Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
We now revisit the category of "unpopular" promises. This set of promises concerns the absolute certainties of the reaping and sowing process. "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." In a world that often rejects accountability, these promises are very "unpopular."
Many people are deceived on this matter. They wrongly assume that they will not have to face the consequences of the "daily seeds" they are planting. To hold such an inaccurate perspective is actually a mockery against God, who established this principle. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked." The pattern of planting and harvesting is clearly demonstrated in the case of physical seeds. Whenever a farmer sows corn, he always reaps corn. He never reaps wheat. This pattern is just as certain in the realm of spiritual seeds. Every person is sowing spiritual seeds every day of their lives: either, seeds of "his flesh" or seeds of "the Spirit." The harvest for each person is thereby determined: either, "corruption" or "everlasting life."
Throughout the world (and, sadly, in many instances within the church world) seeds of flesh are sown day by day. In word, deed, attitude, or relationship, people are planting seeds that are characterized by this fleshly list in Galatians 5:19-21. "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like." These seeds bring forth a harvest of destruction. "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption." Such seeds diminish and destroy every life that engages in them. Such seeds bring multiplied condemnation and judgment for unbelievers. When believers are caught in such carnal indulgences for a season, these seeds bring forth spiritual dryness, fruitlessness, and lack of appetite for communion with the Lord.
On the other hand, far different seeds are available for sowing, and they produce a distinctly different crop. "He who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." The seeds that are planted by dependence upon the Spirit of God bring fruit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
Heavenly Father, I deeply regret the fleshly seeds that I have sown. They always diminish my life and dishonor You. I desire to sow seeds of the Spirit. They always enrich my life and bring glory to You. I long to please You, not mock You, Amen.
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Bob Hoekstra ( - 2012)
Bob's involvement with the Calvary Chapels began in 1971, when he and his wife Dini visited Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa on a Sunday evening. They were deeply touched by the life-giving teaching of the word of God, the simple worship "in Spirit and in truth", and the profound expressions of the love of the Lord among the saints. Upon returning to Dallas, they regularly obtained Pastor Chuck Smith's teaching tapes and eventually became daily listeners of the Word for Today on the radio.Since 1993, Bob had been teaching at Calvary Chapel and other church fellowships across the country and overseas (including, Seminars, Pastors' Conferences, Church Services, Leadership Conferences, Retreats, and Schools of Evangelism/Ministry). He has taught numerous classes at Calvary Chapel Bible College (both at its former location in Twin Peaks, CA and its current location in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA) as well as at the extension campuses of Costa Mesa, Vista, San Diego, El Cajon, and others. Bob's teaching generally highlights such subjects as Counseling God's Way ,Family God's Way ,Growing in the Grace of God ,The Church: How Jesus Builds It ,Contending for the Faith ,Promise Believers ,The Sufficiency of Christ and His Word ,The Psychologizing of the Faith , and related themes.
Pastor Bob Hoekstra is the founder and Director of Living in Christ Ministries (livinginchrist.org). He has been in ministry since 1967, including fourteen years in Dallas, TX and eleven years as Pastor of Calvary Chapel of Irvine, CA. He and his wife, Dini, were married in 1966, and have three adult children and eleven grandchildren. Bob graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1973 with the Master of Theology degree.
Bob's involvement with the Calvary Chapels began in 1971. Since 1993, Bob has been teaching at Calvary Chapel and other church fellowships across the country and overseas. The Living in Christ Radio Program is heard on several stations across the country.