Parable of the Weeds

Parable of the Weeds 

Pastor Phil Derstine 8-29-21

 

 

The Kingdom of God – Parable of the Weeds

·      Matthew 13:24 “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: (25) But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”

·      Matthew 13:30 “Let them grow together until the harvest.”

·      II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

·      Romans 14:17 “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

·      Luke 17:20 “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

 

The Presence of God – the atmosphere of Heaven

 

·      Atmosphere (def.)

o   1. The envelope of gases surrounding the earth; the air

o   2. The pervading tone or mood of a place or situation

·      Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

    • Atmosphere – Presence, Glory of God
    • Order – Correction, restoration, repair
    • Excellence – Multiplication, Fruitfulness
  • Acts 16:25 – Paul & Silas in prison
    • Injustice – Pray & Sing – Deliverance
  • John 8:7 – Woman caught in adultery
    • Accused – Love & forgiveness – Repentance
  • John 9:3 – Man born blind
    • Victim mentality – Vision Opportunity for a Miracle!
  • John 4:4 – Woman at the well
    • Religious debate – Revelation – Ministry Commissioned!

·      Jonah 2:1 – Jonah and the great fish

o   Judgment – PrayerRe-commissioning!

·      John 2:5 – Jesus turned water into wine

o   Dilemma – Obedience – Creative Miracle!

 

What are YOU doing to change the ATMOSPHERE?

·      II Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

·      Proverbs 16:3 “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

·      Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

o   Religion prepares man to leave earth --- Kingdom empowers man to take dominion

o   Religion focuses on heaven --- Kingdom focuses on earth

o   Religion wants to escape earth --- Kingdom impacts, influences, changes earth

o   Religion is reaching up to God --- Kingdom is God coming down to man

o   Religion seeks to take earth to heaven --- Kingdom seeks to bring heaven to earth

·      STOP Pulling Weeds – START cultivating (stewarding) The Presence of God