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Choosing Your Harvest: Sowing into Spirit or Flesh
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are constantly faced with choices that determine the quality of our spiritual lives. The principle of sowing and reaping, as outlined in Galatians 6, serves as a divine law of causality, where the seeds we plant in our lives yield corresponding harvests. This principle is as constant as the physical laws governing our world. To truly grasp this, we must adopt the mindset of farmers, understanding that the nature of the seed determines the nature of the harvest.
In our spiritual lives, we have two fields to sow into: the flesh and the spirit. The flesh represents our unredeemed humanity, driven by desires independent of God. When we sow into the flesh, we feed these desires, leading to corruption and decay. This decay is akin to milk going sour or bread becoming stale over time. It may seem appealing initially, but ultimately, it leads to a life that deteriorates.
Conversely, sowing into the spirit leads to life—an abundant, God-centered experience. This is not merely about securing a place in heaven but about experiencing the fullness of life with God here and now. Jesus defined eternal life as knowing God, which is a dynamic, ongoing relationship that transforms our present reality.
These two fields, though distinct, coexist within us, much like AM and FM frequencies emanating from the same radio. The choice of which field to sow into is ours, and it determines the harvest we will reap. The question we must ask ourselves is: What kind of harvest do we desire? A life of decay or a life enriched by the Spirit?
Key Takeaways:
- The law of sowing and reaping is a divine principle of causality, where the seeds we plant determine the harvest we receive. This principle is as unchanging as the physical laws of nature, reminding us that our actions have spiritual consequences. [00:57]
- Sowing into the flesh, which represents our unredeemed desires, leads to corruption and decay. This decay is a gradual process, much like food spoiling over time, and it ultimately results in a life that deteriorates despite initial appearances. [16:04]
- Sowing into the spirit leads to a life enriched by God's presence. This is not just about eternal life in the future but experiencing the fullness of life with God in the present, as Jesus described in John 17. [18:11]
- The fields of the flesh and the spirit coexist within us, much like different frequencies on the same radio. Our choice of which field to sow into determines the quality of our spiritual lives and the harvest we will reap. [19:08]
- The decision of what kind of harvest we desire—decay or a God-centered life—guides our actions and choices. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His reality in our lives. [19:53]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome [00:14] - Introduction to Sowing and Reaping [00:35] - The Law of Causality [01:17] - Becoming Spiritual Farmers [01:57] - Helping Others Unhook [03:31] - Do Not Be Deceived [05:04] - Agricultural Principles [06:52] - Creation and Seed Nature [08:17] - Spiritualizing the Principle [09:38] - Understanding the Flesh [10:23] - Spirit, Soul, and Body [12:38] - The Sin Nature [14:51] - Feeding the Flesh [17:34] - Sowing to the Spirit [19:29] - Choosing Your Harvest
1. According to Galatians 6:7-8, what are the two fields we can sow into, and what are the outcomes of each? [08:33]
2. How does John 17:3 define eternal life, and how does this relate to sowing into the spirit? [18:11]
3. In Genesis 1:12, what principle about seeds is established, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about sowing and reaping? [06:52]
4. What analogy does the pastor use to describe the coexistence of the flesh and the spirit within us? [19:08]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-8 reflect the choices we make in our spiritual lives? What does this suggest about personal responsibility? [05:04]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sowing into the flesh leads to corruption and decay? How does this process compare to the spoiling of food? [16:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the experience of eternal life as more than just a future promise? What does it mean to have a "God-centered experience" in the present? [18:11]
4. The sermon mentions that the fields of the flesh and the spirit are like AM and FM frequencies. How does this analogy help us understand the choices we face in our spiritual journey? [19:08]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily choices. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself sowing into the flesh rather than the spirit? What steps can you take to change this pattern? [14:51]
2. The sermon compares the decay of sowing into the flesh to milk going sour. Can you identify a situation in your life where something initially appealing led to negative consequences? How can you learn from this experience? [16:04]
3. Eternal life is described as knowing God and experiencing His presence now. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God and experience His reality in your life? [18:11]
4. The pastor talks about helping others "unhook" from sin. Is there someone in your life who might need your support to break free from a harmful pattern? How can you approach this situation with love and wisdom? [02:11]
5. Consider the analogy of AM and FM frequencies. How can you become more attuned to the "frequency" of the spirit in your daily life? What practices can help you discern and choose the spirit over the flesh? [19:08]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of valuing spiritual input. How can you prioritize spiritual growth and learning in your life? Are there specific resources or communities you can engage with to support this? [02:55]
7. Reflect on the concept of sowing and reaping. What kind of harvest do you desire in your spiritual life, and what specific actions can you take to align your sowing with this desired outcome? [19:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Law of Sowing and Reaping In the spiritual journey, the principle of sowing and reaping is a divine law of causality, akin to the physical laws of nature. This principle reminds us that the seeds we plant in our lives—our actions, thoughts, and intentions—determine the harvest we will receive. Just as a farmer understands that the nature of the seed determines the nature of the harvest, we must recognize that our spiritual actions have consequences. This law is unchanging and serves as a constant reminder that our choices shape our spiritual reality. [00:57]
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 currently sowing in your life, and how do you see them affecting your spiritual journey? Can you identify one area where you need to plant better seeds today?
Day 2: The Consequences of Sowing to the Flesh Sowing into the flesh represents feeding our unredeemed desires, which are independent of God. This path leads to corruption and decay, much like food spoiling over time. Initially, these desires may seem appealing, but they ultimately result in a life that deteriorates. The gradual process of decay serves as a warning that living according to the flesh leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from God's intended purpose for our lives. [16:04]
Romans 8:6 (ESV): "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Reflection: Identify a desire or habit in your life that is driven by the flesh. How can you begin to shift your focus from this desire to one that aligns with the Spirit today?
Day 3: The Abundant Life of Sowing to the Spirit Sowing into the spirit leads to a life enriched by God's presence. This is not just about securing a place in heaven but about experiencing the fullness of life with God in the present. Jesus described eternal life as knowing God, which is a dynamic, ongoing relationship that transforms our current reality. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His abundant life here and now. [18:11]
John 17:3 (ESV): "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God today, experiencing His presence in your daily life?
Day 4: The Coexistence of Flesh and Spirit Within us, the fields of the flesh and the spirit coexist, much like different frequencies on the same radio. The choice of which field to sow into determines the quality of our spiritual lives and the harvest we will reap. This coexistence requires us to be intentional about our choices, recognizing that our spiritual growth depends on our willingness to prioritize the spirit over the flesh. [19:08]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision where you chose the flesh over the spirit. How can you make a different choice next time to prioritize your spiritual growth?
Day 5: Choosing Your Harvest The decision of what kind of harvest we desire—decay or a God-centered life—guides our actions and choices. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His reality in our lives. This choice is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live a life enriched by the Spirit, leading to a harvest of righteousness and peace. [19:53]
Hosea 10:12 (ESV): "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to sow into the spirit and align your life with God's will, ensuring a harvest of righteousness?
Quotes
The law of sewing and reaping these laws are laws of causality causality meaning laws of cause and effect for every effect there is a preceding cause and for every cause there is a resulting effect the law of causality when it comes to living your life and my life God says I want to explain the law you can Bank on it because like the physical world it is a constant rule of life. [00:42:68]
So important is understanding the spiritual World verse 6 that you are to highly value spiritual imput put that's why he says that that Ministry that teaches you spiritually that you support that because that's going to be the thing that guides you out of this law or the negative side of this law that we're getting ready to talk about value the spiritual highly he says in verse six. [02:55:80]
Do not be deceived don't be duped, flimflammed do not be tricked God is Not mocked the Greek word for mock means to turn your nose up at something it means to to snub uh uh it means to not take something serious that is being presented to you seriously it is when a parent is talking to a child and says I'm not playing I'm not playing don't don't don't play now. [03:35:04]
What you seow is what you reap you don't you don't sew corn and get potatoes you don't sew watermelon and get cantaloupes the Harvest will be a reflection of the sewing cuz what you sew you reap so you can't seow something and expect something else from what you planted not only that but you have to soow be before you reap you don't get the Harvest before you plant. [05:20:88]
The flesh is your unredeemed Humanity your unredeemed Humanity let me explain when you accepted Jesus Christ if you are a Believer today you were saved but there is a misstatement that most people make my soul got saved no your spirit got saved on the moment of your conversion it was your spirit that got saved which gave you new life eternal life and in seed form God took up resonance inside your spirit. [10:02:88]
When you accept Jesus Christ something miraculous happens even though it may not be felt and that is God shuts down the sin nature look at it like General Motors which produces cars it's a factory that produces cars a few years ago General modus shut down a number of their factories that was producing cars so they don't produce cars anymore but the cars that they did produce are still on the highway. [12:27:04]
He that SWS to what God's will is will also have a harvest and that Harvest will be life Jesus said in John 17 this is eternal life that they may know you will have a real life experience with God so do you want a decaying life or do you want a god Growing Experience the consequence of the spirit. [00:00:44]
The one who SWS to the spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life now you have to understand he's talking to Christians here he's talking to Believers and he says there are two Fields you can sew on in your life there are two locations one field is called the flesh the other field is called the spirit and you're sewing into those fields. [08:46:32]
If you sow to the flesh meaning you plant in it you feed it it will bring about corruption so your flesh these cars go on all up and down the highway of your soul into your body is looking for things to feed on so when it sees a desire that is independent of God it moves toward that desire in order to feed on it and if it can get that desire to act on that desire that's independent of God it feeds and therefore it grows. [14:40:72]
Sowing into the spirit leads to a life enriched by God's presence. This is not just about eternal life in the future but experiencing the fullness of life with God in the present, as Jesus described in John 17. [18:11:00]
The decision of what kind of harvest we desire—decay or a God-centered life—guides our actions and choices. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His reality in our lives. [19:53:00]
The fields of the flesh and the spirit coexist within us, much like different frequencies on the same radio. Our choice of which field to sow into determines the quality of our spiritual lives and the harvest we will reap. [19:08:00]
In our journey of faith, we are constantly faced with choices that determine the quality of our spiritual lives. The principle of sowing and reaping, as outlined in Galatians 6, serves as a divine law of causality, where the seeds we plant in our lives yield corresponding harvests. This principle is as constant as the physical laws governing our world. To truly grasp this, we must adopt the mindset of farmers, understanding that the nature of the seed determines the nature of the harvest.
In our spiritual lives, we have two fields to sow into: the flesh and the spirit. The flesh represents our unredeemed humanity, driven by desires independent of God. When we sow into the flesh, we feed these desires, leading to corruption and decay. This decay is akin to milk going sour or bread becoming stale over time. It may seem appealing initially, but ultimately, it leads to a life that deteriorates.
Conversely, sowing into the spirit leads to life—an abundant, God-centered experience. This is not merely about securing a place in heaven but about experiencing the fullness of life with God here and now. Jesus defined eternal life as knowing God, which is a dynamic, ongoing relationship that transforms our present reality.
These two fields, though distinct, coexist within us, much like AM and FM frequencies emanating from the same radio. The choice of which field to sow into is ours, and it determines the harvest we will reap. The question we must ask ourselves is: What kind of harvest do we desire? A life of decay or a life enriched by the Spirit?
**Key Takeaways:**
- The law of sowing and reaping is a divine principle of causality, where the seeds we plant determine the harvest we receive. This principle is as unchanging as the physical laws of nature, reminding us that our actions have spiritual consequences. [00:57]
- Sowing into the flesh, which represents our unredeemed desires, leads to corruption and decay. This decay is a gradual process, much like food spoiling over time, and it ultimately results in a life that deteriorates despite initial appearances. [16:04]
- Sowing into the spirit leads to a life enriched by God's presence. This is not just about eternal life in the future but experiencing the fullness of life with God in the present, as Jesus described in John 17. [18:11]
- The fields of the flesh and the spirit coexist within us, much like different frequencies on the same radio. Our choice of which field to sow into determines the quality of our spiritual lives and the harvest we will reap. [19:08]
- The decision of what kind of harvest we desire—decay or a God-centered life—guides our actions and choices. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His reality in our lives. [19:53]
**Youtube Chapters:**
[00:00] - Welcome [00:14] - Introduction to Sowing and Reaping [00:35] - The Law of Causality [01:17] - Becoming Spiritual Farmers [01:57] - Helping Others Unhook [03:31] - Do Not Be Deceived [05:04] - Agricultural Principles [06:52] - Creation and Seed Nature [08:17] - Spiritualizing the Principle [09:38] - Understanding the Flesh [10:23] - Spirit, Soul, and Body [12:38] - The Sin Nature [14:51] - Feeding the Flesh [17:34] - Sowing to the Spirit [19:29] - Choosing Your Harvest
1. According to Galatians 6:7-8, what are the two fields we can sow into, and what are the outcomes of each? [08:33]
2. How does John 17:3 define eternal life, and how does this relate to sowing into the spirit? [18:11]
3. In Genesis 1:12, what principle about seeds is established, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about sowing and reaping? [06:52]
4. What analogy does the pastor use to describe the coexistence of the flesh and the spirit within us? [19:08]
---
**Interpretation Questions:**
1. How does the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-8 reflect the choices we make in our spiritual lives? What does this suggest about personal responsibility? [05:04]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sowing into the flesh leads to corruption and decay? How does this process compare to the spoiling of food? [16:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the experience of eternal life as more than just a future promise? What does it mean to have a "God-centered experience" in the present? [18:11]
4. The sermon mentions that the fields of the flesh and the spirit are like AM and FM frequencies. How does this analogy help us understand the choices we face in our spiritual journey? [19:08]
---
**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on your daily choices. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself sowing into the flesh rather than the spirit? What steps can you take to change this pattern? [14:51]
2. The sermon compares the decay of sowing into the flesh to milk going sour. Can you identify a situation in your life where something initially appealing led to negative consequences? How can you learn from this experience? [16:04]
3. Eternal life is described as knowing God and experiencing His presence now. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God and experience His reality in your life? [18:11]
4. The pastor talks about helping others "unhook" from sin. Is there someone in your life who might need your support to break free from a harmful pattern? How can you approach this situation with love and wisdom? [02:11]
5. Consider the analogy of AM and FM frequencies. How can you become more attuned to the "frequency" of the spirit in your daily life? What practices can help you discern and choose the spirit over the flesh? [19:08]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of valuing spiritual input. How can you prioritize spiritual growth and learning in your life? Are there specific resources or communities you can engage with to support this? [02:55]
7. Reflect on the concept of sowing and reaping. What kind of harvest do you desire in your spiritual life, and what specific actions can you take to align your sowing with this desired outcome? [19:53]
Day 1: The Divine Law of Sowing and Reaping In the spiritual journey, the principle of sowing and reaping is a divine law of causality, akin to the physical laws of nature. This principle reminds us that the seeds we plant in our lives—our actions, thoughts, and intentions—determine the harvest we will receive. Just as a farmer understands that the nature of the seed determines the nature of the harvest, we must recognize that our spiritual actions have consequences. This law is unchanging and serves as a constant reminder that our choices shape our spiritual reality. [00:57]
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 currently sowing in your life, and how do you see them affecting your spiritual journey? Can you identify one area where you need to plant better seeds today?
Day 2: The Consequences of Sowing to the Flesh Sowing into the flesh represents feeding our unredeemed desires, which are independent of God. This path leads to corruption and decay, much like food spoiling over time. Initially, these desires may seem appealing, but they ultimately result in a life that deteriorates. The gradual process of decay serves as a warning that living according to the flesh leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from God's intended purpose for our lives. [16:04]
Romans 8:6 (ESV): "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Reflection: Identify a desire or habit in your life that is driven by the flesh. How can you begin to shift your focus from this desire to one that aligns with the Spirit today?
Day 3: The Abundant Life of Sowing to the Spirit Sowing into the spirit leads to a life enriched by God's presence. This is not just about securing a place in heaven but about experiencing the fullness of life with God in the present. Jesus described eternal life as knowing God, which is a dynamic, ongoing relationship that transforms our current reality. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His abundant life here and now. [18:11]
John 17:3 (ESV): "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God today, experiencing His presence in your daily life?
Day 4: The Coexistence of Flesh and Spirit Within us, the fields of the flesh and the spirit coexist, much like different frequencies on the same radio. The choice of which field to sow into determines the quality of our spiritual lives and the harvest we will reap. This coexistence requires us to be intentional about our choices, recognizing that our spiritual growth depends on our willingness to prioritize the spirit over the flesh. [19:08]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision where you chose the flesh over the spirit. How can you make a different choice next time to prioritize your spiritual growth?
Day 5: Choosing Your Harvest The decision of what kind of harvest we desire—decay or a God-centered life—guides our actions and choices. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His reality in our lives. This choice is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live a life enriched by the Spirit, leading to a harvest of righteousness and peace. [19:53]
Hosea 10:12 (ESV): "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to sow into the spirit and align your life with God's will, ensuring a harvest of righteousness?
Only admins of of Tony Evans can edit their clips
The law of sewing and reaping these laws are laws of causality causality meaning laws of cause and effect for every effect there is a preceding cause and for every cause there is a resulting effect the law of causality when it comes to living your life and my life God says I want to explain the law you can Bank on it because like the physical world it is a constant rule of life. [00:42:68]
So important is understanding the spiritual World verse 6 that you are to highly value spiritual imput put that's why he says that that Ministry that teaches you spiritually that you support that because that's going to be the thing that guides you out of this law or the negative side of this law that we're getting ready to talk about value the spiritual highly he says in verse six. [02:55:80]
Do not be deceived don't be duped, flimflammed do not be tricked God is Not mocked the Greek word for mock means to turn your nose up at something it means to to snub uh uh it means to not take something serious that is being presented to you seriously it is when a parent is talking to a child and says I'm not playing I'm not playing don't don't don't play now. [03:35:04]
What you seow is what you reap you don't you don't sew corn and get potatoes you don't sew watermelon and get cantaloupes the Harvest will be a reflection of the sewing cuz what you sew you reap so you can't seow something and expect something else from what you planted not only that but you have to soow be before you reap you don't get the Harvest before you plant. [05:20:88]
The flesh is your unredeemed Humanity your unredeemed Humanity let me explain when you accepted Jesus Christ if you are a Believer today you were saved but there is a misstatement that most people make my soul got saved no your spirit got saved on the moment of your conversion it was your spirit that got saved which gave you new life eternal life and in seed form God took up resonance inside your spirit. [10:02:88]
When you accept Jesus Christ something miraculous happens even though it may not be felt and that is God shuts down the sin nature look at it like General Motors which produces cars it's a factory that produces cars a few years ago General modus shut down a number of their factories that was producing cars so they don't produce cars anymore but the cars that they did produce are still on the highway. [12:27:04]
He that SWS to what God's will is will also have a harvest and that Harvest will be life Jesus said in John 17 this is eternal life that they may know you will have a real life experience with God so do you want a decaying life or do you want a god Growing Experience the consequence of the spirit. [00:00:44]
The one who SWS to the spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life now you have to understand he's talking to Christians here he's talking to Believers and he says there are two Fields you can sew on in your life there are two locations one field is called the flesh the other field is called the spirit and you're sewing into those fields. [08:46:32]
If you sow to the flesh meaning you plant in it you feed it it will bring about corruption so your flesh these cars go on all up and down the highway of your soul into your body is looking for things to feed on so when it sees a desire that is independent of God it moves toward that desire in order to feed on it and if it can get that desire to act on that desire that's independent of God it feeds and therefore it grows. [14:40:72]
Sowing into the spirit leads to a life enriched by God's presence. This is not just about eternal life in the future but experiencing the fullness of life with God in the present, as Jesus described in John 17. [18:11:00]
The decision of what kind of harvest we desire—decay or a God-centered life—guides our actions and choices. By choosing to sow into the spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His reality in our lives. [19:53:00]
The fields of the flesh and the spirit coexist within us, much like different frequencies on the same radio. Our choice of which field to sow into determines the quality of our spiritual lives and the harvest we will reap. [19:08:00]
He that sows to what God's will is will also have a harvest, and that harvest will be life. Jesus said in John 17, "This is eternal life, that they may know you." You will have a real life experience with God.
So, do you want a decaying life, or do you want a God-growing experience? The consequence of the Spirit—one such rule that God gives in terms of you living your life, me living my life, and we living our lives—is the law of sowing and reaping. These laws are laws of causality, meaning laws of cause and effect. For every effect, there is a preceding cause, and for every cause, there is a resulting effect.
The law of causality, when it comes to living your life and my life, God says, "I want to explain the law. You can bank on it because, like the physical world, it is a constant rule of life." But to understand this law, you must set aside, for our purposes this morning, any industrial mentality that you have and any technological orientation that you have. For our time together, you must become farmers—agricultural scientists, if you will—for it is the law of sowing and reaping.
The context in which this law is stated to us, beginning in chapter 6, verse 1, is a sinning believer who is caught in a sin. In other words, they are trapped in something they can't break out of, like getting your clothes hooked on something and you can't get loose from it. He says, "You who are spiritual, come alongside that brother or sister that's caught in a situation they can't fix, and you help unhook them because they cannot unhook themselves."
Maybe they want to unhook themselves; maybe they don't even want to or know they need to. But you can clearly see they have been caught. You come alongside and help unhook them from what's hooking them up. You who are spiritual, you who understand how the spiritual world works—because not every Christian understands how the spiritual world works—so you only want spiritual folk unhooking you because unspiritual folk are going to tie you up more.
He says, "So important is understanding the spiritual world." In verse 6, that you are to highly value spiritual input. That's why he says that that ministry that teaches you spiritually, that you support, because that's going to be the thing that guides you out of this law or the negative side of this law that we're getting ready to talk about. Value the spiritual highly, he says in verse 6.
So that leads him into verse 7, where he tells us, by way of introduction, "Do not be deceived. Don't be duped, flimflammed. Do not be tricked. God is not mocked." The Greek word for "mock" means to turn your nose up at something. It means to snub; it means to not take something seriously that is being presented to you.
It is when a parent is talking to a child and says, "I'm not playing. I'm not playing. Don't play now." Because God will not let you make fun of Him. He will not let you just play around with Him. Do not be tricked. God, while He loves you, is not to be played with. That's what He's saying. God will not be mocked. He's not going to let you—let's put it this way—you may laugh, but you won't have the last laugh.
God is not mocked. "Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap." This is the introduction to the law of causality in agriculture. Now, I'm from the city; a lot of you are from the city. I don't know a lot about country, but I've seen enough about it, and many of you have experienced to know that what you sow is what you reap. You don't sow corn and get potatoes. You don't sow watermelon and get cantaloupes. The harvest will be a reflection of the sowing because what you sow, you reap.
So you can't sow something and expect something else from what you planted. Not only that, but you have to sow before you reap. You don't get the harvest before you plant. The harvest only becomes because you plant it, and so it is in the planting that you get the harvest. But the harvest determines what you plant. In other words, you know what you want to plant by what you want to get.
So if you want to get a watermelon, you're not going to go buy cantaloupe seeds because that's not what you want. All of us know what it's like to want this but plant that—to want my life to be like this but I plant something over here that won't produce the "this" that I want to be the harvest for what I planted.
This goes all the way back to Creation in Genesis 1:12 when God says He made the seeds so that they would produce after their own kind. It must be of the same nature in order to get the result of the seed.
So He wants to go a little deeper, and He makes this a comprehensive principle from agriculture, and He's going to ready spiritualize it in a moment because He introduces it with the word "whatever." In other words, you can bank on it, and it covers any category because it's whatever. We like to go around the day and say "whatever." Okay, so God beat you to it—whatever.
So then expect a harvest from seeds sown in your life. He's talking about our life now, but He's using farming so we get the picture. He takes the principle from agriculture; it's a law that what you harvest depends on what you sow, and what you sow will show up when you harvest it.
Now, He gives us a zinger of a principle because He comes in verse 8 and says, "For the one who sows to his flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Now, you have to understand He's talking to Christians here. He's talking to believers, and He says there are two fields you can sow in in your life. There are two locations. One field is called the flesh; the other field is called the Spirit. You're sowing into those fields. The flesh and the Spirit are two realms that you can plant in, sow in.
But He wants you to know if you sow in the flesh, you will decay—corruption. If you sow in the Spirit, you will live. He calls it eternal life.
So let's understand the two fields that you're going to sow in and the resulting consequence or result from sowing in these two fields. First of all, the flesh. The flesh is your unredeemed humanity. Your unredeemed humanity.
Let me explain. When you accepted Jesus Christ, if you are a believer today, you were saved. But there is a misstatement that most people make: "My soul got saved." No, your spirit got saved at the moment of your conversion. It was your spirit that got saved, which gave you new life—eternal life.
In seed form, God took up residence inside your spirit. That was the only thing saved at the moment of salvation. Your soul, which is your self-life—the reason you know you are you—is because you have a soul. The Bible says it is being saved.
So your spirit is immediately saved; your soul is progressively saved, and one day your body will be saved because you're going to get a brand new body. So that's future. When your body is saved, it's present when your soul is being saved, and it's history on the day you got saved. That is when God saved your spirit.
Your soul was contaminated by sin prior to your conversion. The reason why you don't have to teach your child how to lie, how to be selfish, and how to disobey is because it's built in—born in sin, shaped in iniquity. They come out the womb wrong, spiritually speaking.
So sin is built in. Follow me. The Bible calls this a sin nature. It is there; it's their nature to be independent from God and thus to express itself in life. When you accept Jesus Christ, something miraculous happens—even though it may not be felt—and that is God shuts down the sin nature.
Look at it like General Motors, which produces cars. It's a factory that produces cars. A few years ago, General Motors shut down a number of their factories that were producing cars, so they don't produce cars anymore. But the cars that they did produce are still on the highway.
So what was produced from a factory that's now been shut down is still running on the road because the factory already produced them. So even though you were saved, what the sin nature produced has found a highway into your soul, threading through your body.
That's why the Bible calls your body the body of sin. You'll see that in a moment because these cars—the sins—are on the highway of your soul, having been pumped out by the factory called your sin nature, which has been closed down. But the cars that are on the highways of your soul, threading itself through your body—because the soul feeds the body—is called the flesh.
And here's how the flesh works: it is driven by desire. You'll see that in a moment. But it is desire that is independent of God. It's called the flesh, where I want something that God does not want, and I want it for me.
The reason why the flesh is so powerful is because I feel it. I feel that thing, and I want it—whatever it is—when it is independent from God. He says if you sow to the flesh, meaning you plant in it, you feed it, it will bring about corruption.
So your flesh—these cars—go up and down the highway of your soul into your body, looking for things to feed on. So when it sees a desire that is independent of God, it moves toward that desire in order to feed on it. And if it can get that desire to act on that desire that's independent of God, it feeds, and therefore it grows.
But when it grows, all it did was increase the desire. And so it continues to grow and to grow and to grow—not only growing in size but growing in appetite. When you sow to that, he says, what you want to understand is that it results in corruption.
The word "corruption" means decay, like when milk goes sour or meat or bread. It's going sour. It may look fresh right now, but over time, it goes sour. And that which seemed beneficial on the front end is going south on you because it leads to corruption or decay.
So to feed the flesh—that is, satisfying desires independently of God—engorges the flesh, increases the appetite, and results in a downward trend leading to life's decay. Most of us, if not all of us, on some level know what it is when we thought it was good on the front end, and it wound up decaying over time.
The law says if you eat or if you sow—plant in the flesh—you will reap. There will be a harvest. But when that thing comes up out of the ground, it will be rotten, although it was desirable. Your flesh is your unredeemed appetite that's independent from God.
He says there is a second field: "He that sows to the Spirit." It's a whole other realm. "He that sows to what God's will is will also have a harvest, and that harvest will be life."
What does he mean by life? He's not talking about going to heaven; he's talking about life now. You will have life. Jesus said in John 17, "This is eternal life, that they may know you." You will have a real life experience with God.
So do you want a decaying life, the consequence of decay, or do you want a God-growing experience, the consequence of the Spirit? While these two fields are different—flesh and Spirit—they are located next to each other. These two fields are very different: one is corruption, one is life.
But they're located in the same vicinity—in you, in me. We all have both of them. It's like when you get in your car; you've got AM and FM. Those are two totally different frequencies, but they come out of the same radio.
But they're distinct; they're different frequencies, but the same radio. "He that sows to the Spirit shall reap from the Spirit life." That is the experience of God's reality operating in you, to you, through you, around you, for you, by you.
"He that plants to the desires independently of God will find themselves, over time, decaying, although the milk looks good now."
So the question you have to ask before we go deeper is: What harvest do I prefer? Because that's going to determine what you plant.
Choosing Your Harvest: Sowing into Spirit or Flesh
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