Let Us Learn from Plants and Their Natural Laws (Genesis 1:9-13)
Introduction:
1. In these verses we read about the 3rd day of Creation. 2. On this day,: a. God gathered the waters into Seas, and He made the dry land [Earth] to appear b. God made plants, and 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. 3. The events that occurred on the 3rd day are mentioned in many passages. 4. As we study several of these passages, "let us learn from plants and their natural laws."
Discussion:
I. LET US LEARN 2 LESSONS FROM SCRIPTURES THAT MENTION PLANTS
A. First, "the lilies of the field" are mentioned in Matthew 6:28-29. 1. In this portion of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was teaching His followers not to be anxious over the necessities of life [food, drink, and clothing] (see Matthew 6:25a). 2. As Jesus taught His followers not to be anxious over food He mentioned the birds of the air (vs.26). 3. As Jesus taught His followers not to be anxious about clothing in vs.28-29 He mentioned the lilies of the field. a. Lilies do not toil or spin. b. However, God causes them to be clothed in a beautiful way. 4. Jesus continued with this subject in vs.30-33. 5. Rather than be anxious over anything, let us follow the instructions given in Philippians 4:6-7. B. Second, "a fig tree" is mentioned in Matthew 21:18-20. 1. On this occasion Jesus illustrated the importance of bearing fruit. 2. He cursed this fig tree because it did not produce any fruit. 3. The Lord had more to say about bearing fruit in John 15:1-8.
II. LET US LEARN 2 LESSONS FROM SCRIPTURES THAT MENTION NATURAL LAWS THAT RELATE TO PLANTS
A. First, the law of sowing and reaping is mentioned in Galatians 6:7-8. 1. In this life we can choose to sow to the flesh. a. Sowing to the flesh results in "the works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21). b. Those who do such things will not reap the kingdom of heaven. 2. In this life we can choose to sow to the Spirit. a. Sowing to the Spirit results in "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). b. Those who bear this kind of fruit will reap everlasting life. B. Second, planting and watering are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:6. 1. Christians are responsible for planting and watering "the seed" [the Word -- Luke 8:11]. 2. When we plant and water the seed, God will give "the increase."
Conclusion:
1. These are 4 important spiritual lessons taught in the Bible with reference to plants and natural laws relating to plants. 2. Let us remember these lessons and apply them as we go about our daily lives. 3. Let us mention one other reference to plants in 1 Peter 1:22-25 as we conclude our study.
