Sermon Discussion Guide – October 20, 2013
Sermon Title / “Leave It All on the Field”Scripture / 2 Corinthians 9.6, Galatians 6.7, Ecclesiastes 11.6
Key Verse(s):Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. – 2 Corinthians 9.6 (NIV).
Summary: We learn from scripture that as followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to use what we have been given for God’s glory (i.e., gifts, talents, etc.). As we strive to live our lives for the glory of God, we are sowing seeds into the lives of everyone we encounter. What we sow is proportionate to what we reap, so we must sow generously, carefully and faithfully.
Discussion Starters: Last week we talked about spiritual gifts and talents that we are given. In considering sowing and reaping, how are you using your gifts to sow life and encouragement into others? Perhaps we’re not sowing those seeds as we could be. In what new ways can you sow seeds with your God-given gifts?
Read and Discuss
Unless otherwise noted, scriptures have been researched and referenced based on the New International Version (NIV); however any translation is perfectly acceptable to use for discussion.
Job 4.8 & James 3.18–We read in several places in scripture that reaping is proportionate to sowing. Take a look at all the individuals you encounter on a daily basis – family members, friends, co-workers, strangers in passing, etc. What kinds of seeds have you sown lately? What does your return on that investment look like? How might you remind yourself of the seeds you’re sowing as you engage these people?
1 Corinthians 3.6-11 – In this scripture, Paul is writing a letter to the people of the church in Corinth, to whom he has been ministering. We are reminded that we are merely sowing seeds! Is our responsibility to ensure that these seeds ultimately grow and thrive? To whom do we leave that responsibility? What seeds do you pray will grow right now? Perhaps you have sown seeds into a loved one and pray desperately for their growth? Keep praying, and do not give up hope. You are not responsible for the growth of these seeds. Remind yourself of Proverbs 3.5-6, and trust in God, because growth may be happening even if we don’t see it yet.
Luke 8.15 (God’s Word Translation): The seeds that were planted on good ground are people who also hear the word. But they keep it in their good and honest hearts and produce what is good despite what life may bring.–We will talk more about this parable from which this verse comes next Sunday. This can be so tough! How can we keep God’s Word in our hearts so that we might sow good seeds, even when life may not feel so good?
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for all that you have given us. We want to be good stewards of our gifts, and we want to sow seeds of life into others. Remind us of this great responsibility when we encounter others. Holy Spirit, guide our words and actions so that the seeds we sow might reflect your glory. Amen.