| Sermon Thought by PKD Lee |

Parable of the Wheat and Tares Matt 13:24-30
Jesus makes it clear that in the world there will always exist wheat and tares.
Because of the tares, there will always be some discomfort for the wheat, but if we try and get rid of the tares, we create wars and other disruptive events that harm the wheat too.
While several issues of relationships are created by this, I want to look at one. This is where tares sincerely believe that they are wheat! How do I know for sure that I am wheat and not a tare destined to eternal separation from God?
One test would be are you following the rules of the Bible or are you following Jesus Christ? The Pharisees made the error in thinking that in following these rules, they were being Jews. 1 John 3:9 is important in this context. Not sinning does not make me a follower of Jesus but of the Law. If I follow Jesus, I do not sin!
In other words, following the rules does not make me a follower of Jesus, but if I am a follower of Jesus I live by His values as represented in the Law. So, how do I know if I am wheat or a tare? The only test is what controls your life, Jesus or the things of this world?
The world was created by God and is good, but when it begins to control your life or dominate your life, it becomes an issue. You are no longer following Jesus but something from the world. This could be fun, status, money, job and so on. When you are a follower of Jesus, you leave all that in Jesus’ hands and seek His kingdom instead. Matt 6:33.
Another test is given in 1 John 4:7-8. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
Does the love for Jesus and people of God dominate my life or love for things?
If I am a tare, can I change into wheat? Yes. Follow Rom 6:3-4 and surrender your life to Jesus. As Paul says, Jesus died for us that we who live should no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died for us and rose again. 2 Cor 5:15.