Choosing True Discipleship: Wheat, Tares, and Repentance
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Bayside Chapel family. Today, we delved into the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares from Matthew 13. This parable, also known as "Satan in the Kingdom," highlights the reality of good and evil coexisting until the end times. Jesus describes a man who sows good seed in his field, but while everyone is sleeping, an enemy sows weeds among the wheat. When the wheat and weeds sprout together, the servants ask if they should pull out the weeds, but the owner advises against it to avoid uprooting the wheat. Instead, they should let both grow until the harvest when the weeds will be collected and burned, and the wheat will be gathered into the barn.
This parable underscores the importance of recognizing the times we live in and the reality of hell. Hell is a real place, and good intentions alone won't secure a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. We must call on the name of Jesus and live a life that reflects true repentance and transformation. The parable also serves as a warning that not everyone who appears to be part of the Kingdom truly is. Just as tares look like wheat until maturity, some people may seem like believers but lack genuine faith and fruit.
We must be cautious not to assume the role of the Holy Spirit police, judging who is a tare and who is wheat. Instead, our focus should be on making disciples and living lives that reflect Christ's love and truth. Discipleship is messy and time-consuming, but it is our mandate. We must walk with one another, hold each other accountable, and strive to be true followers of Christ.
In closing, we have a choice to make: Are we going to be true Christ-followers, repenting and turning away from sin, or are we going to continue living as tares, pretending to be something we're not? The time to make that decision is now, before it's too late.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Reality of Hell: Hell is a real place, and merely having good intentions won't secure a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. We must call on the name of Jesus and live a life that reflects true repentance and transformation. This is a sobering reminder that our actions and faith must align with God's Word. [34:42]
2. The Coexistence of Good and Evil: The parable of the wheat and the tares teaches us that good and evil will coexist until the end times. We must be vigilant and discerning, understanding that not everyone who appears to be part of the Kingdom truly is. Genuine faith will be revealed in the end. [38:06]
3. Avoiding Judgment: It's not our job to judge who is a tare and who is wheat. Instead, we should focus on our own walk with Christ and on making disciples. Judging others can lead to self-righteousness and distract us from our true mission. [43:32]
4. The Importance of Discipleship: Jesus commanded us to make disciples, not just fill pews. Discipleship is messy and time-consuming, but it is our mandate. We must walk with one another, hold each other accountable, and strive to be true followers of Christ. [45:38]
5. Self-Examination and Repentance: We must continually examine our own hearts and lives, ensuring that we are living in true repentance and not just going through the motions. True repentance means turning away from sin and walking in a new direction. [55:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:15] - Announcements and Invitations
[31:07] - Introduction to the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
[34:42] - The Reality of Hell
[38:06] - Understanding Wheat and Tares
[43:32] - Avoiding Judgment
[45:38] - The Mandate of Discipleship
[55:28] - Self-Examination and Repentance
[01:00:55] - Making the Right Decision
[01:07:08] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 13:24-30 (Parable of the Wheat and the Tares)
- Matthew 13:37-43 (Explanation of the Parable)
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the parable of the wheat and the tares describe about the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matthew 13:24-30)
2. According to Jesus, who sows the good seed and who sows the weeds? (Matthew 13:37-39)
3. What is the fate of the weeds and the wheat at the time of the harvest? (Matthew 13:40-43)
4. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about the reality of hell and its significance? ([34:42])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus advise against pulling out the weeds immediately? What does this teach us about judgment and patience? (Matthew 13:29-30)
2. How does the coexistence of wheat and tares until the harvest reflect the current state of the world and the church? ([38:06])
3. What does the pastor mean by saying we should avoid being the "Holy Spirit police"? How does this relate to our role in discipleship? ([43:32])
4. How does the parable challenge us to examine our own faith and repentance? ([55:28])
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor emphasized the reality of hell and the need for true repentance. How does this perspective change the way you view your daily actions and decisions? ([34:42])
2. Reflect on a time when you were quick to judge someone else's faith. How can you shift your focus from judgment to discipleship in your interactions with others? ([43:32])
3. Discipleship is described as messy and time-consuming. What practical steps can you take to invest more in discipling others, even when it feels inconvenient? ([45:38])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of self-examination and true repentance. What specific areas of your life need repentance and transformation? ([55:28])
5. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and not just an outward appearance? What changes can you make to align your actions more closely with your beliefs? ([38:06])
6. The pastor talked about the importance of making a decision to follow Christ genuinely. Have you made that decision? If not, what is holding you back? ([01:00:55])
7. Think of someone in your life who might be a "tare" but is open to spiritual conversations. How can you approach them with love and truth to guide them towards genuine faith? ([45:38])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Reality of Hell
Hell is a real place, and merely having good intentions won't secure a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. We must call on the name of Jesus and live a life that reflects true repentance and transformation. This is a sobering reminder that our actions and faith must align with God's Word. [34:42]
Hell is not just a concept or a metaphor; it is a real place of eternal separation from God. The parable of the wheat and the tares serves as a stark reminder that good intentions alone are not enough to secure a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. True repentance and transformation are required. This means calling on the name of Jesus and living a life that reflects His teachings and love. It is a sobering thought that our actions and faith must align with God's Word, and we must continually examine our lives to ensure we are walking in true repentance.
The reality of hell should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to God and to share the message of salvation with others. It is not enough to simply go through the motions of religious activities; our hearts must be genuinely transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation will be evident in our actions, attitudes, and relationships. Let us take this reminder seriously and strive to live lives that reflect the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 25:41-43 (ESV): "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on good intentions rather than true repentance and transformation? How can you align your actions and faith more closely with God's Word today?
### Day 2: The Coexistence of Good and Evil
The parable of the wheat and the tares teaches us that good and evil will coexist until the end times. We must be vigilant and discerning, understanding that not everyone who appears to be part of the Kingdom truly is. Genuine faith will be revealed in the end. [38:06]
In the parable of the wheat and the tares, Jesus illustrates the reality that good and evil will coexist until the end times. The wheat represents true believers, while the tares represent those who appear to be part of the Kingdom but lack genuine faith. This parable teaches us to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing that not everyone who appears to be a believer truly is. Genuine faith will be revealed in the end, and it is not our job to judge who is wheat and who is a tare.
This understanding should lead us to focus on our own walk with Christ and to be diligent in our spiritual growth. We must also be compassionate and patient with others, knowing that only God can truly judge the heart. Our role is to live out our faith authentically and to encourage others to do the same. Let us be mindful of the times we live in and strive to be true followers of Christ, bearing fruit that reflects our genuine faith.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV): "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you need to be more discerning about the influences around you? How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and not just an appearance of godliness?
### Day 3: Avoiding Judgment
It's not our job to judge who is a tare and who is wheat. Instead, we should focus on our own walk with Christ and on making disciples. Judging others can lead to self-righteousness and distract us from our true mission. [43:32]
The parable of the wheat and the tares teaches us that it is not our job to judge who is a tare and who is wheat. This responsibility belongs to God alone. When we take it upon ourselves to judge others, we risk falling into self-righteousness and being distracted from our true mission of making disciples. Our focus should be on our own walk with Christ, ensuring that we are living lives that reflect His love and truth.
Judging others can create division and hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should strive to be examples of Christ's love and grace. By doing so, we can create an environment where genuine faith can flourish and where people feel encouraged to grow in their relationship with God. Let us leave the judgment to God and focus on our own spiritual growth and the mission of making disciples.
James 4:11-12 (ESV): "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
Reflection: Are there people in your life whom you have been judging rather than loving and encouraging? How can you shift your focus to your own walk with Christ and the mission of making disciples?
### Day 4: The Importance of Discipleship
Jesus commanded us to make disciples, not just fill pews. Discipleship is messy and time-consuming, but it is our mandate. We must walk with one another, hold each other accountable, and strive to be true followers of Christ. [45:38]
Jesus' command to make disciples is a call to invest in the spiritual growth of others, not just to fill pews with attendees. Discipleship is a messy and time-consuming process that requires commitment, patience, and love. It involves walking with one another through the ups and downs of life, holding each other accountable, and encouraging one another to grow in our relationship with Christ. This is our mandate as followers of Jesus, and it is essential for the health and growth of the Church.
True discipleship goes beyond surface-level interactions and requires deep, meaningful relationships. It means being willing to invest time and energy into the lives of others, helping them to understand and apply God's Word, and supporting them in their spiritual journey. While it may be challenging, the rewards of seeing others grow in their faith and become true followers of Christ are immeasurable. Let us embrace the call to make disciples and commit to walking with one another in love and truth.
Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
Reflection: Are you actively involved in discipling others, or are you more focused on filling pews? How can you invest more time and energy into meaningful discipleship relationships?
### Day 5: Self-Examination and Repentance
We must continually examine our own hearts and lives, ensuring that we are living in true repentance and not just going through the motions. True repentance means turning away from sin and walking in a new direction. [55:28]
Self-examination and repentance are essential aspects of the Christian life. It is not enough to simply go through the motions of religious activities; we must continually examine our hearts and lives to ensure that we are living in true repentance. True repentance involves a genuine turning away from sin and a commitment to walk in a new direction, following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This process requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.
As we examine our lives, we may discover areas where we have been complacent or where we have allowed sin to take root. It is important to address these areas with a heart of repentance, seeking God's forgiveness and strength to change. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's grace and grow in our relationship with Him. Let us make self-examination and repentance a regular practice in our lives, allowing God to continually transform us into the image of Christ.
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been going through the motions rather than living in true repentance? How can you make self-examination and repentance a regular practice in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "One of the things I fear in our churches is that we have a lot of feel good messages but we don't talk about hell enough. And hell is a real place. Well pastor I've got the best of intentions I get it But intentions won't get you into the kingdom." [34:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You and I have to understand that we are responsible for the choices we make. Well if Jesus is talking about not being able to differentiate between the wheat and the tares until harvest time I wonder how many tares are among us. I mean tares look like wheat they act like wheat right they shimmer they do all the stuff that wheat does until the very end when the fruit comes out or there's no fruit." [41:34] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you leave this world and you go into eternity and you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, there isn't enough praying your ancestors can do to get you in. There's not enough incense you can burn. There's not enough beads you can count. If you don't make a decision for Jesus now, it's too late." [44:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you as a believer, a man or a woman who is a Christ follower are being influenced by people and things outside of the kingdom more than you're influencing people that are outside of the kingdom, you need to get something straight with Jesus. Because you and I, nobody else is going to represent him if we don't." [55:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Bible says, if you want to have friends, you must be friendly. Church never does anything I like. The other night we had Friday night bunco. We had Friday night fellowship. We ate pizza. We played bunco. And I hated it. We ate bunco. But I was okay playing it. But I'd rather, I'd rather just sit in my recliner. But if I choose to sit in my recliner and think nobody likes me, I'll never have any friends. That's on me." [57:00] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The parable of the wheat and the tares could also be called Satan in the kingdom. You see, when Jesus gave this parable it was immediately following the parable of the sower. And look at what it says in Matthew chapter 13. It says starting at verse 24 Jesus told them another parable the kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field but while everyone was sleeping his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away." [31:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A tare if you don't know it's a plant that commonly grows in the fields with the grain and although it looks like it's an edible grain it isn't suitable for food. As a matter of fact many think that the tares that Jesus was speaking about that he referred to in this passage were called darnell and it's a poisonous weed very similar in appearance to wheat." [37:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You and I have to understand that we live in a limited time. Some of you might remember Ellen and Jim who would come over and she would sing when Les and Glenda were here. Yesterday, Jim went to be with Jesus in heaven. And although we're sad that he's gone, we're excited because he's got no more dementia, no more body aches, no more any of the things that were so terribly besetting to him here." [48:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we are indeed Christ followers, if we're doing our best to live for Jesus, then we have an obligation not just to invite people to church, remember, Jesus didn't say, go into all the world and invite them into your church. He said, go into all the world and make disciples. And so we have an opportunity to disciple people. The problem is discipleship's messy people are messy." [59:32] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The first choice we have to make is, are we going to be Christ followers? Are we willing that if we make a mistake, are we man enough? Are we woman enough to say, Jesus, you know what? I really screwed up. I need you to forgive me and then repent and walk the other way. Maybe you're here this morning. You're watching us online and you're a tear. You know that when the fruit of the wheat pops up, you're just going to look a little different." [58:07] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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