Topical Bible: Reaping: Often Unprofitable on Account of Sin

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the principle of reaping what one sows is a recurring theme, illustrating the moral and spiritual consequences of human actions. This principle is often highlighted in the context of sin, where the anticipated rewards of labor and effort are thwarted by disobedience to God's commandments.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of reaping and sowing is deeply rooted in Scripture, serving as a metaphor for the moral law of cause and effect. Galatians 6:7-8 states, "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." This passage underscores the spiritual reality that sin leads to negative consequences, while righteousness leads to life.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides numerous examples where the reaping of labor is rendered unprofitable due to sin. In the book of Haggai, the Israelites experience economic hardship as a direct result of their neglect of God's temple. Haggai 1:6 describes their plight: "You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough; you drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but never get warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a bag with holes." Here, the unprofitable reaping is attributed to their misplaced priorities and disobedience.

Similarly, in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet warns of the futility of labor when it is tainted by sin. Jeremiah 12:13 states, "They have sown wheat but harvested thorns; they have exhausted themselves to no purpose. They will be ashamed of your harvest because of the fierce anger of the LORD." The imagery of sowing wheat and reaping thorns vividly illustrates the fruitlessness of efforts when God's wrath is incurred.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of reaping and sowing. In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains how the seed of God's word can be rendered unfruitful by the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth (Matthew 13:22). This parable highlights how sin and worldly distractions can prevent the fruitful reaping of spiritual truths.

James 3:18 further elaborates on the principle, stating, "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." This verse contrasts the unprofitable reaping associated with sin with the fruitful harvest of righteousness that comes from living in accordance with God's will.

Theological Implications

The unprofitability of reaping on account of sin serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience. It reflects the broader biblical teaching that sin disrupts the intended order of creation, leading to frustration and futility. This principle calls believers to examine their lives, ensuring that their efforts align with God's purposes and are not hindered by sin.

Throughout Scripture, the call to repentance and obedience is clear. The unprofitable reaping due to sin is not merely a punitive measure but a divine invitation to return to God and experience the fullness of His blessings. As believers seek to live in accordance with God's will, they are assured of a harvest that is both abundant and eternal.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 12:13
They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Entrusted Talents.
... thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou ... has often appeared long: they
have often borrowed the ... the direct efficient cause of his unprofitable idleness ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xiv the entrusted talents.htm

Traders for the Master
... thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou ... And cast ye the unprofitable servant
into outer darkness: there ... Here we often say, 'I have laboured in vain ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/traders for the master.htm

Matt. xxv. 1-30.
... "I knew that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou ... For "cast ye," saith He, "the
unprofitable servant into outer ... it be a dog we see hungry, often we are ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxviii matt xxv 1-30.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... he was little of stature." Obstacles often arise in ... which I laid not down, and reaping
that which I ... connection with the parables of the Unprofitable Servant, ch ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... of man, not that which is rough and unprofitable. ... you again about Illuminations,
and that often, and will ... by sowing unto righteousness, and reaping the fruit ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... 354]ib.; did not remind of sin, but blotted it ... will reappear shortly, [470]251; withdrew
often, to avoid ... disciples, [486]263; was "troubled" on account of Judas ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Matt. xvii. 10
... wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities." [2255 ... be not vain, and
a mere unprofitable imagination ... mischief is not only the soul's reaping no good ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lvii matt xvii 10.htm

The Strait Gate;
... and contending to enter in will be unprofitable then; "For ... and they that are such
do very often fall into ... thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... the fire of the Holy Spirit, is now reaping the ample ... human beings, of whom it must
be often said, "The ... we shall endeavor to give a consecutive account of the ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... them diligently, and so they become unprofitable; or else ... if thou say (as it is often
the speech ... incapable of receiving instruction, or reaping advantage, by ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm