Galatians 6:6-10
Reaping what you Sow
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 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. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Today’s passage is Galatians 6:6-10. Paul gives his concluding thoughts, or additionally words of duties that the churches of Galatia must heed. We do not know if these final words are a matter of correction because of gross error or negligence on their part; or, if they could be foundational duties that all believers and followers of Christ must do. The latter seems more relevant since the Apostle has already presented the occasion for writing and has addressed all concerns on those matters. In any event, we all can profit from these instructions that were written to us by the Apostle under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of the Lord God Almighty. His instructions are profitable and so is our obedience!
Paul’s first concern in this passage is for church members. They who are taught the word of God are to physically and materially support those who teach. Preachers are called by God and ordained by the church. As teachers of the word, those who preach the gospel of Christ are to live by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:11, 13-14). Matthew Henry says, “Ministers are to give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (1 Tim. 4:13); they are not to entangle themselves with the affairs of this life (2 Tim. 2:4), and therefore it is but fit and equitable that, while they are sowing to others spiritual things, they should reap their carnal things.” As such, it is our duty to support those who preach and teach us in all matters of spiritual instruction. In 1 Corinthians 9:9, Paul told the Corinthians church that they should not muzzle the ox, as it is said in the law of Moses. Paul made reference to an Old Covenant command, so churches may take care of their ministers who preach and teach. Another parallel command in the Old Covenant was to instruct the Israelites to support the priests with their offerings. We would do well to love and support our ministers who God has appointed over us.
Secondly, the Apostle teaches the principle of cause and effect, using the imagery of sowing seed and reaping the harvest. When planting seed, the farmer will prepare the soil, plant the seed, and water his field to make sure the seed takes root. And then, in its season, a harvest comes! This instruction fits well in Paul’s discourse in Galatians 5 when Paul contrasts the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit. For example, Galatians 5:16-17, 25 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh…If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Here in conclusion to that teaching, Paul says, whatever you sow, you will reap. He who sows good seeds will benefit from the harvest. However, he who sows according to the flesh will reap corruption. Consider how Galatians 6 so easily follows the instruction given in Galatians 5; Paul is a masterful teacher that is able to convey spiritual truths to meet the needs of lost men who need a new heart and the redemption of Jesus Christ. In Galatians particularly, Paul is correcting the error, not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with the simple truth, laced with Scripture, which is able to pierce and penetrate the very hearts of misguided souls. With prayer and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, I’m sure many souls were saved from potential apostasy. In the same we, we also must be careful and follow the natural principle of cause and effect. Let’s meditate on Scripture, especially Psalm 1. Listen closely to what the Spirit is saying! “‘”Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked …” (Psalm 1:1).
Thirdly, Paul advises a word of caution. In our times of doing good, be careful that you do not grow weary. I’m sure this advisement is a word of caution for the benefit of the soul who does good in two respects: for himself and for his family. Consider, for example, a soul that pursues good works to the detriment of everything he has: his health, wealth, employer’s satisfaction, and even his family. He is engrossed in the pursuit of good works, neglecting his responsibilities that should be his number one priority. Rather than taking care of business (working, resting, spending quality time, and enjoying his family), the soul is so obsessed with doing good deeds for others that he loses all. Eventually, he loses his family. In application, we must be extra careful to live a balanced life. Whereby, we do what we are responsible for, and we serve God and others willingly with a caring heart that is humble and wise.
In the same verse 6:9, Paul says, “for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” I love the conditional clause in this statement, “If we do not give up!” I am reading a book by Pastor Daniel Ritchie, Endure: Building Faith for the Long Run. Richie was born with no legs and grew up resentful and angry with God for not being normal like others. But God, in His infinite mercy, saved Ritchie when he was 15 years old from his life of anger and resentment. God gave him reason to hope. No, God did not change his circumstance, but He did change his heart, and that was enough. Ritchie learned to endure all of life’s difficulties and by faith, he did not give up. You and I also have pressing needs and desires. Yet, we must remember God’s words to the Galatians and not focus on ourselves, but on Jesus Christ in service to others. That is the right thing to do. In our doing good for others, be careful and don’t grow weary, but…persevere and don’t give up! Why? Paul said, “Because you will reap a harvest!” Praise God!
Therefore, we must do good for everyone, with no exclusion. James said in his letter that we must not show partiality to people: treating those who are wealthy in higher esteem than those of lower status. instead, we must go good to all, and especially to those within your church. That is why, we are given gifts to serve, equip, and edify others. Therefore, do good works because you love God and love your brothers and sisters in Christ.
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My merciful and gracious God, I thank and praise You for your instruction from your word. May you convict my soul and enable me to be a faithful workmanship of Jesus Christ and for Your glory! My I seek Your kingdom and righteousness; may others see Christ in me as I lift up Jesus, may they be drawn to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen!
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Let Others See Jesus in You by McKinney, B. B., 1886-1952
