Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola explore the true meaning of sowing and reaping under the New Covenant of Grace. They emphasize that while sowing and reaping is a biblical principle, it must be understood through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant required man to act first before receiving from God, but under Grace, Jesus has already completed the work. The teaching clarifies that righteousness, blessings, and salvation are received by faith, not by works. Misinterpretations of Galatians 6:7-8 are addressed, showing that the passage contrasts law-based righteousness with righteousness by faith in Christ.
Bible verses referenced
Galatians 6:7-8: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
Galatians 2:20-21: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
Romans 10:2-4: "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth."
Romans 4:25: "Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification."
Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Isaiah 53:10-11: "Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Understanding Sowing and Reaping
- The Finished Work of Christ
- The Old Covenant vs. The New Covenant
- Understanding Galatians 6:7-8 in Context
- Righteousness by Faith, Not Works
- Jesus, the Ultimate Seed Sown
- God's Harvest: Righteous Sons and Daughters
- Preview of Part 2
Introduction: Understanding Sowing and Reaping
Pastor Leonard opens by reaffirming the importance of sowing and reaping but clarifies that it is not about our work. Instead, it is about believing and cooperating with the finished works of Jesus Christ. Many believers misunderstand sowing and reaping by applying Old Covenant principles to their New Covenant life.
Pastor Lori shares how she reminds herself daily that she is blameless, holy, and worthy in Christ. This identity is not achieved through works but through faith in what Christ has done.
The Finished Work of Christ
Pastor Leonard explains that when Jesus said, "It is finished," He completed both His works and mankind’s works. Hebrews 10:9-10 states that Jesus came to do away with the old system and establish the New Covenant. The believer's role is to rest in Christ’s finished work.
The Old Covenant vs. The New Covenant
Under the Old Covenant, righteousness was based on performance: man had to act first before God responded. However, Christ changed everything by fulfilling the law and establishing a New Covenant based on grace.
Galatians 2:20-21 states: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me… I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
This means that attempting to earn righteousness through works denies the power of the cross.
Understanding Galatians 6:7-8 in Context
Many misuse Galatians 6:7-8 to teach that whatever a person does will come back to them. However, Paul is addressing the difference between pursuing righteousness through the law (flesh) versus faith (spirit).
Galatians 6:7-8: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
Paul warns against returning to a works-based righteousness, emphasizing that true righteousness comes only by faith in Christ.
Righteousness by Faith, Not Works
Paul's message in Romans 10:2-4 reinforces this truth: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth."
Jesus’ death and resurrection made righteousness available as a free gift, not something to be earned through good deeds or law-keeping.
Jesus, the Ultimate Seed Sown
God Himself engaged in the ultimate act of sowing and reaping. He sowed Jesus as a seed so that He might reap a harvest of righteous children.
Isaiah 53:10-11: "Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him… He shall see his seed… My righteous servant shall justify many."
This passage shows that Jesus’ suffering was God’s sowing, and the justified believers are the reaping.
God's Harvest: Righteous Sons and Daughters
Paul confirms this truth in Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Since Christ has already sown His righteousness, believers now reap it freely. There is no need to strive for righteousness through works.
Preview of Part 2
In the next session, Pastor Leonard and Pastor Lori will explore additional aspects of sowing and reaping under Grace, including:
– Jesus was sown in sickness, and we reap health.
– Jesus was sown in poverty, and we reap abundance.
– Jesus was sown in loneliness, and we reap a family in Christ.
The pastors conclude by encouraging believers to stop striving to sow in order to receive and instead recognize that they already have everything in Christ.
We hope this teaching has blessed you and deepened your understanding of God's law of sowing and reaping under Grace. If you found this message helpful, share it with others so they too can walk in the freedom of Christ’s finished work. Stay tuned for Part 2!