Planting Seeds for Spiritual Growth and Renewal

 

Summary

As we gather in anticipation of spring, it's a time to reflect on the seeds we are planting in our lives. Spring is a season of growth, both in nature and spiritually. God has designed the universe to operate on the principle of seeds, both physical and spiritual. Everything begins with a seed, and the seeds we plant today will determine the harvest we reap tomorrow. This principle is evident in Jesus' parable of the growing seed, which teaches us that growth is expected in God's kingdom, and it happens in stages, often unseen and in the dark.

We must be intentional about the seeds we allow to be planted in our lives. These seeds can be ideas, habits, or influences from those around us. It's crucial to discern who is planting seeds in our lives and whether these seeds will yield the kind of fruit we desire. The seeds we plant today, whether good or bad, will multiply and affect not only our lives but also future generations.

The laws of spiritual planting remind us that we harvest in a different season than we plant, and the harvest is always greater than the seed. This principle works both positively and negatively, depending on the seeds we choose to plant. Therefore, we should always be planting seeds, not waiting for perfect conditions, and be patient as we wait for the harvest.

As we emerge from a challenging year, it's essential to acknowledge and grieve our losses, allowing us to move forward and plant new seeds for the future. This season is an opportunity to cultivate new habits, attitudes, and commitments, ensuring that our hearts are ready for the seeds God wants to plant in us. Let us be intentional in our planting, trusting that God will bring about a bountiful harvest in His perfect timing.

Key Takeaways:

- Growth is Expected and Happens in Stages: God expects growth in our lives and churches, and it occurs gradually, often unseen. We must ask ourselves if we are growing spiritually or superficially, ensuring that our growth aligns with God's kingdom principles. [06:11]

- Be Mindful of the Seeds Planted in Your Life: The seeds planted in our lives, whether by ourselves or others, will determine the fruit we bear. We must be discerning about who we allow to influence us and ensure that the seeds align with God's will. [08:21]

- The Law of Reaping and Sowing: We will always harvest what we plant, whether positive or negative. This principle encourages us to plant seeds of kindness, love, and generosity, knowing that these will return to us in abundance. [31:47]

- Patience in the Process: Growth takes time, and we must be patient as we wait for the harvest. Even when we cannot see the results, we trust that God is working in the unseen to bring about His purposes. [44:36]

- Grieving and Planting for the Future: Acknowledge and grieve the losses of the past year, but also plant seeds for the future. Grief is a healthy process that allows us to transition and prepare for new growth. [50:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Heartfelt Prayer
- [00:22] - Importance of the Outline
- [00:54] - Reasons for Cheerfulness
- [02:04] - The Joy of Spring
- [03:36] - Spiritual Lessons from Gardening
- [04:12] - The Parable of the Growing Seed
- [06:11] - God Expects Growth
- [07:32] - Seeds Planted by People
- [10:14] - Be Discriminating About Influences
- [12:20] - Seeds Grow Unseen
- [13:38] - Growth is Slow and Gradual
- [15:54] - The 10 Laws of Spiritual Planting
- [19:58] - A Seed Must Be Planted
- [25:30] - Some Seeds Should Be Planted, Not Eaten
- [30:48] - Reaping What You Sow
- [36:10] - Others Plant Seeds in Your Life
- [37:07] - Harvesting in a Different Season
- [38:16] - The Law of Multiplication
- [41:45] - Always Be Planting Seeds
- [44:36] - Patience in Waiting for the Harvest
- [47:11] - Grieving and Planting for the Future
- [52:31] - Preparing the Heart for New Seeds
- [54:46] - Invitation to New Life in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Mark 4:26-29 - The Parable of the Growing Seed
2. Galatians 6:7 - "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
3. Psalm 126:5-6 - "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy."

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Observation Questions:

1. In the Parable of the Growing Seed, what stages of growth does Jesus describe, and how do they relate to spiritual growth? [05:11]

2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of seeds that can be planted in our lives, and who is responsible for planting them? [07:50]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between planting seeds and the timing of the harvest? [37:07]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of patience in the process of spiritual growth and harvesting? [44:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the principle of sowing and reaping, as described in Galatians 6:7, apply to both positive and negative actions in our lives? [31:47]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the seeds planted in our lives can affect future generations? [36:41]

3. How does the sermon explain the importance of being intentional about who we allow to plant seeds in our lives? [08:21]

4. What does the sermon imply about the necessity of grieving past losses before planting new seeds for the future? [50:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the seeds you are currently planting in your life. Are there any seeds of negativity or doubt that you need to stop planting? How can you replace them with seeds of positivity and faith? [10:14]

2. Consider the influences in your life. Who are you allowing to plant seeds in your life, and are these seeds leading you towards spiritual growth or away from it? What changes might you need to make? [08:21]

3. Think about a time when you were impatient with your spiritual growth. How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing for your personal harvest? [44:36]

4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to plant new seeds. What practical steps can you take this week to begin this process? [22:49]

5. Reflect on any losses you have experienced in the past year. Have you taken the time to grieve these losses? How can acknowledging these losses help you prepare to plant new seeds for the future? [50:08]

6. How can you be more intentional about planting seeds of kindness, love, and generosity in your daily interactions? What is one specific action you can take this week to sow these seeds? [32:19]

7. Consider the concept of planting seeds for future generations. What legacy do you want to leave, and what seeds can you start planting now to ensure that legacy? [36:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Growth Happens in Stages
Growth in our spiritual lives is a gradual process, much like the growth of a seed. It often occurs in stages, unseen and in the dark, as God works within us to bring about His purposes. This growth is expected in God's kingdom, and we must be mindful of whether we are growing spiritually or superficially. It is essential to align our growth with God's kingdom principles, ensuring that we are moving towards a deeper relationship with Him. As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we should ask ourselves if we are allowing God to nurture and develop us in His timing. [06:11]

Mark 4:26-28 (ESV): "And he said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you see God working, even if the growth is not yet visible? How can you trust Him more in this unseen process?


Day 2: Be Mindful of Influences
The seeds planted in our lives, whether by ourselves or others, will determine the fruit we bear. It is crucial to be discerning about who we allow to influence us and ensure that these influences align with God's will. Ideas, habits, and the people around us can all plant seeds in our lives, and we must be intentional about which seeds we nurture. By being mindful of the influences we allow, we can ensure that the seeds planted will yield the kind of fruit we desire, both for ourselves and for future generations. [08:21]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Reflection: Who are the people or what are the habits that are currently influencing your life? Are they leading you closer to God or away from Him?


Day 3: The Law of Reaping and Sowing
The principle of reaping and sowing reminds us that we will always harvest what we plant, whether positive or negative. This law encourages us to plant seeds of kindness, love, and generosity, knowing that these will return to us in abundance. The harvest is always greater than the seed, and this principle works both positively and negatively, depending on the seeds we choose to plant. By being intentional about the seeds we sow, we can trust that God will bring about a bountiful harvest in His perfect timing. [31:47]

Galatians 6:7-9 (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. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: What seeds are you currently planting in your life? Are they seeds that will lead to a harvest of righteousness and blessing?


Day 4: Patience in the Process
Growth takes time, and we must be patient as we wait for the harvest. Even when we cannot see the results, we trust that God is working in the unseen to bring about His purposes. This patience is essential as we navigate the different seasons of life, knowing that the harvest will come in God's perfect timing. By remaining faithful and patient, we can rest assured that God is at work, even when we do not see immediate results. [44:36]

James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more patience? How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness during these times of waiting?


Day 5: Grieving and Planting for the Future
As we emerge from challenging times, it is essential to acknowledge and grieve our losses, allowing us to move forward and plant new seeds for the future. Grief is a healthy process that enables us to transition and prepare for new growth. This season is an opportunity to cultivate new habits, attitudes, and commitments, ensuring that our hearts are ready for the seeds God wants to plant in us. By being intentional in our planting, we can trust that God will bring about a bountiful harvest in His perfect timing. [50:08]

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

Reflection: What losses do you need to acknowledge and grieve? How can you begin to plant new seeds for the future, trusting in God's timing and provision?

Quotes



God expects growth in my life and in my church. In my life and in my church. Growth is the evidence of God's kingdom at work. In fact, so many of the parables or the stories of Jesus reinforce this truth that God expects us to grow up to spiritual maturity. He doesn't want us to stay as babies. [00:06:12]

The seeds that are planted in your life are either planted by people around you or they're planted in your life by you yourself. Anytime you see a farm you can know for sure that there's a human farmer behind that farm. Because a field of corn or a field of celery or a field of cotton doesn't just suddenly appear on its own. [00:07:41]

You see if you're spending more time reading Facebook than having your face in God's Book, you got your priorities out of order. And if you spend more time each day listening to Fox news or CNN news or any other news than you do the good news of God's Word, you need to realize you're choosing to allow others to plant more seeds in your life than God. [00:10:14]

Growth in my life is slow and gradual and it happens in stages. Did you see that when Jesus said first it sprouts and then it gets the stalk and then it adds the bud. And then the bud turns into the flower and then you get the fruit. There's no such thing as instant spiritual maturity. [00:13:38]

A seed has no power until it's planted. A couple of years ago I bought some very expensive heirloom tomato seeds. But you know what? They never grew. They never grew. Not one of those seeds produced tomatoes. And I paid a lot for them. Why didn't they grow? Well, a simple reason. I forgot to plant them. [00:19:58]

Whatever I plant is what I'm going to harvest. Now, this is the law of reproduction. It's kind of common sense. I mean, if a farmer plants a field with beans, what crop should he expect? Cauliflower? No. Does he doubt, does he wonder? "Hmm, I wonder I just planted a bunch of peas. I wonder if I'm gonna harvest watermelon?" No! [00:30:48]

I harvest in a different season than I plant. That's kinda obvious. I harvest in a different season than I plant. Plants take time to grow. This next week I'll start putting in my first part of the spring garden. Well, they're not gonna, I'm not gonna plant a tomato seed and then the next day have tomatoes. [00:37:07]

I always harvest more than I plant. I always harvest more than I plant. So one peach seed isn't gonna give me one peach back. It's gonna give me a peach tree that'll give me hundreds of peaches. One tomato seed is gonna give me a plant that'll give me hundreds of cherry tomatoes. And so I always get more than I put out. [00:38:16]

I should always be planting seeds. I should always be planting seeds. Don't wait for a better time, the sooner the better. Some of you say, "Well, you know, I'm gonna start being generous when I retire. I'm gonna start serving at church when I retire. I'm gonna start." One of these days is none of these days. [00:41:45]

While I'm waiting for the harvest I must be patient and not give up. While I'm waiting for my harvest, I'm waiting for the seed that I planted months or years ago to harvest, I've gotta be patient, not give up. I can't even see it, it hasn't even sprouted yet. I don't even see the sprout, but I never, never give up. [00:44:36]

You can't do anything about last year's harvest. Okay? It's done, it's over. 2020 is gone. But you can start planting good seeds today. So what new habit can you start as we enter spring in another week? What small step can you take today? Now I wanna say a word to you about grief. [00:47:11]

What is that verse saying? It's okay to plant with tears. It's okay to grieve the losses in your life. It's okay to weep over what you've lost while you're planting seeds for the future. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you lost your retirement. Maybe you lost your bank savings. Maybe you lost a big deal. Maybe you lost your health. [00:50:08]

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Transcript
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