
5. "Doing good is how we overcome evil. Doing good is a seed. Doing good is how we overcome evil. Any kind of an evil that's in your life you want to take authority over the devil that's fine do it but doing good is how we overcome evil. In Romans chapter 12 verse 21 Paul says do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." [34:06]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, you have faith, I have deeds. See, that's what people say about me. See, I get around faith people and they say, yeah, he's a works guy. He's into it. It's, you know, just doing all this stuff. I'm a faith person. I'm actually not a works person by any stretch. I am a faith, and if you've been around me, you know that. I'm a faith and deeds guy. I'm going to believe God, but I'm going to do what I need to do on my end. Listen, I pray like everything depends on God. I have faith like everything depends on God because it does in many ways. But yet, I'm going to act like everything depends on me. And when those two come together, faith and action, God says, I can partner with you, dude. I can work with you. I can work through that. And while you're sowing good seed, I'll breathe on it. I'll bless it. And you'll have a crop that comes up in abundance." [39:05]
2. "The moment we believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ and are saved we actually become a part of that kingdom. The problem is what many of us don't realize is that that kingdom operates by different laws and principles than what you're used to living by. So we get saved and we hear about all of God's blessings the life that he wants us to live and so we think if we just come to church we just love God and maybe read our Bibles and and tithe serve maybe whatever that everything that the Bible promises is us is going to be realized in our life. But if that was the case there would be a whole lot more people realizing the blessing of God in their life than what are. And the reason people aren't realizing the blessing of God the way they should be is because they don't understand the laws the principles that govern the kingdom of God." [02:55]
3. "Just because you don't understand exactly how this works doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if you understand how it works you just need to know that it does. So I have people sometimes they'll say well I don't understand how me just you know me being nice to my wife's going to turn my marriage around I don't understand how you know me you know being a little more responsible I get I need to be a little more responsible but I don't know how that's going to you know turn my finances around I don't see just that one little thing yes that simple little thing come on you don't need to understand how it works you just need to know that it does to start getting some seed into the ground isn't that right." [15:22]
4. "The second hindrance to the harvest is just simply failing to understand the law of seed time and harvest just not understanding that this is how the kingdom of God works this is how it works this is how my life as a believer works and if I'll work it it'll work for me. The third hindrance is not knowing what you want most for your future so you don't know what seed to be sowing and if you don't know what you want for your future you're yeah you're just gonna uncertainty creates hesitation and it also creates inaction see if I'm not certain I won't act I won't do the things I need to do I won't be sowing the seed that I need to be sowing isn't that right." [29:16]
5. "A blessed life isn't realized simply by trusting God and idly sitting by waiting oh I'm just I'm just hanging in there I'm just trusting God a farmer may believe God to trust to bless him I you know any farmer that comes to church here I will promise you you know they're trusting God to bless him so a farmer may trust God to bless him but he still goes out works the ground sows the seed and then patiently waits for the harvest to come in the fall so a blessed life is the result of a harvest that's reaped from the good seeds that I've been intentionally sowing into the ground of my life." [25:56]
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