Sowing Seeds for a Lasting Legacy
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound principle of sowing and reaping, a biblical concept that transcends mere financial giving and touches every aspect of our lives. As we approach the end of the year, we are reminded of the importance of finishing strong so that we can start the new year even stronger. This principle is not just about money; it's about the legacy we leave through our words, actions, and decisions.
Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 9 and Galatians 6, we explored how our giving should be purposeful and planned, not just a spontaneous act. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver, and our giving should be a reflection of our heart's purpose. It's crucial to understand that our offerings are not just charitable acts but seeds sown into God's kingdom, which will yield a harvest in due season if we do not lose heart.
We also delved into the idea that our words, offerings, and decisions are seeds that shape our future and the legacy we leave behind. The story of Timothy, whose faith was sown by his grandmother and mother, illustrates how the seeds we plant today can impact future generations. This calls us to be intentional with our words and actions, ensuring they align with the legacy we wish to create.
Moreover, we discussed the necessity of doing something different to create a legacy. If we desire a different outcome in our lives, we must be willing to change the seeds we sow. This involves making conscious decisions to alter our habits and actions, ensuring they lead to the harvest we desire.
Finally, we acknowledged that our legacy is built on the seeds we plant today. Whether it's through our financial giving, the words we speak, or the decisions we make, each seed is a step toward the future we envision. As we sow with intention and faith, we trust that God will bring about a harvest that aligns with His purpose for our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Purposeful Giving: Our financial giving should be intentional and planned, reflecting a heart that seeks to honor God. It's not just about the act of giving but the purpose behind it, which aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. [35:07]
- Words as Seeds: Every word we speak is a seed that can lead to a positive or negative harvest. We must be mindful of the words we sow, as they have the power to shape our lives and the lives of those around us. [50:27]
- Decisions Shape Legacy: Our decisions are seeds that impact our future and the legacy we leave. By making intentional choices, we can create a legacy that reflects our values and God's purpose for our lives. [57:44]
- Change for Growth: To create a different legacy, we must be willing to change the seeds we sow. This involves altering our habits and actions to align with the future we desire, ensuring that our lives reflect the harvest we seek. [01:03:15]
- Legacy Built on Seeds: Our legacy is built on the seeds we plant today. Whether through our giving, words, or decisions, each seed is a step toward the future we envision. By sowing with intention and faith, we trust God to bring about a harvest that aligns with His purpose. [01:09:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [31:38] - Introduction to Legacy Offering
- [32:02] - Purposeful Church Experience
- [33:29] - Materialism vs. Biblical Giving
- [35:07] - Sowing and Reaping Principle
- [37:48] - Planning and Purpose in Giving
- [42:18] - The Test of Time in Sowing
- [43:36] - Patience in the Process
- [45:27] - Consistency in Faith
- [46:21] - Types of Seeds: Words, Offerings, Decisions
- [48:24] - The Power of Words
- [50:27] - Words as Seeds
- [52:22] - Offerings as Seeds
- [54:48] - Tithing as a Principle
- [56:25] - Decisions as Seeds
- [57:44] - Legacy Through Decisions
- [01:02:00] - Creating a Legacy
- [01:03:15] - Change for Growth
- [01:09:44] - Legacy Built on Seeds
- [01:12:48] - The Role of Obedience
- [01:16:23] - Legacy Offering Instructions
- [01:19:34] - Prayer and Worship Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Sowing and Reaping
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
- Galatians 6:7-9
- 2 Timothy 1:5-6
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, what attitude does Paul say God loves in a giver, and how does this relate to the principle of sowing and reaping? [35:07]
2. In Galatians 6:7-9, what does Paul warn against, and what promise does he give to those who do not grow weary in doing good? [42:18]
3. How does the story of Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5-6 illustrate the impact of generational faith and the seeds sown by his grandmother and mother? [57:44]
4. What are the three types of seeds mentioned in the sermon, and how do they each contribute to the legacy we leave? [46:21]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of sowing and reaping in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 challenge the way we view our financial giving and its purpose? [35:07]
2. What does Galatians 6:7-9 suggest about the consequences of sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit, and how might this apply to our daily decisions? [42:18]
3. In what ways does the legacy of faith in Timothy's life, as described in 2 Timothy 1:5-6, encourage us to consider the impact of our words and actions on future generations? [57:44]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can change the seeds we sow to create a different legacy, and what might this look like in practical terms? [01:03:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial giving. Is it purposeful and planned, or more spontaneous? What steps can you take to align your giving with the principle of sowing and reaping? [35:07]
2. Consider the words you speak daily. Are there specific words or phrases you need to change to ensure you are sowing seeds that lead to a positive harvest? [50:27]
3. Think about a recent decision you made. How did it align with the legacy you want to create? What changes might you need to make in your decision-making process? [57:44]
4. Identify an area in your life where you desire a different outcome. What new seeds can you start sowing today to work towards that change? [01:03:15]
5. Reflect on the legacy of faith in your family. How can you intentionally sow seeds of faith in the lives of those around you, especially the next generation? [57:44]
6. What habits or actions do you need to alter to ensure they lead to the harvest you desire? How can you begin making these changes this week? [01:04:58]
7. How can you incorporate the principle of sowing and reaping into your spiritual life, ensuring that your actions align with God's purpose for you? [01:09:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Generosity Reflects Our Heart's Purpose
Our financial giving should be more than just a spontaneous act; it should be a deliberate reflection of our desire to honor God. This principle of sowing and reaping, as discussed in 2 Corinthians 9, emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver. Our offerings are not merely charitable acts but seeds sown into God's kingdom, which will yield a harvest in due season if we do not lose heart. By planning and purposefully giving, we align our actions with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, ensuring that our generosity is a true reflection of our heart's purpose. [35:07]
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share." (1 Timothy 6:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you plan your giving this week to reflect a heart that seeks to honor God?
Day 2: Words Have the Power to Shape Our Future
Every word we speak is a seed that can lead to a positive or negative harvest. The Bible teaches us that our words hold power, and we must be mindful of the seeds we sow through our speech. Just as Timothy's faith was sown by his grandmother and mother, our words can impact future generations. By being intentional with our words, we ensure they align with the legacy we wish to create, shaping not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. [50:27]
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
Reflection: What words have you spoken recently that you need to reconsider? How can you speak life and encouragement into someone today?
Day 3: Decisions Today Shape Tomorrow's Legacy
Our decisions are seeds that impact our future and the legacy we leave behind. By making intentional choices, we can create a legacy that reflects our values and God's purpose for our lives. The story of Timothy reminds us that the seeds we plant today can have a lasting impact on future generations. Therefore, it is crucial to be deliberate in our decision-making, ensuring that our choices align with the legacy we wish to create. [57:44]
"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." (Galatians 6:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What decision can you make today that will positively impact your legacy and align with God's purpose for your life?
Day 4: Embrace Change to Cultivate Growth
To create a different legacy, we must be willing to change the seeds we sow. This involves altering our habits and actions to align with the future we desire, ensuring that our lives reflect the harvest we seek. By embracing change, we open ourselves to growth and transformation, allowing God to work through us to bring about a harvest that aligns with His purpose. [01:03:15]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What habit or action do you need to change today to align with the future you desire? How can you take a step towards that change?
Day 5: Building a Legacy on the Seeds We Plant
Our legacy is built on the seeds we plant today. Whether through our giving, words, or decisions, each seed is a step toward the future we envision. By sowing with intention and faith, we trust God to bring about a harvest that aligns with His purpose for our lives. As we approach the end of the year, let us be reminded of the importance of finishing strong so that we can start the new year even stronger, building a legacy that reflects our values and God's purpose. [01:09:44]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What seeds are you planting today that will contribute to the legacy you wish to leave? How can you ensure they align with God's purpose for your life?
Quotes
"The apostle Paul tied giving to sowing the, the illustration of sowing and reaping, but he does do this. He says, don't let anybody, and I'm going to paraphrase here. Don't let anybody pull on your emotions. I want you to decide in advance what you are going to give, purpose it in your heart, give as he purposes in his heart. And I'm afraid that too often we show up and there's no purpose behind it." [00:36:47] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because in Galatians chapter six, starting at verse seven, I'm reading out and y 'all see, I pulled out the big Bible today. I pulled out my study Bible. I didn't even pull out the little preaching. Bible right I pulled out the study Bible right he says this he says do not be deceived God is not mocked for whatever a man sows that he will also reap for he who sows to the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption but he who sows to the spirit will of the spirit reap everlasting life and let us not grow weary while doing good for in due season somebody say due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" [00:38:27] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because between the time you sow a seed and the time you reap a harvest, there is a lapse of time. And that time is a test. To see if you're going to be consistent and to live out according to the seed you've sown, or if you're going to become discouraged and frustrated because you don't see it in your time. Why? Because your time is your way of doing things. Right?" [00:42:55] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Every offering you give above your tithe is a seed. And every seed, when sown, produces a harvest. Regardless. It's the word of God. Okay? Y 'all with me? Alright? So, that's about as far as I'm going in that because we've talked about that before. I really want to hit the third, the third type of seed. So, our words are seeds. Our offering is seeds. And our decisions are seeds." [00:56:25] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"the genuine faith that is in you everybody shout in you he said there is in you Timothy a genuine faith and that faith dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and I'm persuaded is in you everybody shout in you also therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands Paul is saying this to Timothy he goes hey Timothy the faith that dwells in you okay started as a seed and that seed was sown first by your grandmother Lois and then your mother Eunice" [00:57:44] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"because every word that you speak every offering that you give every decision that you make is a seed that you sow that will affect the next generation the fact is we're sitting in this building today today because a previous generation made the decisions to financially sow into harvest church so that we could reach next generation and if we are that next generation we need to own then it now becomes our responsibility to make the decisions and sow the seeds that will launch us into the next generation." [01:00:50] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Come on, because your life is the, the harvest of the seeds you have sown. And so if you're not liking the harvest you've got, you've got to change the seed you sow. And if you keep sowing the same seeds, you're going to continually get the same harvest. Come on. You keep sowing seeds of anger and frustration and cussing your spouse out, you're going to keep getting what you've got." [01:04:58] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"we've got to change what we do we've got to do something different if you don't like the harvest you're in you've got to start making different decisions you've got to go listen I don't like where I'm at financially I've got to start shifting some things I've got to switch my budget up and create some margin I don't like this I don't like how busy our week is my family just had my wife and I just had this discussion I said we've gotten to a place where we're too busy we're gone almost every night of the week we need to create some margin going into next year" [01:08:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"every time I've asked God to break through in the area of our finances personally He has always demanded it to be so He has always demanded it to be so He has always demanded it to be so because whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap that's why I've told you over the last few weeks man if you man you walk into a grocery store and you see a cashier that's had a bad day walk up and smile and give a kind word watch what it does" [01:11:12] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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