Sowing and Reaping (Galatians 6:7)
This verse well summarizes the warnings of the whole book; all need to realize there are consequences to the choices and actions we make in this life, especially spiritual ones.
Sowing and Reaping (Galatians 6:7)
This verse well summarizes the warnings of the whole book; all need to realize there are consequences to the choices and actions we make in this life, especially spiritual ones.
- Be Not Deceived: the warning is against being led away from the right way. It is used this way numerous times throughout the New Testament (deceive: Matt. 24:4-5, 11, 24; 1 Cor. 6:9ff; 1 Jn 1:8; err: Matt. 22:29; James 5:19; astray: Matt. 18:12-13; seduce: 1 John 2:26; wandered: Heb. 11:38; way: Heb. 5:2). They had listened to false teachers that were turning them from the way of truth and the grace of God (1:6-7; 5:4, 7); now they needed to turn back; for there was no hope anywhere else (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Heb. 4:4-6, 12:1-2; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
- God Is Not Mocked: This is idea of turning up the nose at, sneering at, or ridiculing (Ps. 2:1ff/Acts 4:25ff). They could not think that God would not notice what they were doing; neither are His warnings to be scoffed at. We are recipients of great promises as those faithful in Christ (2:16; 3:7, 9, 11, 26-29; 4:3-7) but they would forfeit them by turning back. We will not deceive God, only ourselves (James 1:22; Heb. 4:12-13).
- You Reap What You Sow: They needed to determine what they were following after: a perverted Gospel or the gospel of Christ (1:6-7)? Fleshly lusts or the Spirit (5:16ff)? The things of the world or things of God (6:8; 1 John 2:15-17)? They needed to seek and support spiritual things, which if they would do, they would reap a great reward if they grew not weary but continue striving to have Christ formed in them (6:9, 4:19, 5:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 8:18; Matt. 25:21; Rev. 2:10).
