The Harvest Produces Perseverance

Galatians 6:9–10 (NIV),

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Verse 9 is an important encouragement to Gospel laborers and it leads Paul to the Christians obligation to all people with some specific prioritizing of one's time and resources toward the Church. "As if he should say: Let us be liberal and bountiful not only towards the ministers of the Word, but also towards all other men, and that without weariness." [1] Both the encouragement and the direction are summarized by the phrase: "we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

"As if he said: Wait and look for the perpetual harvest that is to come and then shall no ingratitude or perverse dealing of men be able to pluck you away from well-doing: for in the harvest-time ye shall receive most plentiful increase and fruit of your seed. Thus with most sweet words he exhorteth the faithful to the doing of good works." [1]

"Two imperatives govern Paul's warning: "do not be weary" and "do not faint." These are not identical but are directed against the temptations to become discouraged and give up . . . The best reason for resisting them is that if the necessary preparation is done, the harvest is sure."[2] 

"The primary focus should be on serving those in the church, but never to the exclusion of people in the wider world." [3] "All born-again believers belong to the same spiritual family. For these we are under special obligation to work good, whenever we have an opportunity." [4]

Father, I sense that there are some things that are very certain in this life.  One is that tiredness is a ministry partner.  Another is that I am obligated to serve anyone where I have opportunity, but I have a specific obligation to serve the Church, my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Lastly it is sure and certain, Father, that there will be a harvest.  Like all Your exhortations, I read with absoluteness that there will be a harvest (indicative), so work for the harvest (imperative). I confess that tiredness and a lack of ambition with discouragement plague my day.The older I get the more I experience this.  Father, by Your Spirit create in me energy and focus.  Jesus is coming again and there will be a massive harvest of souls. This is given to us by Your Spirit as our encouragement.  Let us dig in, press on and not slack off.  For the glory of Christ, keep us busy for the Kingdom.  Even so come, Lord Jesus. 

___________________________________

1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:9). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Galatians/Exposition of Galatians/III. The Call to Godly Living (5:1-6:10)/D. Two Practical Exhortations (6:1-10)/2. The use of money (6:6-10), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2255). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

4. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2401). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.