Tares

Matthew 13:25,
"But while men slept, his enemy came and
sowed tares among the wheat, and went his
way."

MATTHEW 13:24-30

Satan has secretly infiltrated the Church
with some of his followers for the purpose
of hindering the influence of the Church.

This has been a more effective strategy than
direct opposition.

These tares that are spoken of refer to the
Old World variety of darnel, which is
poisonous.
All grains are almost indistinguishable from
tares when they send up the first blade from
the ground.
By the time the tares become noticable,
they are so well rooted that, if growing in
close to a good grain, uprooting the tares
would also mean uprooting the good grain.

Verse 30 admonishes us to let both grow
together until the harvest.
The grains of the tares are long and black
next to the wheat, and are easily noticed at
harvest time.

Many will profess Christianity, but "by their
fruits ye shall know them."

There will be those who are deceived and
unaware that they are not born again, and
will remain among the Church people.

Jesus warns us against trying to root them
out especially since it is not always possible
to discern other people's hearts.

In an effort to destroy these tares, we might
offend one of Christ's "little ones" and cause
his or her profession of faith to waver.

It is important, though, for our own personal
benefit that we be aware that the children of
the Wicked One are placed among the true
believers.

Our best defense is to preach the Word of
God without watering it down.
False brethren will not endure sound doctrine.
They leave when the Word, which is sharper
than any two-edged sword, begins to expose
the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Stick to the Word!