YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Galatians 6:7 – “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 9:6, Job 4:8, Proverbs 11:18, Hosea 8:7, Luke 6:38

INTRODUCTION
Life operates on the principle of sowing and reaping. Every action, word, or decision we make is a seed, and in due time, we shall harvest its fruits. This divine principle is unchangeable and applies to every aspect of our lives—spiritually, physically, financially, and relationally.

Many people fail to realise that their present circumstances are often the results of seeds sown in the past. Whether good or bad, the harvest will always come. The Bible warns us not to be deceived—God cannot be mocked. Whatever a person sows, that is exactly what they will reap. In this sermon, we will explore the principle of sowing and reaping, its applications, and how we can ensure we sow seeds that lead to a bountiful harvest of blessings.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE OF SOWING AND REAPING

The law of sowing and reaping is a divine principle established by God, and it governs both the natural and spiritual realms.

a) Every Seed Produces After Its Kind
Just as a farmer who sows maize will not harvest rice, whatever we sow in life—whether good or bad—will determine what we reap (Genesis 1:11-12).

b) You Reap More Than You Sow
A single seed planted produces multiple fruits. This means that our actions, whether good or bad, can bring multiplied results (2 Corinthians 9:6).

c) The Harvest Comes in Due Season
There is always a waiting period between sowing and reaping, but the harvest will surely come at the appointed time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).

d) You Cannot Sow to the Flesh and Reap Spiritual Blessings
Those who live in sin and selfishness cannot expect to reap a harvest of righteousness and divine favour (Galatians 6:8).

e) Biblical Example: Cain sowed jealousy and murder, and he reaped a cursed and restless life (Genesis 4:8-12).

2. TYPES OF SEEDS PEOPLE SOW IN LIFE

People sow different kinds of seeds, knowingly or unknowingly, and each type has its corresponding harvest.

a) The Seed of Righteousness
A life dedicated to holiness and obedience to God brings a harvest of blessings and divine favour (Hosea 10:12).

b) The Seed of Wickedness
Sin, dishonesty, and wickedness produce destruction, sorrow, and eternal damnation (Proverbs 22:8).

c) The Seed of Giving
Generosity towards God and others results in financial and material blessings (Luke 6:38).

d) The Seed of Words
The words we speak are seeds—words of faith bring life, while negative words bring destruction (Proverbs 18:21).

e) Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath sowed her last meal into the life of Prophet Elijah and reaped supernatural provision (1 Kings 17:8-16).

3. HOW TO SOW GOOD SEEDS FOR A BLESSED FUTURE

If we desire to reap a harvest of divine blessings, we must be intentional about sowing good seeds in our lives.

a) Sow in the Spirit, Not in the Flesh
Living according to God’s Word and walking in righteousness ensures a blessed harvest (Galatians 6:8).

b) Sow with a Willing and Cheerful Heart
Whatever we do, whether giving, serving, or helping others, must be done joyfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

c) Be Persistent in Doing Good
Sometimes the harvest takes time, but if we do not give up, we will surely reap in due season (Galatians 6:9).

d) Invest in the Kingdom of God
Spending time in prayer, studying the Word, and supporting God’s work brings spiritual and material rewards (Matthew 6:33).

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius sowed in prayers and almsgiving, and he reaped divine visitation and salvation for his household (Acts 10:1-4).

4. CONSEQUENCES OF SOWING BAD SEEDS

Those who sow evil and unrighteousness should be aware that there are consequences.

a) A Harvest of Sorrow and Suffering
People who engage in wickedness and disobedience will reap the fruits of their actions (Hosea 8:7).

b) Loss of Divine Favour
Sin separates us from God and robs us of His blessings (Isaiah 59:1-2).

c) Destruction and Judgment
Those who refuse to repent will face the judgment of God (Psalm 37:35-38).

d) Generational Consequences
The seeds we sow today can affect future generations, either positively or negatively (Exodus 20:5-6).

e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot sowed the seed of betrayal and reaped a tragic and shameful end (Matthew 27:3-5).

5. HOW TO CORRECT BAD SEEDS ALREADY SOWN

Even if someone has sown bad seeds in the past, God’s mercy provides a way to change their harvest.

a) Repent and Turn Back to God
Genuine repentance can cancel the negative consequences of sinful sowing (Joel 2:12-13).

b) Begin to Sow Good Seeds
Replacing bad habits with good ones leads to a change in future harvests (Ephesians 4:22-24).

c) Pray for Divine Mercy and Restoration
God is able to restore wasted years and redeem those who truly seek Him (Joel 2:25).

d) Seek Righteousness and Obedience to God
Walking in obedience ensures that God blesses and establishes you (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son repented and returned to his father, and his lost inheritance was restored (Luke 15:11-24).

CONCLUSION
The law of sowing and reaping is an unchangeable principle that governs both the physical and spiritual world. Whatever we sow—whether in our actions, words, finances, or relationships—will determine what we reap. If we desire a life of divine blessings, we must be intentional in sowing good seeds.

As believers, we must avoid the trap of sowing to the flesh, which leads to corruption and destruction. Instead, we should sow in righteousness, love, and obedience to God so that we can reap eternal rewards. May the Lord help us to be wise sowers in every area of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Father, help me to sow good seeds in my life, family, and ministry.

2.  Lord, deliver me from every negative harvest caused by my past mistakes.

3.  Holy Spirit, guide me to make wise decisions that will produce a glorious future.

4.  Father, let my life be fruitful and let my harvest be bountiful.

5.  Lord, give me a generous and cheerful heart to sow into Your kingdom.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  I declare that every good seed you have sown shall bring forth an abundant harvest.

2.  Your days of struggling with a bad harvest are over; divine restoration is coming your way.

3.  The Lord will multiply your seed and cause you to flourish in every area of your life.

4.  Every negative seed sown in ignorance is uprooted by the mercy of God.

5.  You shall reap the blessings of righteousness, and your life will be a testimony of God’s goodness.