2 Timothy 2:6 The farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. 1. He must prepare good seed — i.e., sound doctrine. For in this sense we may truly say: what a man soweth, he shall reap; such as thy seed is, such will be thy harvest. 2. Understand the nature of the soil, the spiritual estate of thy people, and let the seed be in degree and measure suitable. Seed that is hot and dry must be sown in a cold and moist ground; if cold and moist, in a land that is hot and dry, else no multiplication. He that preaches mercy to the wicked is like him who soweth wheat on dry sandy mountains; judgment to the righteous, rye in wet and watery valleys — neither of both will, can prosper. 3. Get skill in the manner of sowing. 4. When the seed is sown, weeds will grow up with it. These must be plucked up, kept under, else the corn will not prosper. 5. In any case, go not thou beyond thy bounds, but sow in that soil where God commands thee. That great seedsman, Paul, had ill success among the Jews, being chiefly sent to teach the Gentiles. 6. Cast not off thy calling; wax not weary in this husbandry; and to encourage thee, consider the excellency of thy function. The husbandman waiteth long; be thou also patient, for a time of gathering will come — shall come. (J. Barlow, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.WEB: The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. |
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