Review and then Focus on Reaping:
The Reapers Roadmap materials previously presented summarized how The Bible’s Gospel of John 1:10-13 and the “Parable of the Sower” found in Matthew 13:1-9 shows the way redemption typically happens, or regretfully fails to happen. That is, it shows how people come to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, or choose another course both for their life on earth and more importantly for eternity.
John 1:9-13 (NIV): 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
God reveals his word and ways so people have the chance to learn more and get to know God better by applying their reason and strength. God presents his message both to Jews and Gentiles. Today, God through his word and the Holy Spirit calls to those who attend Christian Services and who hear God’s word elsewhere along life’s paths. In the “Parable of the Sower” this is like dropping seeds of God’s word along the path, as illustrated in the Bible in Matthew 13:1-9.
Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13: 1-9 (NIV): 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”
Focus on Reaping & 30x 60x 100x
Those who truly receive God’s word dig deep roots in scripture, in faith, and knowledge, and will share their lives, experiences, and God’s words. The growth and sharing of faith yields the harvest the “Parable of the Sower” describes when God’s good seed falls upon fertile ground.
Parable of the Sower Explained: Matthew 13:18-23 (NIV): 23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
The Parable of Sower teaches us that sowing God’s word yields a plentiful crop. God calls us to sow righteousness and seek the Lord, so we will reap the fruit of knowing God and his eternal love.
Hosea 10:12 (NIV): 12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
God Gives the Increase
The Apostle Paul who was chosen by God to know him, reflects on reaping via a plant metaphor. Our shared responsibility to sow God’s word and nourish his people is a team effort where God ultimately deserves the credit. God watches efforts each person makes to share The Word and care for others to reward each person according to their actual contributions.
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (NIV): 1 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men? 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
As each person contributes to building out God’s kingdom, our foundation laid must be solidly on Jesus Christ. Worldly rewards are unsuitable as a foundation, because they come and go very rapidly. We must seek the truth and desire to communicate it clearly. Why? God tests our work, words, and theologies. If unsound, they’ll be exposed. Believers with imperfect contributions will still receive eternal life, resting upon God’s promises. How much better to receive eternal life plus more great rewards.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NIV): 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Test Oneself
John the Baptist in the Spirit and Power of Elijah called people to repent from their sinful ways in preparation for the messiah’s coming. The top religious people came also to see him. John the Baptist explained the repentant will reap fruits of righteousness. He challenged the top religious people to reflect and test themselves according to God’s standards, indicating they fell short. These are tough words to shock, shake-up, and wake-up people. Why so firm? The consequences are eternal and the deserved penalties are high. God wishes for all people from all nations to repent and come to know him.
Matthew 3:1-12 (NIV):1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’ “4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Born Again
Jesus, the Son of God, elaborates upon the concept of being born again, being a new creature, with a new heart towards God.
John 3:1-21 (NIV): 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. “
New Heart, New Spirit, New Creation
The way your able are to use your free will to follow God properly, is to repent and reach out to God to be born again, to have a new heart, to be a new creature. While you look the same on the outside, inside your heart and will are changed to be generous, kind, good, and loving like God, becoming prepared to approach God’s kingdom, as you are born again by the Spirit.
Galations 6:11-19 (NIV): 11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. 17 Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Ezekial 18:30-32 (NIV):30 “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV): 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
John 3:3 (NIV): 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
Stewards 0x 5x 10x: Parable of the Ten Minas
Reaping is of utmost importance, as Jesus’s Parable of the Ten Minas revealed. This Parable reinforces the concept that faith without works is dead. Your faith saves you only because of God’s promises, and it must be a faith that is alive and active and reaping. God sent his word to be active in your soul. You must choose to collaborate with God to make his word active and effective in your heart, mind, and soul. Be like the two profitable servants in the Parable who put the value resources they were given to work. Put God’s resources to work in your life to transform yourself from sin to eternal life. Be a witness and example to others, so they too will reach out to God to transform their lives too. Your faith by itself, even with works, is insufficient to earn salvation. It’s God’s promises for those who are true believers that guarantee salvation. As you know the holy and loving character of God more through the Revelation of Jesus Christ, it is easier to turn more of your life and yourself to God confidently, knowing you are doing what is right.
Luke 19:11-22 (NIV): 11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.’Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
16“The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’
17” ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’
18“The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’
19“His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’
20“Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’
22“His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’
24“Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’
25” ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’
26“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. 27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.”
Sow to Spirit, Reap Holiness
God has freed you from your past sinful ways, so you choose to follow God’s holy will, do what is right and holy, and reap the reward to spend eternity with him. While shame entered manifested itself into humanity when Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God, God has granted you the freedom to follow his holy ways.
Romans 6:15-23 (NIV): 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. 19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Fruits of the Spirit & Crucify Sinful Nature
The fruits of the Spirit harvest is reaped for those who follow God’s words, will, and way. God makes you a new creature born of the Spirit, by giving you a new heart towards God, where his laws are written on your conscience. These laws of the new creature involve loving others as yourself and loving God above all. With this new view of the world, and new attitude towards others, take the time to consider how your actions affect others, and how you can help others.
Galations 5:22-26 (NIV): 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Live as Light & Speak with Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs
Learning from scriptures to please God leads to reaping the fruit of light which is goodness, righteousness, and truth. The reaping manifests itself in choosing lifestyles embracing doing what is right, avoiding what is wrong, immersing in God’s word, and directing people to God.
Ephesians 5:8-21 (NIV): 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
God Prunes
To continue to bear fruit as vines in God’s garden we must remain attached to the vine, which is to continue in faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This is to continue to reach out to learn and follow his words, instructions, parables, and examples. When a person becomes a Christian, who follows Jesus Christ, many sinful tendencies still remain as a residue of the old self persists. God will help you to cut out your sin, by pruning those parts of you. Learning that you have flaws that need fixing might initially seem unpleasant, even more so if you thought you were righteous, perfect, great, and super. Yet, the wise accept instruction, and accepting the one true God’s instruction is wise. As one comes to know the Son of God, who is Jesus Christ, one starts to learn more about God’s word, heart, and expectations. As one learns more, one must stop hating others and start caring for them. One learns God calls us to forgive others. These things are hard to do and run counter to natural sinful tendencies instilled in us. God is there to help, guide, and shape us spiritually to be holy and fruitful.
John 15:1-8 (NIV): 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
You Reap What You Sow
We are called to do and sow the good word of God. Because the world is sinful and our natures have been corrupted by sin, this can be a challenge at times. Even though we could be unwise and give up, we are instead called to be wise to keep going, so we will reap the harvest and reward of our labors. We are also called to share what insights into God’s word we have, with those who are helping us to learn from God’s word. God has given each of us the ability to plant seeds, and the consequence to reap resulting rewards. God desires us to plant seeds rooted in the Spirit, in goodness, and kindness. God knows what our tendencies are, but called us, and helps to change us, to give us the choice to follow him. Choose wisely, and reap rewards pursuing righteousness. Whatever you do, remember that you reap what you sow. You must test your own actions, to evaluate what you are sowing and reaping, thinking and feeling, and the heart of your motivations.
Galations 6:1-10 (NIV): 1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that naturewill reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Righteousness, Goodness, Truth
God has given us a free will, though its’ freedom has been impaired by sin. With the free will we are called to obey his word, not like mindless robots, or like slaves forced to submit, but rather cheerfully like a person who has an awesome friend with whom they enjoy to spend time with together. While some who follow God will need help from others, God provides plenty to others who follow him, so both those with plenty and in need benefit from the generous heart God works to institute in all true believers. The best gifts from God are not worldly wealth that can be gone in an instant, but gifts that enable you to know, enjoy, and practice the righteousness and goodness that comes from God. Some people want to know God for the wealth and power he can bestow. It is better to pursue God for his character, to learn how to be like his Son, Jesus Christ. In this way, even the poor in worldly wealth can experience deep Spiritual riches God has to offer.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV): 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Remaining: Further Study
As you find freedom granted by God to do what is right cheerfully, and reap the rewards, knowing you reap what you sow. There is more in the scriptures on reaping and sowing, so take the time to read The Bible online at http://BibleGateway.com or a way you prefer, whether in print, audio, or multimedia experiences. There is an excellent sermon online that explains both the Apostle Paul and James on Faith teachings with exceptional clarity, touching upon the concepts of being a new creature. This is available from the First Baptist Church Woodstock Sunday Service – 12.06.09 AM Pastor Johnny Hunt’s Sermon: The Great Divorce: Counterfeit Faith http://www.fbcw.org/podcast/index.php?id=337 . You can find more at that website. Websites like Sermon Audio.com http://www.sermonaudio.com provide access to several other preachers. Because reaping effectively is a team effort, please ensure you are connected to a church.
Key Points: Reaping
- God has given each of us a ________ will, although its’ ________ has been impaired by sin.
- You ____ what you sow. Choose wisely to sow for yourselves _________ and reap the fruit of unfailing _____. Sow to the ______ to reap holiness. The Fruits of the Spirit are love, ______, peace, _______, kindness, ________, faithfulness, ________, and self-control.
- God gives the increase to _______ when we _______ and _______. Our shared _________ is to sow God’s word and nourish his people, which is a ______ effort. Share ________ into God’s word with those helping you to _______ God’s word. God watches each person to _______ each person according to their actual ____________.
- Like in the Parable of the Sower, since God gives the increase, the harvest could be plentiful multiples ___, ___, or ___ times what was sown. The _______ and ________ of faith yields the harvest.
- When you are born again, you get a new ________, a new ________, and are a new ________. The new creature ______ God above all, and ________ their neighbor as themselves. Jesus pays the promised _______ for true believers past sins.
- Sow to your ______ nature, and ______ the wages of sin, which is eternal _______, which is punishment forever. Instead, crucify your _______ nature.
- God _______ fruitful branches for them to be more productive to reap more and God ____ off unfruitful branches. Live as children of ________, reaping goodness, _______, and truth. Speak to each other with psalms, _____, and spiritual ______, making ______ in your heart to the Lord.
- Faith without _____ is dead. Be like the two _________ servants in the Parable of the Ten Minas who put the valuable ________ they were given to _______, who reaped multiples of ___ or ___. Without _______ perfecting your faith, your multiples are _____, like the unwise wicked servant who unproductively hid the mina.
- Test yourself honestly to see if you are _________ and ________ the fruits of righteousness according to God’s standards, to subvert the eternal consequences of self-deception. The scriptures have tough words to ______, ______, and ______ people.
Discussion Questions: Reaping
(1) When we sow righteousness into our lives who grants the multiplied increase? When you sow to the spirit, what do you reap?
(2) Why is it important to use the resources God gave you? What are the consequences if you let the resources God gave you to manage sit idle?
(3) What type of relationship does God wish us to have with him, and how does that contribute to our cheerfully sowing more plentifully?
(4) God disciplines like a loving Father to his children, even though it will at times seem painful short-term. How can you prepare to be receptive to learn from God’s discipline? What is the difference between pruning a fruitful branch and cutting off a unfruitful branch?
(5) What pleases and displeases the Lord?
(6) Inside our own beings, what do we internally examine to know if we’ve been granted a new heart, a new spirit, and are a new creation?
(7) How are we to test ourselves?
(8) What good fruit is expected to show our sincere repentance before God?
(9) What does the scripture propose as the proper alternative to getting drunk? How will you make that experience a consistent part of your life?
(10) How many rewards do you wish to have when you go to heaven? What’s your plan to achieve your optimal reward level? What can you learn from each others’ plans? What can you do to help each other with plans that are holy, loving, and wise, and accord with God’s revealed will in scripture?
(11) How are you to live wisely and make the most of the time you have in this life?
Next Steps
View the Parable of the Sower Slideshare Presentation.
You can also directly view the Parable of the Sower presentation at the Slideshare link http://www.slideshare.net/creationary/parable-of-the-sower-and-reapers-roadmap-slide-share
See related “Parable of the Sower Explained” post at https://bibleopia.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/parable-of-the-sower-explained-mind-map/
Continue your studies on the Parable of the Sower:
Invitation to Delve Deeply into the Parable of the Sower
https://bibleopia.wordpress.com/2011/01/01/invitation-to-delve-deeply-into-the-parable-of-the-sower
Hand Drawn Reaping Roadmap
Key Points: Reaping: Answers
- God has given each of us a free will, although its’ freedom has been impaired by sin.
- You reap what you sow. Choose wisely to sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of unfailing love . Sow to the spirit to reap holiness. The Fruits of the Spirit are love, joy , peace, patience , kindness, goodness , faithfulness, gentleness , and self-control.
- God gives the increase to grow when we sow / plant and water . Our shared responsibility is to sow God’s word and nourish his people, which is a shared / team / joint / collaborative effort. Share insights into God’s word with those helping you to learn God’s word. God watches each person to reward each person according to their actual contributions .
- Like in the Parable of the Sower, since God gives the increase, the harvest could be plentiful multiples 30 , 60 , or 90 times what was sown. The growth and sharing of faith yields the harvest.
- When you are born again, you get a new heart , a new spirit , and are a new creation . The new creature loves God above all, and loves their neighbor as themselves. Jesus pays the promised penalty for true believers past sins.
- Sow to your sinful nature, and reap the wages of sin, which is eternal death , which is punishment forever. Instead, crucify your sinful nature.
- God prunes fruitful branches for them to be more productive to reap more and God cuts / breaks off unfruitful branches. Live as children of light , reaping goodness, righteousness , and truth. Speak to each other with psalms, hymns , and spiritual songs , making music in your heart to the Lord.
- Faith without works is dead. Be like the two wise / profitable / productive servants in the Parable of the Ten Minas who put the valuable resources they were given to work , who reaped multiples of 5x and 10x . Without works perfecting your faith, your multiples are zero / none , like the unwise wicked servant who unproductively hid the mina.
- Test yourself honestly to see if you are sowing and reaping the fruits of righteousness according to God’s standards, to subvert the eternal consequences of self-deception. The scriptures have tough words to shock , shake-up , and wake-up people.
[…] Reaping: https://bibleopia.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/the-9-rs-focus-on-reaping/ […]
The teaching through these drawings and images are so fantastic? May I use them please to drive a point home to some who cannot really understand what we are saying?
Appreciate the enthusiasm and interest. You’re welcome to courteously share website materials with those interested in learning more, even linking to the materials too. Wish you well on your journey into the scriptures in walk and talk.
Much appreciated and thank you! All blessings!
[…] I am not perfect, I want to be something, I am trying! I found this road-map and its very interesting! Click here for more on this: […]