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The Parable of the Wheat and Tares
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan opposes the work of God by sowing counterfeit Christians, encouraging false growth, and introducing false doctrine into the church. Often it seems as though he is winning, but the final exposure of who is true and who is counterfeit will be revealed at the end of the age. The Parable of the Wheat and Tares, as spoken by Jesus in Matthew 13:24-30 and explained in verses 36-43, illustrates this deception. It reveals the mixed character of the church, culminating in the ultimate separation of the true believers from the enemies and religious hobbyists at the harvest. In this parable, there are two sowers, two kinds of seeds, and two harvests—one good and one bad. Jesus, as the Son of Man, sows the good seed, representing the true followers, while the enemy, identified as the wicked one and the devil, sows the tares among the wheat. This enemy works in stealth, sowing false doctrine in places where the truth is preached, especially during times of spiritual unawareness, aiming to cause confusion and disrupt peace within the church. The tares, resembling wheat until maturity, represent those influenced by the enemy, appearing as true believers but lacking genuine devotion to God. Their presence is not easily distinguished, as immature wheat and tares look alike, and attempting to remove them prematurely risks uprooting the good with the bad. Jesus instructs to let both grow together until the harvest, when the tares will be gathered and destroyed by fire, while the wheat will be safely stored in God's barn. This parable warns that the visible church on earth will always contain both wheat and tares, the genuine and the counterfeit, intermingled until the end of the age. God alone will judge and separate them at the appointed time, ensuring that no true believer is harmed in the process. The presence of tares serves as a reminder of satan's constant attacks on God's work, yet it is God's will that the wheat endure and bear fruit amidst these challenges.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Two): Tares, Mustard Seed, and Leaven
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn the Parables of the Wheat and the Tares, the Mustard Seed, and the Leaven, Jesus was speaking to the physical nation, which the parables clearly reflect.
The Impossible Metric
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeMembers, co-workers, and subscribers can all be tallied, yet who save God can track the increase of faith or the building of character of members of a church?
Uprooting Righteousness
CGG WeeklyThe primary lesson of the Parable of the Wheat and Tares is relatively easy to see. However, an interesting detail appears in it that is easily overlooked.
Is There a True Church?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike the four groups of seeds exposed to various qualities of soil, many have heard the true gospel, but few have remained faithful after the onslaught of hardship.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod alone chooses the servants through whom He works His will. Sometimes the rationale God uses for selecting His vessels defies worldly wisdom.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should not expect brethren to be perfect; we all sin. God has not given His People the prerogative to judge another member as a tare.
What's in It for Me?
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerBecause seed-bearing designates fruit that is good for food, it is possible that the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not seed-bearing.
Heavenly Citizenship (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are strangers, foreigners, aliens, or pilgrims to the world, but full-fledged citizens of God's Kingdom.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA true, godly minister does not draw people to himself, but instead to God. Not placing Christ at the forefront will lead to carnal-mindedness.
The Process of Righteous Judgment
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe share with Christ the prospect of preparing the earth for billions of people awaiting their opportunity for eternal life, assisting in the harvest.
What Is Always True About the World?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTo guard against the world, we must be careful not to fall into idolatry, based upon limiting God to tangible objects or those things which occupy our thoughts.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Israel's trek was not only a physical journey, but a mental wandering caused by rejecting God's leadership. The potential to sin is a test of resolve.