Rev. David Holwick ZD
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
August 30, 1992
Galatians 6:7-10
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I. Harvest time.
A. Illustration from produce of garden.
1) No beans, cucumbers or zucchini this year.
2) Reason - didn't plant any!
B. Each of us will reap what we sow in life.
"Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny."
Quote from Talmadge. #882
C. God's judgment cannot be evaded. It is inevitable.
1) We are in large part responsible for how we turn out.
a) In the end, we cannot blame Satan or our parents.
b) We will stand before God all by ourselves.
2) Our lives are determined by the choices we make.
II. Sowing to the sinful nature. 6:8
A. Effects of sin.
1) God can forgive sin, but he doesn't always wipe out the
consequences of sin. The scars remain.
2) If people sin against their body, sooner or later they will
pay with ruined health.
B. Illustrations of sinners.
Back in 1988 most news shows gave a report on the life of John
Holmes.
Holmes had been a star in many X-rated movies.
He claimed to have had relations with 14,000 women.
In the late 1970's he was charged with murder.
He was lucky - the jury acquitted him.
In 1988, at the age of 43, his luck ran out.
Holmes died from complications of AIDS.
Eventually, life catches up with us. We reap what we sow.
#86
C. Acts of the flesh are described in Galatians 5:19-21.
D. Ultimate effect - don't inherit Kingdom of God. Gal 5:21
III. Sowing to the Spirit. 6:8
A. The benefits of a godly life.
1) A change in character.
a) Fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5:22-23
b) Strength to overcome troubles.
2) Illustration of Becky Simpson's sister in Kentucky.
At our final service, she gave her testimony.
Her face glowed with the love of Jesus.
It was the result of years faithfully serving him.
B. Ultimate effect of a godly life - salvation.
1) We don't save ourselves, God does.
a) Not a wage, but a gift. Romans 6:23
b) Robert Simpson and "works" righteousness.
2) In order to please the Spirit, we must possess the Spirit.
IV. Harvest of doing good. 6:9
A. "Doing good" is hard work.
1) Paul has warn them not to be weary, or to give up. 6:9,10
2) Kentucky got pretty wearying.
a) Woeful conditions.
b) Roofs and garbage collecting.
c) But hardest work was sorting filthy clothes.
1> A temptation to give up and let someone else do it.
2> (at picnic, Robert Simpson said it would have taken
him a year to do it.)
3) Our work was contagious - the locals began a whirlwind of
activity, hauling off cars, picking up trash and painting.
B. Harvest comes in God's good time.
1) Human nature seeks a "payoff" for doing good.
a) I've done good - where's my reward??
b) Not necessarily selfish - remember the Law of the Harvest.
2) Harvest always comes, but not on our schedule.
a) Rewards belong to God, who knows best.
1> (We never complain for late punishments!)
b) Harvest comes, if not this life, then the next.
1> Chicago burial of Mafia chief, turned down by priest.
V. Who do we "do good" to? 6:10
A. It is not just for "deserving" people, but all people.
1) Jesus sets no limits on love.
2) Even if people reject the gospel, we still must love them.
A good example of this was reported by Ralph Neighbour,
pastor of Houston's West Memorial Baptist Church.
Jack had been president of a large corporation, and when he
got cancer, they ruthlessly dumped him.
He went through his insurance, used his life savings, and
had practically nothing left.
Rev. Neighbour visited him with one of his deacons, who said,
"Jack, you speak so openly about the brief life you have
left.
I wonder if you've prepared for your life after death?"
Jack stood up, livid with rage.
"You ---- ----- Christians.
All you ever think about is what's going to happen to me
after I die.
If your God is so great, why doesn't he do something about
the real problems of life?"
He went on to tell us he was leaving his wife penniless and
his daughter without money for college.
Then he ordered them out of the room.
Most pastors chicken out at that point.
But Ralph's deacon insisted they go back.
"Jack, I know I offended you," he said.
"I humbly apologize.
But I want you to know I've been working since then.
Your first problem is where your family will live after you
die.
A realtor in our church has agreed to sell your house and
give your wife his commission.
"I guarantee you that, if you'll permit us, some other men
and I will make the house payments until it's sold.
"Then, I've contacted the owner of an apartment house down
the street.
He's offered your wife a three bedroom apartment plus free
utilities and an $850 a month salary.
In return, she just has to collect rents and supervise
plumbing and electrical repairs.
The income from your house should pay for your daughter's
college.
I just want you to know your family will be cared for."
Jack cried like a baby.
He died shortly thereafter, so wrapped in pain he never
accepted Christ.
But he experienced God's love even while rejecting Him.
And his widow, touched by the caring Christians, responded
to the gospel message.
#1871
B. It is natural to have special concern for those in our own
family.
1) Cleaning up bunk areas for our own crew.
2) Many of those we helped were Christians.
a) Mrs. Phoebe Dean and "Last Supper" on wall.
1> Children gave V.B.S. quilt to her.
b) Harm Day and Oral Roberts "Miracle calendar."
3) Often, they were discouraged Christians.
a) Chester Napier believed, but hadn't been to church
in a long while. Bothered by nitpicking on doctrine.
b) We were a positive witness to him and others.
VI. What will YOUR harvest be?
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