Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 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.
I ask, does sowing to the flesh only apply to sinners or can it apply to believers also? I truly believe that God wants to bless His children but the release of blessings is found in obedience of faith. Perhaps that is secular in application because we tend to believe that rewards come to those who deserve it. Grace on the other hand states that favor is unmerited. But does favor equal blessings?
I was thinking this morning about Meriam when she was cursed with leprosy and Moses had to intercede on her behalf. I wondered if like Meriam, if I were to sow in the flesh, would God curse me? I feel like I bring on my own misery but that does not mean God caused it. Meriam’s example may have been more about God showing His displeasure with her attitude and speech. What happened to here was as much an example for us in what displeases God than a warning of impending curses by God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Knowing this, and knowing we have sown in the flesh, it seems fair to assume that we develop a fear of the two edge sword and fail to open and enter into the Word.
Malachi 2:2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.
So it would seem from this that the curse falls on the blessing, meaning that we missed out on the blessing because we did not continue in the Word and allow the Word to bring the blessings in obedience of faith.
What say you?
Because I had a caring and praying future wife, the prayers of her co-workers and herself protected me from many occasions where I could have succumbed to death.
As you stated, grace is unmerited favor of God.
Think on this: “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45.
There are time, I must confess, that I’d prefer to bless someone with a brick!
This will knock on your brainbox for a season:
Ern, not really knocking. It does seem that some like to credit God for everything, good or bad. I think we create much of own situations and God only makes good on His promises. He would much rather that we walked in His will and if we don’t, well that isn’t God’s fault.
So if a man is building a house and you take him a brick, I guess that would be a blessing.
Good point, Larry.
We both know that walking in His will is the best way to go.