Running Video

God will allow injury in order to accomplish intimacy.

2 Timothy 2:6
The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

Sam Ewing
“Hard work highlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”

Proverbs 12:11
He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

What we are growing tomorrow is connected to what we are sowing today.

Galatians 6:8
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

James 5:7-8
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Patience isn’t simply waiting; and waiting doesn’t automatically develop patience.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It takes no work to grow spiritually frail, but it takes hard work to grow spiritual fruit.

Discussion Questions

1. How does spiritual discipline shape us into true disciples? How do we see “discipline” shape the sacrifice of a soldier and the endurance of an athlete (v4-5)?
   

2. What does it mean to “mismanage agony” (adding insult to injury), and how can we respond to suffering in a way that honors God instead of making it worse?
   

3. 2 Timothy 2:6 says, “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.” How does this apply to our spiritual lives? The Chinese Bamboo Tree takes years before showing growth. How does this illustrate faithfulness and trust in God’s timing?
   

4. Proverbs 24:30-31 describes an overgrown field due to laziness. What areas of your life are in need of cultivation right now? What is the first “field” we should cultivate in our spiritual walk? (Matthew 13)
   

5. Why do many people mistake waiting for patience? How can we be like the farmer who waits while working? What lessons can we learn from Joseph’s time of waiting?
   

6. Galatians 6:9 says “Let us not grow weary in doing good.” What are some signs that someone is spiritually weary?