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THE KING’S BUSINESS
far more injustice done to us by some one else. But on the other hand, if we sow good, we shall reap far more good than we sow. If we do some one a kindness, some one else will do us a far greater kind ness. And not only do we reap far more than we sow, the reaping lasts far longer than the sowing. A man in five minutes can sow a sin, the consequences o f which he will reap for a life time, or even for eternity, and on the other hand, in a moment o f time a man can accept Christ and . reap the benefits o f that sowing throughout all eternity. v. lO. ‘YAdd, So then,) As we have there fore (omit, therefore) opportunity, let us do good unto (work that which is good toward) all men, ( add, and especially unto (toward) them who (that) are of the house hold of ( add, the) faith.” Here we see Paul going back to the starting point of sowing as exemplified in giving to another’s need. It was the thought o f the duty of giving to teachers that led Paul in the first place to the exposition o f this great princi ple. The all-governing principle o f life with us should be “work that which is good toward all men,” but there is a Special direc tion in which we should work that which is good, and that is toward those who “are of the household o f faith” (cf. 1 Tim. 5:8). Every believer has an obligation toward all men, but he has an especial obligation toward his fellow believers. He invites men to come to Him, Matt. 11:28. He tells men to cast their care upon Him, 1 Peter 5 :7. W e ought also, who are strong, to bear the infirmity o f the weak, Rom. 15:1. There is a royal road that is beautiful for believers to keep, Jas. 2 : 8 . The Christian life is the unselfish life, Rom. 15:2. Our hearts should be going out in true sympathy with all saints, Rom. 12:15, 16.
one side a glorious vista o f possibilities is opened up, but on the other side we get a full view o f the possibilities o f endless decay as one goes on forever sowing and reaping corruption. v. 9. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we, faint not." The application that Paul makes o f the great and unquestionable prin ciple stated in verses 7 and 8 is on the pos itive side, the good side, o f sowing. The application ordinarily made in sermons is on the bad side o f sowing, Let us not with hold the good seed, Paul says in effect, through weariness or temporary discour agement, let us sow on, “we shall reap,” not .ns immediately perhaps as our patience might desire, but in God’s good time (cf. 1 Tim. 6:14, IS). The harvest may be slow, but it is certain. Many fail o f the harvest because they relax just as God’s due time is about tb break. Some are ask ing in discouragement today, “Why do not I reap the good seed I have sown?” The reply is easy; because, it is not yet the “due season,” but do not grow Weary, “ in due season,” if you refuse to faint, you will reap. In considering this matter o f sow ing and reaping we should always bear in mind that the farmer always reaps more than he Sows, and if we sow a little evil to others we shall reap far more evil in our own lives than we have sown. I f we do a little injustice to another we will have (1 ) Burden Bearing, vs. 1-5. Believers are not perfect, Matt. 26:41. There are many weak in faith, Rom. 14:1. : They are subject, tb temptation, 1 Tim. 3:6. Satan seeks to. overthrow them, 2 Cor. 2:4. He even succeeds in overcoming them, Rom. 12:21. But every believer is a member o f the body o f Christ. Believers who have fallen must be restored, Luke 15:4-7; Heb. 12:13. Christ is the burden bearer, Matt. 8 :17.
LESSON OUTLINE
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