Topical Bible: Seed: Sowing of Required Constant Diligence

◄ Seed: Sowing of Required Constant Diligence ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of sowing seed is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing the diligent and faithful efforts required in both spiritual and practical endeavors. The act of sowing seed is not merely an agricultural practice but is imbued with spiritual significance, illustrating the principles of faith, perseverance, and divine providence.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of sowing to convey spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains the different outcomes of sowing seed on various types of soil, representing the reception of God's Word in the hearts of people. In Matthew 13:3-9 , Jesus says, "A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings. Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold."

This parable underscores the necessity of diligence in sowing, as well as the importance of the condition of the soil, which symbolizes the preparedness and receptivity of the human heart.

Principles of Diligence

The act of sowing requires constant diligence, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 11:6 : "Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper." This verse emphasizes the need for persistent effort and the unpredictability of outcomes, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their labor.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-9 : "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Here, Paul highlights the moral and spiritual dimensions of sowing, urging believers to sow in ways that honor God and lead to eternal rewards.

Divine Partnership

While human diligence is essential, the Bible also teaches that the growth and success of the seed ultimately depend on God's blessing. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 , Paul writes, "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." This passage reminds believers that while they are called to labor diligently, it is God who provides the increase and brings about the fruition of their efforts.

Practical Applications

The principle of sowing with diligence extends beyond agriculture and spiritual growth to encompass all areas of life. Proverbs 20:4 warns, "The sluggard does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there." This proverb illustrates the consequences of neglect and laziness, encouraging individuals to be proactive and industrious in their pursuits.

In summary, the biblical theme of sowing seed with constant diligence serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing the need for perseverance, faithfulness, and reliance on God's providence. Through diligent sowing, believers are called to trust in God's timing and provision, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 11:4,6
He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that regards the clouds shall not reap.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... Wishing to establish it far beyond what the case required. ... fruit; but here not so,
but the seed is spiritual ... this also do they receive; but we, sowing in your ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 1 cor ix.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... done'; and (Luke 17:6), 'If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might ... Still
as his only hope he was constant in his attendance upon the means of grace ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... blood all nations.' But when he says here, 'not of blood,' he rejects all carnal
privileges they did boast of: they boasted they were Abraham's seed; no, no ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... supply also the help of His grace to those to whom He has given commands, so that
men might more easily accomplish through grace what they are required to do ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm