38 lines
4.3 KiB
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38 lines
4.3 KiB
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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Day By Day By Grace
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Bob Hoekstra
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August 22
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<h1>"Unpopular" Promises Regarding Sowing and Reaping</h1>
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<div class="block"><i>Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that <b>he will also reap</b>. For he who sows to his flesh <b>will of the flesh reap corruption</b>, but he who sows to the Spirit <b>will of the Spirit reap everlasting life</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Gal', 6, '7-8');">Galatians 6:7-8</a>)</div>
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<p>We now revisit the category of "<b>unpopular</b>" <b>promises</b>. This set of promises concerns the absolute certainties of the reaping and sowing process. <i>"<b>Whatever</b> a man sows, that <b>he will also reap</b>."</i> In a world that often rejects accountability, these promises are very "<b>unpopular</b>."</p>
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<p>Many people are deceived on this matter. They wrongly assume that they will not have to face the consequences of the "daily seeds" they are planting. To hold such an inaccurate perspective is actually a mockery against God, who established this principle. <i>"Do <b>not</b> be <b>deceived</b>, <b>God</b> is <b>not mocked</b>."</i> The pattern of planting and harvesting is clearly demonstrated in the case of <b>physical</b> seeds. Whenever a farmer sows corn, he always reaps corn. He never reaps wheat. This pattern is just as certain in the realm of <b>spiritual</b> seeds. Every person is sowing spiritual seeds every day of his life: either seeds of <i>"<b>his flesh</b>"</i> or seeds of <i>"<b>the Spirit</b>."</i> The harvest for each person is thereby determined: either <i>"<b>corruption</b>"</i> or <i>"<b>everlasting life</b>."</i></p>
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<p>Throughout the world (and, sadly, in many instances within the church world) seeds of <b>flesh</b> are sown day by day. In word, deed, attitude, or relationship, people are planting seeds that are characterized by this fleshly list in <a onClick="return mV('Gal', 5, '19-21');">Galatians 5:19-21</a>. <i>"Now the works of the <b>flesh</b> are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like."</i> These seeds bring forth a harvest of destruction. <i>"For he who sows to his flesh <b>will of the flesh reap corruption</b>."</i> Such seeds diminish and destroy every life that engages in them. Such seeds bring multiplied condemnation and judgment for unbelievers. When believers are caught in such carnal indulgences for a season, these seeds bring forth spiritual dryness, fruitlessness, and lack of appetite for communion with the Lord.</p>
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<p>On the other hand, far different seeds are available for sowing, and they produce a distinctly different crop. <i>"He who sows to the Spirit <b>will of the Spirit reap everlasting life</b>."</i> The seeds that are planted by dependence upon the Spirit of God bring fruit as described in <a onClick="return mV('Gal', 5, '22-23');">Galatians 5:22-23</a>. <i>"But the <b>fruit</b> of the <b>Spirit</b> is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."</i></p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Heavenly Father, I deeply regret the fleshly seeds that I have sown. They always diminish my life and dishonor You. I desire to sow seeds of the Spirit. They always enrich my life and bring glory to You. I long to please You with good fruit, Amen.</div>
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