May 12, 2013
Pastor Jim Cecy
Galatians 6:6-10
Growing Godly Families:
Harvesting Fruitful Generations
“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Do not be deceived, God
is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 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. Let us not lose heart
in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do
good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:6-10
“Let’s start a new generation...”
Principles for Harvesting a Fruitful Generation
Harvesting Principle #1 We must express gratefulness to those who help us.
“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” Galatians 6:6
We “glean” from our spiritual mentors; we “share” with them, as well.
Harvesting Principle #2. We must teach our family that choices have consequences.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 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.” Galatians 6:7-8
Job 4:8 “...those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble harvest it.”
Hos. 8:7 “...they sow the wind, and they reap the whirlwind.”
Prov. 11:18 “...he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.”
The choices we make TODAY directly impact the growth in our family TOMORROW and the fruitfulness in the
generations IN THE YEARS TO COME.
If we want a good harvest the seeds must be planted in the proper soil, with all the necessary nutrients.
• Sowing Seed in the Soil of Our Flesh
Gal. 6:8 “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption (i.e. rotten and decayed lives)...”
(cf. Galatians 5)
• Sowing Seed in the Soil of the Holy Spirit
Gal. 6:8 “...the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life (i.e. the fulfilled life).”
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.”
(Jn 10:10)
Harvesting Principle #3. We must never lose heart and keep our eyes on the future harvest.
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Gal. 6:9
Things that take time to grow are often more valuable!
1 Cor. 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
2 Cor. 4:1 “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart...”
2 Cor. 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed
day by day.”
2 Thess. 3:13 “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”
Heb. 12:3 “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow
weary and lose heart.”
Harvesting Principle #4. We must also sow seeds in other fields.
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10
A successful farmer rarely has just one crop....
Field #1 The Unbelieving World (“...all people...”)
Gal. 6:10 “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people...”
Our mission field is clearly marked...
• Family • Neighborhood • Workplace • City • State • Country • World
Luke 10:2 “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into His harvest.”
John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your
eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.”
God is calling us to be broadcasters of the seeds of the gospel to the unbelieving world.
Field #2 The Body of Christ (“...the household of faith...”)
Gal. 6:10 “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are
of the household of the faith.”
Eph. 2:19 “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s
household...”
Planting seeds in other believers’ lives...
If we are to reap the generational harvest with descendants that are enjoying the fulfilled life we must take an
active part in lifting up the whole Body of Christ so it can reach out into the world.
2 Cor. 9:6 “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap
bountifully.”
2 Cor. 9:10 “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing
and increase the harvest of your righteousness...”
Conclusion:
Sometimes the simplest of things can produce the greatest of results....
© 2013 Dr. James M. Cecy, Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA. 93726 www.campusbiblechurch.com