4 Lessons Illustrated by Plant Life (Genesis 1:9-13)
Introduction:
1. Although spring has not officially arrived, the things occurring in nature help us to appreciate what God did on the 3rd day. a. First, He caused the waters to gather into Seas and the dry land to appear. b. Next, He created plant life. c. As God created plant life, He put several natural laws into effect. 1) Plants were given the ability to bear fruit and produce seed. 2) The seed from each plant would produce a plant after its own kind. 2. In the Bible, plants and the natural laws relating to plants are used to illustrate a number of valuable spiritual lessons. 3. Today, we are considering 4 of these important lessons.
Discussion:
I. (Matthew 6:28-29) FROM THE LILIES OF THE FIELD WE LEARN NOT TO BE ANXIOUS OVER THINGS SUCH AS CLOTHING A. (Matthew 6:25a) Jesus was teaching His followers not to be anxious over the necessities of life: food, drink, and clothing. B. (vs.26) As Jesus taught His followers not to be anxious over food He mentioned the birds of the air. C. As Jesus taught His followers not to be anxious about clothing in vs.28-29, He mentioned the lilies of the field. 1. Lilies do not toil or spin. 2. However, God causes them to be clothed in a beautiful way. D. Jesus continued with this subject in vs.30-33. E. Rather than be anxious over anything, let us follow the instructions given in Philippians 4:6-7.
II. FROM A FIG TREE WE LEARN ABOUT THE NECESSITY OF BEARING FRUIT
A. (Matthew 21:18-20) Jesus cursed a fig tree because it did not produce any fruit. B. (John 15:1-8) Jesus emphasized the necessity of bearing fruit.
III. (Galatians 6:7-8) THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING RELATES TO OUR ETERNAL DESTINY
A. In this life we can choose to sow to the flesh. 1. Sowing to the flesh will result in "the works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21). 2. Those who do such things will not reap the kingdom of heaven. B. In this life we can choose to sow to the Spirit. 1. Sowing to the Spirit will result in "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). 2. Those who bear this kind of fruit will reap everlasting life.
IV. (1 Corinthians 3:6) PLANTING AND WATERING RELATE TO EVANGELISM
A. Christians are responsible for planting and watering "the seed" [the Word -- Luke 8:11]. B. When we plant and water the seed, God will give "the increase."
Conclusion:
1. These are 4 great lessons taught in the Bible with reference to plants and the natural laws relating to plants. 2. A final point is made in 1 Peter 1:22-25 about being born again by God's Word.
