Vision for Mission: Nurturing an Apostolic Heart

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Vi s i on for Mi s s i on: Nur tur i ng an Apos to l i c Hear t

The Laws of Sowing and Reaping, continued

B. The exegetical interpretation

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.

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.

IV. Law Four: You Will Always Reap in Proportion to What You Sow.

A. The biblical support

1. 2 Cor. 9.6-8 – The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. [7] Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compul sion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.