A Sojourner's Quest

PA RT I V: P E R S E V E R I NG F O R T H E L ONG H A U L / 2 5 1

the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 4. Matt. 12.33 – Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 5. Luke 6.43-44 – For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, [44] for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 1. God has built into all things that whatever we sow, we will reap the same in kind as we sow. If we plant wheat, we shouldn’t expect oranges. If we plant lies, we shouldn’t expect blessing. 2. The critical nature of like-producing-like makes plain the idea that creation is ordered for things to produce consistent with their nature.

B. The exegetical interpretation

C. The application of the principle to our personal discipline and testimony

1. We may sow either to the flesh or to the Spirit.

2. Whatever we sow to (either our old nature with its deceits and lusts) or to the Holy Spirit (who seeks to make us more like Christ), we will in turn reap. 3. We ultimately are responsible for the harvest that we have reaped; our decision to sow in a certain direction ensures a particular kind of harvest in that direction.