Sowing Into The Spirit

because the one who sows to his own flesh from the flesh reaps corruption, now, the one sowing to the extent of the Spirit, from the Spirit reaps eternal life (Galatians 6:8 )

"Paul writes we have the "first fruit" of the Spirit within us that groans inwardly awaiting our full adoption, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). So we are a new spiritual being, made alive in Christ, but we reside in a body that is not redeemed, where sin lies, and where the flesh is opposed to the Spirit (Romans 7:14-25; Galatians 5:16-18). We live in a corrupt body and are enticed by fleshly desires and worldly lusts. Though we are forgiven and born of the Spirit, what we sow determines the well-being of our soul, or what James calls wholeness (James 1:5). Or what Paul calls having a good conscience before God."* What we sow determines the fruit we bear.

therefore if together raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ exists seated at the right hand of God, mindful of that above, not to the extent of this earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3)

Discipline is teaching, educating, and sometimes punishment so that we bear fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:4-11). It is something we are trained in (Hebrews 12:11). We can call it obedience but let us make clear the difference between following rules, false piety and humility, and maturity which comes in Christ that bears fruit of righteousness. We can connect fruit of righteousness with fruit of the Spirit. For us to bear fruit we need to sow.

Do you see, that his faith energized his works and from his works his faith matured (James 2:22)*

Just as the word of God builds our faith, faith energizes us to do good works and matures us. Sowing of the word of God into good soil produces fruit. So does sowing into the Spirit. Jesus said his words are Spirit and truth, and there is living water through him that overflows and he is living bread. Our faith increases and matures (bears fruit) as we put Jesus's words into action. Similarly when we sow into the Spirit we reap life and peace.

The practical application of this is having a spiritual mind, thinking on things that are above. If we focus on earthly things and allow persecution, the love of money, glory of men to consume us we are sowing into the flesh. If we pray and read the word's of Jesus, praise and worship God, we sow into the Spirit. We have to make a proactive effort to be mindful of the spiritual things and not the earthly, this is how we sow into the Spirit. The old self is fleshly, so render the flesh useless by seeking that which is above the new man who is raised and seated with Christ.

therefore as the elect of God, holy and loved, put on... (Colossians 3:12-15)

Here is where faith in action and sowing into the Spirit meet. As I do the words of Jesus, as I love his children above all, as I love my enemies and those who persecute me, I am putting my faith in action. And I am sowing into the Spirit thus will reap the fruit of the Spirit in my soul. Living bread and water I experience in this mortal flesh. Faith in action energized by love strengthens me to lay hold of a deeper relationship and love with Jesus and my heavenly Father. This bond of love leads me further into knowing him and being like him, being conformed to his image.

the words of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another in all wisdom, psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing in your heart to God and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:16-17)

Sowing into the kingdom of God is not about earthly things, it is not about money which is earthly. The scriptures tell us the streets of heaven are paved with gold so it gives us some idea of its worth in heaven's perspective. That is why we are told to seek that above, to be "mindful of that above, not to the extent of this earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Sow and reap that which gives life and peace.

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