Are You Sowing the Seeds of the
Kingdom?
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Fred A. Fillmore
Introduction:
“Are You Sowing the Seeds of the Kingdom?” is a deeply personal and
urgent hymn that calls every Christian to examine their labor in the
Lord. Written by Fred A. Fillmore, this song uses the familiar biblical
metaphor of sowing seed to illustrate our responsibility to share the
word of God and live a life of influence. Inspired by passages like Luke
8:11 and Galatians 6:7–9, the hymn urges us to think soberly about the
impact of our words, actions, and silence.
This hymn is not
written for the idle or the indifferent—it speaks directly to those who
claim to follow Christ. It demands introspection. Are we truly sowing?
Are we sowing in the morning of our life, during the heat of midday
work, and even into the evening hours? And most importantly—what
kind of seed are we sowing? Because a harvest is coming. The day of
judgment will reveal what we planted and whether it bore fruit for the
kingdom of God.
This song confronts
us with the reality that we cannot live passively or waste the
opportunities God has given us. We are all sowers—either for good or for
evil. And God is not mocked. What we sow, we shall also reap. So let us
be found faithful, diligent, and intentional as laborers in His field.
Stanza 1: “Are
you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother, in the morning bright and
fair?”
This stanza opens with a question that pierces to the heart: Are we
beginning each day sowing God's word with purpose? The "morning bright
and fair" likely refers both to the early part of our physical day and
to the earlier season of our lives. Ecclesiastes 12:1 tells us to
“remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,” and Proverbs 20:11
reminds us that even a child is known by his doings.
Morning sowing
requires energy, preparation, and foresight. It’s about setting a tone
of faithfulness and action at the start of every opportunity. Are we
using our time wisely, especially when our strength is fresh and our
influence may be greatest? Too many waste the early hours of their
lives, assuming they can serve later. But God calls us to be diligent
from the very beginning.
Stanza 2: “Are
you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother, in the heat of the
noonday’s glare?”
This stanza reminds us that Christian labor is not for fair weather
only. It must continue during life’s “noonday”—when the work is hard,
the burdens are heavy, and our strength is tested. This aligns with
Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due
season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Noonday represents
the middle of life—when distractions abound, responsibilities multiply,
and weariness sets in. But the field still needs sowing. Souls still
need the gospel. This stanza challenges us to persevere when it’s not
easy. If we only sow when it’s convenient, we cannot expect a harvest of
righteousness.
Stanza 3: “Are
you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother, in the still and solemn
night?”
Nightfall speaks of the later years, when strength may be fading and
time is short. Yet even then, the call is to continue sowing. Psalm
92:14 declares, “They shall still bear fruit in old age.” Whether with
words of wisdom, prayers, letters, or influence, the faithful servant
continues sowing until life’s final breath.
This stanza also
implies solitude and quiet reflection. The “still and solemn night”
could symbolize moments of introspection or the spiritual darkness
around us. Will we speak the word when no one else does? Will we sow
even when no one is watching? The call to labor never ceases, and
neither does the opportunity to influence others for Christ.
Chorus: “For
the harvest time is coming on, and the reaper’s work will soon be
done...”
The chorus brings the sober warning: harvest is coming. The judgment is
near. As in Matthew 13:39–43, the angels will gather the harvest,
separating the wheat from the tares. Each of us will give an account for
what we’ve sown. Have we planted the word of God, or have we scattered
weeds of carelessness, sin, or apathy?
The “reaper’s work”
will be swift and final. The time for sowing will end. This is a wake-up
call. We do not have forever. We must labor now, because eternity
depends on it—not only for our souls but for those we influence. What
will the harvest say about your life?
Are You Sowing
the Seeds of the Kingdom? Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: Sowing in the Morning
-
Start early in
life and in every day: Ecclesiastes 12:1
-
Use youthful
strength and zeal for God’s glory
-
Begin sowing
when influence is fresh: Proverbs 20:11
Stanza 2:
Sowing in the Noonday Heat
-
Endurance and
perseverance in the busy seasons: Galatians 6:9
-
Labor through
the difficulties of life
-
Faithfulness
when energy is tested
Stanza 3:
Sowing in the Night
-
Bearing fruit in
later years: Psalm 92:14
-
Continue sowing
until the end of life
-
Influence
through quiet, faithful, consistent service
Chorus: The
Coming Harvest
-
Judgment day
imagery: Matthew 13:39–43
-
Accountability
for what we’ve sown: 2 Corinthians 5:10
-
Motivation to
sow faithfully before it’s too late
Call to Action:
What are you sowing today? Whether you are young, busy, or nearing the
end of life’s journey, you are planting seeds with every word and deed.
Let them be seeds of the kingdom—seeds of truth, love, and
righteousness. Judgment is coming. The harvest will reveal your legacy.
If you have not been sowing for Christ, now is the time to begin. Obey
the gospel. Be baptized for the remission of sins. Live every day as a
laborer in the Lord’s field. And never stop sowing until the reaper’s
work is done.
Scripture
Reference List:
Luke 8:11 – The seed is the word of God
Ecclesiastes 12:1 – Remember your Creator in the days of youth
Proverbs 20:11 – A child is known by his actions
Galatians 6:9 – Do not grow weary in doing good
Psalm 92:14 – Bearing fruit in old age
Matthew 13:39–43 – Parable of the wheat and tares
2 Corinthians 5:10 – We must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ
Song Author
Credit:
This hymn was written by Fred A. Fillmore (1856–1925), a prolific gospel
song composer and publisher active in churches of Christ. His works
often combined strong melodies with soul-searching questions, calling
Christians to action and deeper faith. “Are You Sowing the Seeds of the
Kingdom?” remains one of his most compelling hymns of Christian
responsibility.
Song History:
Composed in the late 19th century, this hymn reflects the post-Civil War
era's renewed focus on evangelism and moral accountability. It gained
popularity in shape-note singing traditions and was widely embraced by
churches of Christ for its doctrinal clarity and urgency. Its
agricultural imagery resonates with Jesus’ own parables, making it a
timeless reminder that every believer is called to work in God’s harvest
field.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
