Need More Seed

Need More Seed

May 14, 2018

2 Corinthians 9:10  "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."

Paul, on his missionary journeys needed support. He went out, planting churches, and maintained discipleship efforts over those churches and Christians. They were his support system, more often then not, as the years progressed. While Paul attempted to provide and sustain himself, those churches still sent him support. Specifically, they were financially supporting him. In his letters back to them, he made sure to thank and encourage them; it wasn't without importance or heavenly significance. Their gifts mattered, as it supported not just Paul, but enabled converts to Christianity. Their contributions were a sacrifice at times, from the giver, and Paul wanted to make clear they understood their sacrifice was worth it.

Paul made something else clear, regarding their sacrifice. He was sure to explain how things work in the Kingdom. The principle of sowing and reaping is prevalent throughout Scripture. Paul said their efforts of giving, no matter who small, were still a sown into the Kingdom. Paul said the Lord makes sure to give seed to the sower, for that specific purpose. So often we look at the seed, realizing it is just that, a small portion with the intent it will be used to impact the Kingdom. But Paul's gratitude was expressed to the sower, not to the seed. Paul didn't thank the seed, he thanked the person. The seed could not have done anything without the sower deliberately choosing to sow the seed. Paul said it is the Lord who gives seed to the sower. Paul never said the Lord gives seed to the selfish, or the glutton, or the hoarder. The Lord gives seed to those who are known to sow seed. Are you known as a sower?

Without getting into the nuances of the different types of seed, Paul was thanking the Corinthians for their financial support. They sowed monetary support into the Kingdom. The Lord gave money to the Christians in Corinth, specifically so they could sow it. He does not give seed for purposes of hoarding, and Paul made clear to them they would be receiving more seed because of their willingness to sow it. If you don't have seed to sow, then maybe it is because your intent is to hoard it. The Lord gives seed to the sower. He knows your heart and what you are willing to do with the gifts He has given you. If you have intent to keep it all to yourself, no matter what it is, the Lord is not willing to give you more.

The Lord knows you have your own needs; He does not require you to give it all, sowing every last drop. Some grain is kept to eat, while a portion is kept aside for seed. You are not required to give it all, but you are required to have a spirit of generosity with what you have, being willing to sow a portion of anything and everything the Lord gives you. If  you find yourself lacking, maybe it is because you have turned from a sower into a hoarder. He gives generously to the sower, because the Lord knows the seed will be utilized for the Kingdom. Use it for selfish gains and you're more likely to find yourself getting less and less. If you need more seed, it is because you've sown the seed you had or you spent all your seed on yourself. If you find yourself needing seed, evaluate yourself and figure out which is the reason you don't have any seed right now.

Don't take my word for it; look it up: Matt 6:1-24, 2 Cor 9:6-15, Phil 4:10-19