WHEAT AND TARES GROWING TOGETHER

WHEAT AND TARES GROWING TOGETHER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Key Verse: “Let both grow together until the harvest…” (Matthew 13:30)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:10-13, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Psalm 1:1-6, Galatians 6:7-8, Revelation 22:11-12

Description: This study explains the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, revealing the coexistence of righteousness and evil in the world, the reality of spiritual deception, and God’s final judgment.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus gave the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. A farmer sowed good seed in his field, but while men slept, an enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. As both plants grew together, the servants desired to uproot the tares immediately, but the master instructed them to allow both to grow together until the harvest.

Jesus later explained that the good seed represents the children of the Kingdom, while the tares represent the children of the wicked one. The field represents the world, the enemy is the devil, and the harvest symbolises the end of the age.

This parable teaches believers that righteousness and wickedness will exist side by side until God’s appointed time of judgment. It also warns Christians to remain spiritually alert, faithful, and discerning.

1. GOD SOWS GOOD SEED IN HIS KINGDOM

God desires righteousness, holiness, and fruitfulness.

a) The sower planted good seed in his field (Matthew 13:24)
God’s work and intentions are always good and righteous.

b) The good seed represents the children of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:38)
Believers are called to reflect God’s nature and truth.

c) God expects spiritual fruitfulness from His people (John 15:5)
True believers produce godly character and righteous living.

d) The Word of God transforms lives positively (Isaiah 55:10-11)
God’s truth produces lasting spiritual growth.

Biblical Example:
Joseph maintained righteousness and integrity despite living in a corrupt environment (Genesis 39:7-9).

2. THE ENEMY SOWS TARES AMONG THE WHEAT

Satan seeks to corrupt, deceive, and oppose God’s work.

a) The enemy sowed tares while men slept (Matthew 13:25)
Spiritual carelessness creates opportunities for satanic attacks.

b) Tares resemble wheat outwardly (Matthew 13:26)
Deception often appears close to truth externally.

c) Satan works to hinder spiritual growth (1 Peter 5:8)
The enemy constantly opposes God’s Kingdom.

d) False believers and false teachings exist in the world (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
Discernment is necessary for spiritual safety.

Biblical Example:
Judas Iscariot walked among the disciples outwardly yet harboured betrayal within his heart (John 12:4-6).

3. WHEAT AND TARES WILL COEXIST UNTIL THE HARVEST

God allows time for growth, repentance, and final separation.

a) The master said both should grow together until harvest (Matthew 13:30)
God permits coexistence temporarily according to His wisdom.

b) Premature judgment can cause harm (Matthew 13:29)
Human judgment is limited and imperfect.

c) God is patient and longsuffering (2 Peter 3:9)
The Lord gives people opportunity for repentance.

d) The righteous must remain faithful despite evil around them (Philippians 2:15)
Believers are called to shine as lights in darkness.

Biblical Example:
Noah remained righteous in a corrupt generation while wickedness increased around him (Genesis 6:5-9).

4. A FINAL HARVEST AND JUDGMENT IS COMING

God will separate the righteous from the wicked at the end.

a) The harvest represents the end of the world (Matthew 13:39)
God has appointed a final day of judgment.

b) Angels will separate the wicked from the righteous (Matthew 13:41-42)
Divine judgment will be just and complete.

c) The righteous shall shine in God’s Kingdom (Matthew 13:43)
Faithful believers will receive eternal reward.

d) Every person will reap according to their actions (Galatians 6:7-8)
God’s judgment is based upon truth and righteousness.

Biblical Example:
The separation of sheep and goats described by Jesus reveals the certainty of future judgment and reward (Matthew 25:31-46).

CONCLUSION

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares teaches that good and evil will continue side by side until God’s appointed time of separation and judgment. Satan actively works to oppose God’s Kingdom through deception and corruption, but God remains sovereign and patient.

Believers are called to remain spiritually alert, faithful, fruitful, and discerning. Those who endure faithfully shall shine eternally in the Kingdom of God when the final harvest comes.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to remain faithful and fruitful in Your Kingdom in Jesus name

2. Father, deliver me from every deception and spiritual corruption in Jesus name

3. Lord, strengthen my discernment against false teachings and influences in Jesus name

4. Father, help me to stand firm in righteousness despite evil around me in Jesus name

5. Lord, uproot every evil planting working against my spiritual growth in Jesus name

6. Father, keep me spiritually alert and watchful continually in Jesus name

7. Lord, let my life reflect the character and fruit of Your Kingdom in Jesus name

8. Father, preserve me from falling away in difficult times in Jesus name

9. Lord, prepare my heart for Your coming Kingdom and eternal reward in Jesus name

10. Father, help me to shine as light in the midst of darkness in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every evil planting and satanic influence around your life shall be uprooted!

2. You shall remain spiritually fruitful, faithful, and steadfast in God’s Kingdom!

3. Every spirit of deception and confusion is broken over your destiny!

4. God shall strengthen your discernment and spiritual understanding!

5. You shall stand firm in righteousness despite the darkness around you!

6. The Lord shall preserve you from every attack of the enemy!

7. Your spiritual life shall flourish continually through the power of God’s Word!

8. Every hidden work of darkness assigned against you shall be exposed and destroyed!

9. You shall shine brightly as a child of God in this generation!

10. You shall receive eternal reward and rejoice in the everlasting Kingdom of God!