On Sunday, August 31, we will be looking at The Parables of the Kingdom Come in Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:34-43 and Matthew 13:47-50. Below is a brief study guide to prepare for the sermon.
He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. — Matthew 13:37-40
Jesus explains the world is a field where two types of plants from different seed grow side by side. Good seed sown by Jesus and his gospel produce children of the kingdom who grow to life giving wheat fit for harvest. The others are weeds sown in by the devil. They will have to be separated from the wheat at the time of harvest. The evil one’s seed do not produce life but only bring death and will be thrown in to fiery furnace. This picture of final judgement and the end of the age is both viivd and sobering for the “sons of the evil one”, as Jesus description twice includes fire, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. Good cannot dwell with evil, for the kingdom of God to remain good it must be inhabited by children of the Father and separated from the work and children of the enemy. Christians should humbly and faithfully engage the world with the good news that children of the king are adopted by faith in the saving work of the Son.
What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you?
Where were you most encouraged, intrigued, challenged?Discuss the role of angels in the work of separating the evil and the righteous.
Verses 41-2 say causes of sin and lawbreakers will be gathered and cast into the furnace.
How does this conflict with the sentiment “God hates the sin, not the sinner?”Read Daniel 12:1-3. What is promised in this description of the end of the age?
How can this give hope and assurance?How should this picture of eternal judgement for the wicked and bright glory for the righteous motivate us to share the gospel with all people? How does God provide righteousness for sinners?