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

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 6:7-8
2. John 17:3
3. Genesis 1:12

---

Observation Questions:

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]