The Enemy at Work

Stories With A Purpose

The Enemy At Work

Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43

Nothing good has come into the world without opposition; this is especially true in the spiritual realm

Understanding This Parable

2 Sowers:

• Jesus -Son of Man (37)

• The Devil (39)

2 Seeds:

• Wheat – Sons of the Kingdom (38)

• Weeds – Sons of the evil one (38)

1 Field: The World (38)

1 Harvest at the end of the age (39)

• Angels as helpers in the harvest (39)

2 Outcomes:

• Judgment (40-42)

• Weeping is a picture of Sorrow and Grief

• Gnashing of teeth is a picture of Pain

• Reward (43)

“Here, finally, is the hope of the kingdom as it was meant to be. Evil has been purged, and the Father is present in person with his children. They have been purified of sin so that they shine with his perfect righteousness.”  Stuart Weber

Applying This Parable

1. Realize that evil will be Present with us until the end of this present age

2. Recognize one of God’s Purposes in not eradicating all evil immediately

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

3. Exercise Discernment in the face of falsehood and evil

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

We must be aware of Satan’s counterfeits:

• Counterfeit Christians (2 Corinthians 11:26)

• Counterfeit Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9)

• Counterfeit Righteousness (Romans 10:1-3)

• Counterfeit Teachers (2 Peter 2:1)

• Counterfeit Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

4. Refuse to respond to evil with evil

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17–21)

“And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them.” (Luke 9:52–55)

5. Entrust yourself to the God who is at work even in the face of evil

“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25)

“What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!” (Romans 9:14)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

In the midst of a world filled with evil, we can find strength and encouragement in the justice and reward of the final judgment of God.

Making It Personal:

• Are you genuinely a child of God through responding to His grace through repentance and faith?

• How have you typically responded to the presence of evil in the world and at times in the church? What adjustments in your thinking, attitude or actions may need to take place in light of this parable?

• How can you increasingly exercise discernment with falling into the trap of harshness and judgmentalism?

• Who can you share these truths with?