Spiritual Sowing
C.H. Spurgeon's sermon emphasizes the importance of sowing to the Spirit for the reward of eternal life and spiritual fulfillment.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of spiritual sowing, explaining that while it may seem like a loss to invest in the Spirit, the true reward is everlasting life. He encourages believers to live in obedience to God and to promote His honor, assuring them that their efforts will not be in vain. Spurgeon contrasts the fleeting rewards of sowing to the flesh with the eternal joy found in spiritual pursuits, urging the congregation to seek the highest and purest ends. He paints a vivid picture of the abundant harvest of bliss that awaits those who faithfully sow to the Spirit. Ultimately, he calls upon the Lord to make them fruitful reapers for the sake of His Son.
Text
He that soweth to the Spirit shall of die Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:8)
Sowing looks like a losing business, for we put good corn into the ground never to see it anymore. Sowing to the Spirit seems a very fanciful, dreamy business; for we deny ourselves and apparently get nothing for it. Yet if we sow to the Spirit by studying to live unto God, seeking to obey the will of God, and laying ourselves out to promote His honor, we shall not sow in vain. Life shall be our reward, even everlasting life. This we enjoy here as we enter into the knowledge of God, communion with God, and enjoyment of God.
This life flows on like an ever-deepening, ever-widening river till it bears us to the ocean of infinite felicity, where the life of God is ours forever and ever.
Let us not this day sow to our flesh, for the harvest will be corruption, since flesh always tends that way; but with holy self-conquest let us live for the highest, purest, and most spiritual ends, seeking to honor our most holy Lord by obeying His most gracious Spirit. What a harvest will that be when we reap life everlasting! What sheaves of endless bliss will be reaped! What a festival will that harvest be! Lord, make us such reapers, for thy Son's sake.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the concept of sowing - The contrast between sowing to the Spirit and sowing to the flesh
- II points: - The rewards of sowing to the Spirit - Experiencing life everlasting
- III points: - The importance of self-denial - Living for God's honor
- IV points: - The nature of spiritual harvest - The joy of reaping eternal life
- V points: - The call to holy self-conquest - Pursuing spiritual ends
Key Quotes
“He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let us not this day sow to our flesh, for the harvest will be corruption.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“What a harvest will that be when we reap life everlasting!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Prioritize spiritual growth by engaging in practices that honor God.
- Avoid pursuits that lead to corruption and focus on eternal rewards.
- Embrace self-denial as a means to achieve a deeper communion with God.