Simple Church / Triad Discussion Questions
Paul is telling us in the passage that the universe has moral consequences.
Continually living a life of sin, pursuing patterns of sin, being content with living in the flesh as opposed to learning to walk in the Spirit, sets up strains in the fabric of our soul, and the universe. Just like eating fatty sugary foods all the time sets up strains in the physical fabric of the heart. The principle, or moral law which we see in both the physical world as well as the spiritual, is that if you sow poorly, you reap a poor crop. If you eat fatty sugary foods all the time, you will reap a poor heart.
Timothy Keller says the biblical word here is better understood as disintegration. Spiritual breakdown.
Paul is saying that sin makes things fall apart.
Question
1. In what ways do we see examples of this in our world, our communities and our own families and personal lives? Share as you are able.
The warning is stark and the promise is wonderfully liberating.
"You will always harvest what you plant."
The context of this passage is in verse 6.
"Those who are taught the Word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them."
So the context is talking about the local church supporting the life and ministry of the pastors and teachers. The encouragement to sow generously, and to not grow weary in doing good (one of the fruits of the Spirit).
Question
2. In what ways have you experienced evidence of this promise in your own life? Talk about the "fruit" and / or the "harvest" in your own life, as a result of someone's faithful giving to the local church?
3. How are you reaping the fruit of the Spirit in your specific set of God given circumstances in your life right now?
4. How have these verses motivated you to do good to all people? Any changes or adjustments the Spirit is moving you to make?