In the sermon "God Is Not Mocked," Fred Evans addresses the theological implications of grace and the principle of reaping and sowing as articulated in Galatians 6:6–8. The core argument reflects the importance of being taught by God through the preaching of the gospel and the consequential obligation to support those who teach it. Evans emphasizes that true understanding and belief are not derived from human effort but granted by God's grace, highlighting the need for believers to communicate generously with their teachers as a manifestation of love in response to grace. He references John 6 and John 10 to illustrate God’s sovereignty in salvation and the certainty that deception among false teachers is evident, but God does not tolerate mockery of His truth. The practical significance of this message lies in the encouragement for believers to respond to grace with acts of love, reinforcing that what one sows in terms of works will reflect their spiritual state, either leading to eternal life or corruption.
Key Quotes
"Is it not the love of Christ that constraineth us from sin? It is. It's not the law, it's the love of Christ.”
“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How are you going to call on Him in whom you've not heard?”
“For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
“God is not mocked. God is not deceived by vain words and loveless professions of faith.”
The Bible teaches that believers are taught by God through the Holy Spirit, leading them to faith in Christ as described in John 6:44.
The Bible emphasizes that the knowledge of Christ is not attained through natural means but is a gift from God. As seen in John 6:44, 'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.' This highlights that being taught of God involves a divine intervention where the believer receives a new heart and nature, allowing them to believe in Jesus Christ. The preaching of the gospel serves as a means through which God teaches his people, affirming that true understanding comes from His grace through the ministry of His word.
John 6:44, Galatians 6:6
God's grace is demonstrated through salvation by faith, apart from works, as affirmed in Ephesians 2:8-9.
The assurance of God's grace being sufficient for salvation is rooted in the gospel message, which asserts that salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Christ alone. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul states, 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.' Grace stands in contrast to the law, emphasizing that human effort cannot secure salvation. This doctrine is central to the Reformed understanding, which teaches that God's sovereign grace is the sole basis upon which sinners are saved, highlighting that it is God who initiates and completes the work of redemption.
Ephesians 2:8-9, John 10:27-30
Supporting pastors and teachers is essential as it allows them to continue preaching the gospel and fulfilling their calling, as stated in Galatians 6:6.
The act of communicating material support to those who teach us in the word is vital for the continuation of the gospel ministry. In Galatians 6:6, Paul instructs, 'Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.' This reinforces the mutual responsibility between the congregation and its leaders. By supporting pastors and teachers, the community ensures the ongoing proclamation of the gospel, which has the power to save and edify the church. The act of giving is not only a response to the love of Christ in their lives but is also a means by which believers recognize and appreciate the gift of God that comes through the preached word.
Galatians 6:6, 1 Corinthians 9:14
Sowing to the Spirit means engaging in actions that are aligned with the Holy Spirit and lead to eternal life, as noted in Galatians 6:8.
Sowing to the Spirit signifies investing in spiritual pursuits that foster growth and fellowship with God. According to Galatians 6:8, 'For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.' This contrasts the outcomes of pursuing fleshly desires versus spiritual endeavors. When Christians act in accordance with the Holy Spirit, their lives bear fruit that reflects God's character, and ultimately, they experience the fulfillment of eternal life and spiritual rewards. This principle reminds believers of the importance of living by faith and prioritizing life in the Spirit over earthly gains.
Galatians 6:8
To avoid deception in faith, Christians must rely on the truth of Scripture and the Holy Spirit's guidance, as God is not mocked.
Avoiding deception in one’s faith requires a steadfast commitment to the truth of God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul warns in Galatians 6:7, 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' This highlights the necessity of introspection regarding one’s beliefs and actions. True faith is evidenced by a life that aligns with the teachings of Scripture and is empowered by the Spirit. Additionally, engaging in community and receiving sound teaching can help alert believers to potential falsehoods, ensuring that they remain rooted in the truth of the gospel and not swayed by appearances or works-based righteousness.
Galatians 6:7, 1 Corinthians 1:18
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