Posts tagged: blog

Expositional preaching entails a thorough and systematic presentation of Scripture. It seeks to uncover and communicate the original meaning of the Biblical text, making its message clear to the listeners. John Calvin described preaching as “the public exposition of Scripture by the man sent from God, in which God Himself is present in judgment and in grace.” This form of preaching emphasizes the accurate expounding of the text, letting the Word of God speak for itself rather than being overshadowed by the preacher’s personal opinions. J.I. Packer stressed that a sermon truly proclaims the Word of God only when the text is accurately expounded and preached.

The Benefits of Expositional Preaching

1. Faithful Representation of Scripture

Expositional preaching ensures that the Word of God is faithfully presented, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation or personal bias. By focusing on the original context and meaning, this method allows God’s message to be conveyed accurately. As 2 Timothy 2:15 urges, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” This speaks of the importance of careful and faithful preaching.

2. Holistic Understanding of the Bible

Traditionally, expository preachers follow the lectio continua method, preaching through entire books of the Bible verse-by-verse. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Scripture and forces preachers to address all topics as they arise in the text. This method prevents selective preaching and ensures that the full counsel of God is delivered to the congregation.

3. Application to Life

Expositional preaching not only explains the original meaning of the text but also applies it to the lives of listeners. Historically, influential preachers such as John Chrysostom and John Calvin followed this method, walking through Scripture and letting the text speak clearly and boldly. By unfolding the original meaning and applying it to contemporary life, expository preaching bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern audiences.

The Absence of Expositional Preaching in Churches

Despite its benefits, expositional preaching is missing in many churches today. Several reasons contribute to this absence:

1. Preference for Topical Preaching

Many preachers prefer topical preaching over expository preaching. While topical preaching can be beneficial, it lacks the depth and context provided by expository preaching. Topical sermons can easily become vehicles for the preacher’s opinions rather than a faithful exposition of Scripture. This preference for topical preaching results in a shallow understanding of the Bible among congregants.

2. Pressure to Entertain

In a culture that values entertainment and instant gratification, preachers feel pressured to deliver sermons that captivate and entertain rather than educate and convict. In this scenario, expositional preaching, which requires deep study and systematic preaching, is less appealing to modern audiences accustomed to quick and engaging content. This pressure leads preachers to prioritize style over substance, neglecting the rich and transformative power of expositional preaching.

3. Lack of Training and Commitment

Expositional preaching demands rigorous study and a deep commitment to understanding Scripture. Many African preachers lack the training or discipline required to engage in this method. The time and effort needed to prepare an expository sermon can be daunting, leading some to choose easier, less demanding forms of preaching. Without a firm commitment to expositional preaching, the richness of God’s Word is lost in superficial sermons.

Conclusion

Expositional preaching, with its emphasis on faithfully presenting God’s Word and applying it to the lives of listeners, offers significant benefits to the church. Yet, it is largely missing in many congregations today. As John Calvin and J.I. Packer have emphasized, true preaching involves the accurate exposition of Scripture. By following the examples of Jesus, Stephen, Paul, and other historical figures who practiced expository preaching, modern preachers can ensure they are rightly handling the Word of truth and providing their congregations with the deep, transformative power of God’s Word. Through a renewed commitment to expositional preaching, the Church will experience a revival of Biblical literacy and spiritual growth, equipping believers to live faithfully in a complex and challenging world.

The Essence of Faith

The New Living Translation of Hebrews 11:1 offers a profound understanding of faith, stating, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” This translation portrays faith not as a force that creates realities, contrary to popular preaching, but rather as a lens that unveils God’s unseen promises. This verse is essential for understanding the Christian walk, providing a clear distinction between true Biblical faith and popular misconceptions.

Faith Reveals Reality, Not Creates It

In Hebrews 11:1, the phrase “shows the reality” communicates a crucial aspect of faith. Faith, according to this verse, does not create reality but reveals it. This is contrary to the claims of many prosperity gospel proponents who suggest that faith can be used to speak things into existence or believe something into reality. Such interpretations misrepresent the Biblical notion of faith, leading many astray.

Faith functions more like a pair of binoculars, allowing us to see the distant realities that are invisible to the naked eye. As the verse continues, “it is the evidence of things we cannot see,” it implies that faith provides assurance and conviction in the truths and promises of God that are not immediately apparent. Just as binoculars reveal a far-off object that our naked eyes cannot see, faith reveals the spiritual truths and promises of God that are beyond our natural perception.

The Scriptural Assurance of Faith

Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1, enables us to grasp the realities promised in Scripture. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are assured of several spiritual blessings:

1. Forgiveness of Sins: We are assured of God’s forgiveness and the removal of our guilt through faith (1 John 1:9).
2. A New Nature: Believers are promised a new nature, transformed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Eternal Life: Through faith, we have the promise of eternal life in heaven (John 3:16).
4. Peace with God: Faith assures us of a reconciled relationship with God, granting us peace (Romans 5:1).
5. Adoption as God’s Children: We are given the status of children of God through faith (Galatians 3:26).
6. Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding: Faith opens us to receive God’s wisdom and understanding (James 1:5).
7. Victory over Sin: Faith assures us of victory over sin and the ability to live a holy life (1 John 5:4).

Conversely, faith does not guarantee us earthly benefits this side of eternity, such as:

1. Physical Healing: While God can heal, Scripture does not guarantee healing in every situation (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
2. Material Wealth: Faith does not ensure financial prosperity (James 2:5).
3. Earthly Comfort: Christians are called to bear their cross, which includes suffering (Matthew 16:24).
4. Protection from Trials: Believers are not promised a life free from trials (James 1:2-4).
5. Immunity from Persecution: Faith in Christ often invites persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
6. Perfect Relationships: Faith does not guarantee conflict-free relationships (Romans 12:18).
7. Success in All Endeavours: Scripture does not assure worldly success in all our pursuits (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

The prosperity gospel promises miraculous breakthroughs in areas not assured by Scripture, causing disillusionment and a crisis of faith when these promises fail to materialize. As Paul warned, “some have rejected these [clinging to faith in Christ and keeping a clear conscience] and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith” (1 Timothy 1:19), highlighting the danger of adhering to false perceptions of faith.

The True and False Perceptions of Faith

Many people are drawn to false perceptions of faith because they offer the illusion of a life devoid of suffering. The true Biblical perception of faith, however, acknowledges that suffering is a part of the Christian journey. This understanding does not negate God’s Presence or His love for us; rather, it reinforces the reality that God is with us through our trials and uses them for our growth and His glory.

The false notion that suffering indicates the absence of God leads to a shallow understanding of faith. True faith embraces suffering as a means through which God shapes and strengthens us, assuring us of His presence even in the darkest times (Romans 8:28). The belief that suffering equates to a lack of faith or divine favour is a misrepresentation of the Christian faith and leads to deep spiritual disillusionment.

Eternal Promises and Earthly Realities

The Bible clearly teaches that the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises will be realized in eternity. Revelation 21:4 declares, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” Our true hope lies in the life to come, not in the transient pleasures or comforts of this world.

Prosperity gospel proponents cite the promises in Deuteronomy 28:1–14 to argue for health and wealth in this life. These promises were addressed to the nation of Israel under the old covenant and should not be taken out of context to apply universally to individual Christians today. Misapplying these scriptures leads to unrealistic expectations and spiritual disappointment.

Critique of the Prosperity Gospel

The Prosperity Gospel fundamentally shifts the focus from the spiritual blessings God has promised to the material wealth and physical health this world holds dear. This perspective diminishes the true nature of God, treating Him more like a genie that exists to fulfil our every earthly desire. This misrepresentation not only distorts our understanding of God but also sets believers up for profound disappointment when these expectations are not met.

Preaching that faith guarantees health and wealth is not only theologically unsound but also deeply damaging. It creates a false hierarchy where those experiencing material prosperity are seen as more blessed, while those in poverty or suffering from illness are viewed as lacking faith. This is particularly harmful in a third-world context where the majority of Christians live in poverty and face significant challenges. It overlooks the profound spiritual richness and faithfulness of those who, despite their material circumstances, deeply love and trust God.

The lives of Jesus and His apostles serve as powerful counterexamples to the prosperity gospel. Jesus, though divine, lived a humble life marked by suffering and, ultimately, crucifixion. The Apostle Paul, a key figure in the New Testament, experienced significant hardship and spoke openly of his own physical afflictions, referring to his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). These examples show that material wealth and physical health are not indicators of God’s favour or a sign of superior faith.

A Balanced Understanding of God’s Will

It is essential to recognize that while God can and does perform miracles, including healing and providing for our needs, these acts are not guaranteed promises for every believer in every situation. Instead, God calls us to trust Him through all circumstances, glorifying Him in both prosperity and hardship. Our faith should be grounded in the assurance of His spiritual promises and the eternal hope we have in Him, rather than in the transient and uncertain promises of earthly gain.

Conclusion

Hebrews 11:1 presents faith as a powerful revelation of the unseen realities promised by God. It challenges us to trust in God’s promises for forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life while cautioning against the false assurances of material prosperity and earthly comfort. True faith embraces suffering, recognizes it as part of our journey with God, and finds hope in the eternal promises that await us.

The last parable in our series, the Parable of the Leaven, is a brief teaching of Jesus, found in Matthew 13:33. This parable, though short in length, carries significant implications about the nature of the kingdom of heaven and the potential for corruption within the church. In this parable, Jesus reveals that false teachings within the church are a key source of hypocrisy in the Church.

Understanding this parable in its historical and theological context is critical to grasping its full meaning and the warning it conveys.

The Symbolism of Leaven

1. Leaven in Biblical Times

In the time of Jesus, leaven was understood to be a small portion of fermented dough that was mixed into a larger batch of dough to make it rise. This process of fermentation was a natural process of decomposition and decay, which is why leaven often symbolized corruption and impurity.

2. Leaven as a Symbol of Corruption

As Martin G. Collins noted in his sermon on March 10^th, 2006, “Physically, leaven is a lump of old dough in a high state of fermentation, or a substance that causes dough to rise (yeast). A natural reason for leaven’s negative symbolism is the idea that fermentation implies a process of corruption.”

Throughout the Bible, leaven consistently represents evil and corruption. For example, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were commanded to remove all leaven from their homes, symbolizing the purging of sin and impurity from their lives (Exodus 12:15). In the New Testament, Jesus warned His disciples about the “leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” referring to their hypocritical and false teachings (Matthew 16:6–12; Mark 8:15). Similarly, the Apostle Paul uses leaven as a metaphor for sin and false doctrine, warning that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6–8; Galatians 5:7-9).

The Misunderstanding of the Parable

1. False Assumptions about Growth

Some interpretations of the Parable of the Leaven suggest that it depicts the Church’s growth and its influence spreading throughout the world, much like yeast permeates dough. However, given the consistent negative connotation of leaven in Scripture, such an interpretation seems unlikely. Jesus’ use of leaven in this parable aligns with its Old Testament significance of corruption. As Collins observed, “In every instance that leaven appears in the Bible, it represents evil; the only exception, some say, is Jesus’ use of leaven in this parable. Knowing its Old Testament significance, however, He would have used the symbol in the same way.”

2. The Leavening Influence in the Church

Instead of symbolizing positive growth, the leaven in this parable represents the insidious spread of false teachings within the church. This interpretation is consistent with other warnings in the New Testament about the dangers of false doctrine. For example, the Apostle Paul admonishes the Galatians about the harmful effects of false teachings, comparing them to leaven that hinders people from obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7-9).

Two examples of such false teachings include:

1. The Prosperity Gospel: This teaching suggests that faithfulness to God will inevitably result in material wealth and physical well-being. While it might attract many followers, it distorts the true message of the gospel, which emphasizes spiritual growth and eternal rewards rather than temporal prosperity.
2. Legalism: This doctrine emphasizes strict adherence to religious rules and rituals as the means to salvation. This teaching undermines the grace of God and leads to a superficial form of religion that lacks true spiritual transformation.

The Intentions Behind False Teachings

1. The Woman’s Good Intentions

In the parable, the woman introduces leaven into the dough with the intention of making it rise, symbolizing growth and transformation. Similarly, church leaders introduce false teachings with seemingly good intentions, such as growing their ministries or attracting more followers. For instance, the prosperity gospel is often preached with the aim of encouraging faith and financial generosity, but it ultimately distorts the true message of the gospel.

The Spread of False Teachings

The parable also illustrates how leaven works its way through the entire dough, symbolizing how false teachings permeate and corrupt an entire congregation. True doctrines, however, are often slow to be embraced by individuals. As Scripture indicates, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3, NIV). Consider the difficulties encountered by New Testament preachers in their efforts to convey the true gospel.

1. The Apostle Paul in Athens: When Paul preached about Jesus and the resurrection in Athens, he was met with skepticism and ridicule by some of the philosophers (Acts 17:32).
2. Jesus in Nazareth: When Jesus taught in His hometown of Nazareth, He was rejected by the people who knew Him, and they even attempted to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:28–30).

In both cases, true teachings faced significant opposition, revealing the ease with which false doctrines can be accepted and spread.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Leaven is a reminder of the dangers of false teachings within the church. It warns us that just as a small amount of leaven can corrupt an entire batch of dough, so too can false doctrines corrupt a congregation. This parable calls us to be vigilant against the spread of false teachings and to hold fast to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this parable, let us be mindful of the importance of doctrinal purity and the need to guard against the subtle influences of corruption within the church.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed, found in Matthew 13:31-32, offers interesting insights into the nature Kingdom of Heaven on earth.

Jesus illustrates in this parable that the hypocrisy within the Church stems from the modern, human-crafted institutional framework that has deviated from its original design. God has clearly stated that He does not dwell in buildings made by human hands, as evidenced by Acts 7:48: “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands,” and echoed in Acts 17:24: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” The early church, unlike today’s structured institutions, was a fluid and organic assembly of believers who met informally in homes and were shepherded by non-salaried leaders; theirs was a community rooted in genuine faith and fellowship rather than hierarchical rigidity.

Institutional Hypocrisy

The institutional structure, characterized by hierarchical governance, salaried clergy, elaborate rituals, and a focus on maintaining traditions and authority, diverges from the Biblical model, which emphasizes a community of believers who are united in faith, accountable to each other, and led by the Holy Spirit. While the Biblical model of the church prioritizes simplicity, fellowship, and mutual edification, the institutional structure fosters an environment where outward appearances and power dynamics overshadow genuine faith and spiritual growth. This shift away from the essence of what the church is meant to be, as depicted in the New Testament, has led to the entrenchment of hypocrisy and a loss of true Christian witness.

The Mustard Seed: Botanical and Symbolic Characteristics

The mustard tree (Salvadora persica) is an evergreen shrub known for its remarkable growth. Under optimal conditions, it can reach heights of up to 20 feet and spread nearly as wide. The mustard seed, which is tiny and seemingly insignificant, grows into something vast and all-encompassing. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, mustard trees can be as short as 6 feet or as tall as 30 feet. The leaves of the mustard tree start out dark green and turn yellowish-green as the tree ages, with a regular leaf measuring about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Expositional Constancy and the Birds

The parables of Jesus are rich with symbolic meaning, and it is important to interpret these symbols in alignment with His own explanations. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed, Jesus describes the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth from the smallest seed into a tree where “the birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matthew 13:32). To comprehend this, we must recall Jesus’ earlier interpretation of birds in the parable of the sower: “the birds came and ate them up” symbolizing “the evil one [who] comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart” (Matthew 13:4, 19). According to the Parable of the Mustard Seed, birds represent satanic activity infiltrating the Kingdom.

Many preachers, however, shy away from this interpretation, simply because it casts a negative light on their ministries. Instead, they prefer to view the birds in these parables as Gentile believers or converts from all nations flocking into the Church. Yet, a consistent theme throughout Scripture portrays birds as symbols of evil. In Joseph’s interpretation of the prisoner’s dream involving birds, he foretold, “Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and impale your body on a pole, and the birds will eat away your flesh” (Genesis 40:19). Similarly, in Revelation, unclean birds symbolize a haven for demonic spirits: “And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird’” (Revelation 18:2). Additionally, in Ezekiel, birds are mentioned alongside evil spirits that feast on the fallen in times of judgment (Ezekiel 39:4-5). These scriptural insights affirm that the interpretation of birds as symbols of demonic  forces aligns with Jesus’ teachings and should caution us to vigilantly guard our faith against subtle infiltrations of evil.

Chuck Smith, in his commentary on the Parable of the Mustard Seed, discusses the concept of expositional constancy:

“In expositional constancy, what are the birds? They are the ones, the evil ones, who came and plucked up the seed so it could not take root, could not grow. From this expositional constancy birds are always used in a bad sense in your analogies or in your comparisons. So inasmuch as in the previous parable He pointed out, that there were gonna be tares that are going to be growing along with the wheat in the kingdom, He is only further illustrating the same thing, as the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, but somehow it has abnormal growth. It grew bigger than what it really is intended to be.”

Smith’s interpretation puts emphasis on the fact that in Biblical typology, birds symbolize evil forces or entities. This perspective aligns with the Parable of the Sower, where birds represent Satan or demonic forces that snatch away the seed (the word of God) from people’s hearts (Mark 4:15). Thus, the birds in the Parable of the Mustard Seed should be interpreted as symbolizing demonic influences infiltrating the Kingdom of God.

Abnormal Growth and the Institutional Church

This unusual growth of the institutional church, represented by the mustard seed that turns into a tree large enough to provide shelter for birds, is a departure from the norm. The Roman Catholic Church, with its extensive hierarchy and emphasis on tradition, and various Protestant denominations that become overly focused on institutional maintenance rather than genuine faith and adherence to Scripture, illustrate how the institutional church deviates from its original biblical foundations.

This abnormal growth of the institutional church is man-made, driven by unbiblical means that churches employ to increase their numbers. These methods include prioritizing entertainment over true worship, leveraging prosperity gospel teachings that promise material wealth in exchange for faith, employing aggressive marketing tactics that mirror commercial enterprises rather than spiritual outreach, and promoting a culture of celebrity pastors that shifts the focus from Christ to charismatic leaders. These practices diverge significantly from the humble and genuine fellowship of the early church, creating an environment where numerical growth often overshadows spiritual depth.

Here are five aspects of megachurches and large Christian organizations that are contrary to Biblical teachings:

1. Excessive Focus on Size and Spectacle: Many megachurches prioritize numerical growth and grandiose presentations over genuine spiritual growth. Jeff Vines, a pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in California, noted the irony of large church attendance without deep, authentic faith: “If you go to the South, everyone goes to church. That doesn’t mean that their faith is real or deep; it just means that they go to church. We are a Christianised country. We have a great Christian foundation, and it continues to serve us.”
2. Commercialization of Worship: Modern megachurches operate more like businesses, focusing on marketing and public relations rather than scriptural teachings. The result is an entertainment-driven model that lacks depth and discipleship, as Vines further acknowledges: “The reality is, we megachurches don’t do discipleship well. And it’s because of the time and energy we spend on the big event every weekend. And the money we spend, it’s astronomical. It’s probably beyond what people even think that we do.”
3. Neglect of Personal Discipleship: The focus on large congregations and impressive events leads to a neglect of personal discipleship and community. The modern megachurch prioritizes attracting and retaining members through marketing strategies and entertainment rather than focusing on fostering spiritual growth and maturity. This consumeristic approach leads to a shallow faith experience. Vines, along with other pastors, believes that future church growth should prioritize smaller, more intimate gatherings: “There is a movement within the last five or ten years, where megachurch pastors are really taking a good internal look and saying, ‘Do we have just a lot of people coming? Or are we truly discipling people?’”
4. Lack of Accountability: Scandals such as the recent allegations against Pastor Robert Morris and the late Ravi Zacharias highlight the dangers of unchecked power and influence within large church organizations. The presence of predatory individuals within the church thrives in environments lacking accountability and transparency.
5. Neglect of Small Groups and Community: The future of the church lies in smaller, more intimate gatherings where genuine community and discipleship can thrive. The emphasis on large-scale events and programs alienates individuals seeking authentic relationships and spiritual growth.

In light of the four points above, we can now understand how the birds in the parable of the Mustard Seed come in. Drawing from Jesus’ explanation of the Parable of the Sower, we infer that the birds mentioned in the Parable of the Mustard Seed also represent demonic forces. Just as birds came and plucked the seed in the Parable of the Sower, so too do they come and nest in the abnormal growth of the mustard seed. This allegorical depiction of birds as demonic forces highlights the spiritual battle that surrounds the growth of the Kingdom of God. The birds of the air, representing predatory individuals and demonic forces, nest and thrive within the institutional church where proper measures of accountability and transparency are largely missing.

As I write this, the internet is abuzz with the sexual assault scandal carried out by Robert Morris, head pastor of Gateway Church, the biggest church in America with over 100,000 members spread across multiple campuses. His years-long mistreatment of a twelve-year-old child is the source of the charges. Morris started sexually abusing Cindy Clemishire when she was barely 12 years old and he was 21. Morris first referred to the actions as “kissing and petting” instead of sexual activity, but in reality, it was criminal sexual abuse. Morris has resigned from his role at Gateway Church, where he also acted as a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump, in response to public uproar. According to reports, the abuse took place in the 1980s. Cindy Clemishire courageously came forward with her experience, bringing attention to this unsettling circumstance.

Unchecked power and influence within the church creates an environment where various forms of abuse and corruption thrive. When accountability is absent, it paves the way for sexual predators and financial scammers to exploit the trust and vulnerabilities of congregants. This lack of oversight also attracts narcissistic leaders who prioritize personal gain over spiritual guidance, using their positions to manipulate and control their followers. Moreover, it facilitates the entrance of false teachers who distort doctrine for their own benefit, leading believers astray and undermining the integrity of the church community. In essence, without proper checks and balances, the church becomes a breeding ground for individuals who seek to exploit faith for personal or nefarious purposes.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Mustard Seed offers great insights into the nature of the Kingdom of God and the growth of the Church. When applied to the institutional church, this parable serves as a caution against unchecked growth, consumerism, and corruption. As followers of Christ, we must strive for genuine discipleship, accountability, and adherence to Biblical teachings in order to build a Church that truly reflects the heart of God. Let us remain vigilant against the birds of the air that seek to infiltrate and corrupt the church and uphold the values of integrity, humility, and love in all our endeavours.

During the Cold War, the world witnessed an intense rivalry between superpowers, marked not only by an arms race but also by covert operations. One of the most intriguing aspects of this era was the practice of planting secret agents—spies—within enemy countries. These spies were trained to blend in with the local populace, adopt their customs, and even work in their institutions. Their mission was to gather intelligence, disrupt operations, and sow confusion. These clandestine agents, who appeared as ordinary citizens, were in fact subversive forces working to undermine the very fabric of their host nations.

This covert insertion of spies mirrors a spiritual reality discussed in the Parable of the Weeds found in Matthew 13:24–30. Just as these spies infiltrated enemy territories to subvert them from within, the Enemy of our souls plants false believers within the Church to undermine its mission and purity.

The Parable of the Weeds: The Enemy’s Subterfuge

In the preceding Parable of the Sower, Jesus addressed the varied responses to the Gospel, revealing the origins of hypocrisy within the Church. The parable highlighted that the seed, representing the Word of God, falls on different types of soil—symbolic of the human heart. The diversity in responses exposes how the heart’s condition determines the authenticity of one’s faith. Hypocrisy, therefore, is born within the heart when the seed of the Gospel does not take root deeply enough to produce genuine spiritual fruit.

In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus shifts the focus to the role of an external adversary in corrupting the Church. Unlike the Parable of the sower, where the seed symbolizes the Gospel, here the good seed represents God’s people. The field is the world, from which Jesus is calling out His Church. Matthew 13:36–43 records Jesus’ explanation, where He identifies two items: the good seed, representing the “sons of the Kingdom,” and the weeds, representing the “sons of the evil one.”

The good seed embodies those who are truly part of God’s Kingdom, while the weeds signify those planted by the Enemy to disrupt and defile the Church. The field, representing the world, is where both the good seeds and the weeds grow together until the time of harvest, signifying the end of the age. Relevant scriptures such as Joh 15:19 and John 17:15–18 support this notion of the world as the arena from which Jesus calls His Church to be distinct and holy.

David Guzik, a respected Bible commentator, emphasizes the subversive intent of the Enemy in this parable. He notes, “This parable describes the work of an enemy who tried to destroy the work of the man who sowed good seed in his field. The enemy’s purpose in sowing tares among the wheat was to destroy the wheat. But the wise farmer would not allow the enemy to succeed. Instead, the farmer decided to sort it out at harvest time.”

The Deceptive Weed: Darnel

The weed mentioned in the parable is likely darnel, a wheat-like plant that closely resembles true wheat until it matures and reveals its black grains. This deceptive similarity makes it difficult to distinguish between the genuine and the counterfeit until both are fully grown. Similarly, false believers can blend seamlessly into the Church community, appearing as devout as true believers, but their true nature becomes evident only over time.

The Enemy’s Strategy: Sowing and Leaving

Verse 25 of the parable states, “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away” (Matthew 13:25, NIV). This verse highlights the Enemy’s strategy of stealth and retreat. By planting false believers wherever true believers are found, the Enemy infiltrates the Church and sows discord and deception. The fact that he “goes away” suggests a deliberate tactic to avoid detection, allowing the false believers to carry out their subversive work unnoticed.

The Enemy’s method is not to engage in overt confrontation but to subtly introduce elements that blend in yet work against the Church’s mission from within. This strategy reflects the principle that significant damage often occurs not through open attack but through covert infiltration and subversion. Consider the following verses:

“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them” – Acts 20:29-30 (ESV).

“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery” — Galatians 2:4 (ESV).

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction” – 2 Peter 2:1 (ESV).

“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” – Jude 1:4 (ESV).

The Watchmen’s Failure

The parable also underscores a critical failure: the men who were supposed to guard the field slept on the job, permitting the Enemy to sow tares among the wheat. This negligence represents a lapse in spiritual vigilance. It is the responsibility of church leaders to be vigilant and steadfast in keeping the enemy at bay by adhering to sound doctrine. Regrettably, many pastors have neglected this duty, having been ensnared by the false promises of the Prosperity Gospel. This has led to an alarming proliferation of false believers within the Church. Ephesians 6:18 instructs believers to “be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (NIV), underscoring the need for constant spiritual vigilance.

The Coexistence of Wheat and Weeds

Verse 29 reveals that false believers will continue to infest the Church until the harvest, that is, the final judgment. Jesus instructs that the weeds should not be uprooted prematurely, as this could harm the wheat. This divine patience reflects God’s desire for repentance and transformation, even for those who initially seem insincere or hypocritical.

The coexistence of true and false believers is actually a test of the Church’s resilience and commitment to the truth revealed in Scripture. This dynamic challenges the Church to discern, uphold, and faithfully proclaim Biblical doctrine amidst varying beliefs and influences. It also calls for the Body of Christ to exercise patience and love while nurturing spiritual maturity and safeguarding the purity of its witness to the world.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Weeds offers profound insights into the spiritual dynamics within the Church. It reveals the Enemy’s strategy of infiltration and the challenge of discerning genuine faith amid deceptive appearances. As believers, we are called to remain vigilant, cultivate authentic faith, and trust in God’s sovereign plan to ultimately distinguish and purify His Church. Just as spies during the Cold War sought to undermine nations from within, the Enemy seeks to sow discord within the Church, but God’s wisdom and timing ensure that the true and faithful will prevail in the end.

By exploring these themes, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual warfare that surrounds the Church and the importance of maintaining a heart aligned with God’s truth. The parable challenges us to be watchful and discerning, recognizing that our ultimate hope lies in God’s perfect justice and redemption.

—

References:

1. Guzik, D. (n.d.). Study Guide for Matthew 13 by David Guzik. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Mat/Mat_13.cfm