SHOULD CHRISTIANS SOW SEED? INTRODUCTION Whenever “sowing of seed” is mentioned, mind quickly goes to the practice in many Pentecostal churches wherein people give money or donate needed materials, with the aim of receiving blessings from God. I have been asked whether this practice is scriptural. Moreover, the term “sowing of seed” has also been denounced by some brethren as a denominational terminology. I am approaching this study with an open mind [acts17:11], understanding that Christ established His church with the aim of maintaining internal purity as well as sharing his word wholly with the world [acts 5:20]. We are not called to sit idle, wait till others do things, only for us to react as to the scripturality or unscripturalilty of their teachings and practice. It is my hope that al those who read this message will do so with an open mind to, so that God’s truth may sink in. THE CONCEPT OF SOWING When we talk of sowing seed, we are talking of a metaphorical use of these terms. Therefore, let us look at other metaphorical uses of the term “sow” as found in scriptures. 1. Matt 13: 24-30, 36-43 Jesus sowed seeds. These seeds are the children of God in this world. 2. Luke 8:4-15 Preachers sow seeds. This seed is the word of God. 3. 1Cor 15:35-49 At death, we sow our bodies only to be raised with spiritual bodies at the resurrection. 4. Gal 6:7-8 Everything we do on the earth, whether good or bad is an act of sowing. We shall reap their accumulations some day. 5. 1 Cor 9:11-15 Gospel workers sow spiritual things in the lives of brethren. The things they sow include the word of God. GIVING AS AN ACT OF SOWING - 2 Cor8 and 9 While there may be no doubt about any of the above forms of sowing, there are usually arguments concerning giving as an act of sowing of seed. However, the whole of chapter 8 and 9 of 2 Corithians are dedicated to explaining this concept. (It would be necessary to read this portion of the inspired scriptures before you continue. So, please pause, read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 now). A summary of the passage is as follows; 1. To have a great urge to give is grace that God bestows (8:1) 2. Giving is an act of fellowship which is not prevented by economic situation of the giver (8:2-5) 3. Ministers of God can also impact the grace of giving on those wiling to learn (8:6-7) 4. Giving is usually an advantage to the giver (8:10) 5. The willing mind (mindset) is the major motivating factor (8:12) 6. Giving ought to manifest in the equality of material needs (8:13-15) 7. Giving can be administered by representatives from several congregations to the glory of God (8:18,19,23) 8. We can make promise to give, work towards it and achieve it at a later date (8:10;9:1-5) 9. Giving is an act of sowing, and we are blessed according to the quantity we sow (9:6-9) 10. What we give out to others is actually seed that God supplies through us, to be sown by us (9:10-11) 11. The result of our giving is fruit of the righteousness (9:10) 12. It results in thanksgiving to God (9:11-15) SHOULD CHRISTIAN SOW SEED? As noted above, whether we know it or not, ones lifestyle is actually an act of sowing (Gal 6:7-8). Moreover, Christians have been commanded to sow by giving. Let us now look to see if we need to give or sow with the aim of receiving blessings from God. 1. Jesus commands us to sell our possessions and to give out the proceeds as alms (Lk 12:33). He says by so doing, we store up treasures in heaven. He then goes further to tell us to set our heart on the treasures in heaven which accumulate as a result of our giving (Lk 12;34). So Jesus tells us to give and also to have in mind an expectation of reward from heaven. 2. Paul emphatically reminded the Corinthians of their rewards in order to motivate them to sow (give). He said, “And in this I give advice: it is to your advantage” and “But this I say :He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL REAP BOUNTIFULLY”. (2 Cor 8:10;9:6). 3. Paul asks us to “purpose in our hearts” what we should give (2 Cor 9:7). It is the same heart that the Lord asks us to set on the same reward that accrues to our act of giving. So, the question should not even be whether Christians should sow seed or not, for whether we give or we do not, whether we do good or evil, we are already sowing. And whatever we so, that we shall reap. The questions, therefore, should be how should we sow? Into whose lives should we sow? The Bible answers it all. We are to sow to the taste of the Spirit of God (Gal 6:8). We are to sow in the lives of all people, regardless of their faith (Gal 6:10; Lk 6:30), regardless of how they treat us (Lk 6:27-36) and regardless of our economic situation (2 Cor 8:1-6). And we are to sow in the lives of ministers of the gospel because they sow spiritual seed in our lives (1 Cor 9:11; Gal 6:6-7). There is a question as to whether Pastors who emphasize teachings on sowing of seed do exploit their members. That is none of my business. If I exploit people of material things, that itself is an act of sowing (to the flesh) and I too, will reap accordingly. However, God has not asked me to examine others. He says, “examine yourself” (compare 1Cor 5:12,13; Gal 6:1-5). May God give us the grace to do the right things.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 09:10:14 +0000
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