The Irresistible Kingdom – The Wheat And The Tares

Praying through the lessons from the parable

1. Recognizing the Enemy  – Identifying the Tares in Our Lives

Matthew 13: ²⁴ Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; ²⁵ but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.

As we journey through faith, it is essential to discern the things that hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from bearing good fruit. Just as in the parable of the tares, where the enemy sowed weeds among the wheat, we, too, must identify and uproot the “tares” in our lives.

We must recognize when the enemy has planted seeds of discord in our relationships and when the root of the challenges we are facing is the work of the enemy.

Matthew 13: ²⁶ But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. ²⁷ So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’

The first lesson we learn from the parable of the tares is the importance of self-reflection and honest evaluation. We need to examine our lives carefully, seeking to identify any areas where we have allowed tares to take root. This requires humility and a willingness to confront our shortcomings.

Once we have identified the tares, the next step is to uproot them. This may involve making difficult choices, such as ending toxic relationships, breaking free from addictive behaviours, or purging negative influences from our lives. It requires courage and determination to take action and remove these hindrances.

However, uprooting the tares is not a one-time event. Just as in gardening, where weeds continue to sprout, we must be vigilant in our spiritual lives. We need to constantly assess our hearts, minds and environment, ensuring that we do not allow new tares to take root.

This is where prayer becomes an invaluable tool. By seeking God’s Word and praying the Word, we can overcome the tares that threaten our spiritual growth and space.

Finally, we must remember that the goal of removing the tares is to make room for the wheat to flourish. As we identify and uproot the negative influences in our lives, we create space for God’s love, grace, and truth to transform us. This transformation allows us to bear good fruit and experience the abundant life that God intends for us.

Pray

Heavenly Father,
I declare that as I journey in faith, I am aware of the importance of discerning and dismantling the hindrances that impede my spiritual growth and hinder me from bearing good fruit. I acknowledge the existence of negative influences and distractions that seek to distance me from Your divine presence and I declare those influences will not dominate me.

By Your wisdom, I choose to peer into the recesses of my heart and life, I ask that You unveil the tares that have taken root – be they harmful relationships, negative thoughts, or sinful habits that entangle me. (Pause to allow the Holy Spirit speak to you)

By Your strength and the courage You have given me, I boldly declare my readiness to uproot these obstacles. I accept Your grace to make resolute decisions, sever toxic bonds, and distance myself from negativity. Identifying the roots of tares and severing myself from whatever distracts me from the Kingdom. As I step forward, I declare that Your light illuminates my path, and Your unwavering love fortifies me.

I affirm that uprooting tares is an ongoing process. As weeds persistently sprout in a garden, I remain vigilant in my spiritual life. I continually assess my heart, mind, and environment guarding against the emergence of new tares.

I sincerely desire to cultivate space for the wheat – the fruitful life You want for me. Let Your love, grace, and truth rejuvenate me from within as I uncover and eliminate the tares. This transformation equips me to bear fruit that mirrors the nature of Christ and brings honour to Your matchless name.
I declare this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2. Trusting in God’s Timing  

Matthew 13: ²⁸ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

In the parable of the tares, we learn about waiting on God’s timing. The parable speaks of a farmer who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. When the servant asked the master if they should pull out the tares, he responded, “No, lest while you gather up the tares, you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together.”

The natural human mind wants to uproot the tares immediately. This does not suggest that you should do nothing when you see wickedness manifesting in your space. Instead, it is understanding that there is a process and God’s timing is within it.

God’s timing is strategic, purposeful, and always for our ultimate good. By trusting in God’s timing, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and walk confidently in His plans for us. The parable of the tares provides us with valuable insights into the nature of perseverance. Just as the farmer patiently waits for his crops to grow, we, too, must learn to trust in the process of prayer. Sometimes, the answers to our prayers may not come as quickly or in the way we expect, but that does not mean our prayers are in vain. The reward of perseverance lies in the deepening of our relationship with God, the growth of our faith, and the transformation that occurs within us.

Hebrews 6: ¹¹ And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, ¹² that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
To wait on God’s timing, we need patience, to endure, and to be assured of the reward of our perseverance.

Pray
Heavenly Father,
I declare my commitment to embracing Your perfect timing in every aspect of my life. Just as the wisdom of the parable of the tares enlightens me, I recognize the vital role that patience plays in my journey. I am resolute in understanding that waiting on You is not passive but an act of trust and surrender.

I boldly confess that I let go of my impulses to rush ahead, knowing that prematurely uprooting what is not yet ready for removal can hinder the fullness of Your purpose. Your timing, O Lord, is impeccable, strategic, and purposeful. I declare my unwavering trust in Your divine schedule, knowing that Your plans are intricately woven for my ultimate good.

(For example, you may want to let go of staff or a relationship – the timing has to be correct. I pray Holy Spirit interprets it for you)

In moments of uncertainty and impatience, I am steadfast in my resolve to remember the lessons from the parable. I stand firm, unwavering, and unshaken, for Your ways are beyond my understanding, and Your wisdom surpasses my own.

Lord, cultivate within me a heart that finds solace in waiting and trusting. I boldly declare my commitment to discerning the moments when action is needed and when patience is the key. I desire to align my timeline with Yours, to experience the abundant blessings from being in harmony with Your divine purpose.
In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, I pray Amen.

As we wait on God, doubt and fear can often hinder our progress and our ability to engage in prayer effectively. Recognize the source of doubt and fear – Satan is the enemy who sows doubt and fear in our hearts. Understanding his tactics is the first step towards overcoming them.

Our thoughts and emotions play a significant role in overcoming doubt and fear. We can combat negative thoughts and emotions by guarding our minds and filling them with truth. By relying on The Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance, we can overcome doubt and fear and walk in the confidence of God’s truth. Keep thanking God. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to doubt and fear. We can cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on God’s faithfulness and expressing gratitude for His blessings.

Romans 4; ²⁰ He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, ²¹ and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform

Pray
Heavenly Father,
As I wait on You, I declare that doubt and fear shall not deter my progress or weaken my confidence in Your promises. I am vigilant and aware that these doubts and fears originate from the enemy, Satan. I acknowledge his tactics and schemes to sow doubt and fear in my heart and declare it has failed.

I possess the discernment to identify his strategies, exposing his attempts to undermine my faith. Empowered by Your Holy Spirit, I am granted wisdom to replace negative thoughts and emotions with Your unwavering truth. My mind is renewed and fortified with thoughts aligned with Your promises, reminding me of Your unfailing faithfulness and boundless goodness.

Lord, I declare that I am fully convinced, mirroring the faith of Abraham. Your promises, once spoken, are within Your ability to perform. My faith stands firm, unshaken by the many waves of doubt and fear. I boldly rise above uncertainty, offering unwavering glory to You through my steadfast faith.
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

3. Guarding Against Infiltration

Matthew:13:  ²⁵ but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
In the parable of the Tares, we learn that it was while men slept that the enemy had the opportunity to infiltrate.

The bible has much to say about sleeping.

1 Kings 3: ²⁰ So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from my side, while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. 

It was while she slept that the exchange took place.

Matthew 25:  ³ Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ⁵ But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

The foolish and wise virgins slept; however, the foolish ones had no business sleeping because they had no oil. They should have been actively looking for oil.

Matthew 26: ⁴⁰ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

We are called to watch and pray so that we will not fall in the hour of temptation.

Isaiah 56: ¹⁰ For the leaders of my people—
the Lord’s watchmen, his shepherds—
are blind and ignorant.
They are like silent watchdogs
that give no warning when danger comes.
They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming.
 
If the other scriptures did not get you, this one should. Watcher, are you blind? Are you silent. Are you sleeping?

Pray
Father, I thank You for the parable of the Tares that teaches me the truths about the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 13:25 says: “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.” Today, I declare my commitment to vigilant watchfulness, refusing to be caught off guard by the enemy’s schemes.

Just as in 1 Kings 3:20, I understand the danger of being unaware and unguarded during moments of rest. I declare I will not be complacent or passive in my spiritual walk. I will not be complacent or passive in watching over those I am responsible for.

Father, the wise and foolish virgins all slept, the wise virgins stood ready with their lamps filled with oil. I intend to actively seek and cultivate the “oil” of Your presence, wisdom, and truth in my life. Even in times of waiting, my watchfulness remains steadfast.

I am called to watch and pray, for my spirit is willing while my flesh is weak, but when I am weak, You will strengthen me. I declare that I will guard against the hour of temptation through my prayers.
Father, I refuse to be a blind or silent watchman. Today, I declare I am alert, active, watchful, and ready. I will not be silent. Your Word will not cease in my mouth. I am committed to the spiritual well-being of myself and others, never resting in complacency.

Lord, empower me with strength, courage, and discernment as I declare this commitment to watchfulness. May my life exemplify unwavering devotion, unceasing prayer, and a relentless commitment to protect the spiritual landscape around me. (My home, neighbourhood, family, workplace etc.).
In the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, I pray. Amen.

What must we do to guard against the infiltration of the enemy?

In the spiritual battle that we face every day, it is crucial to strengthen our spiritual armour. Just as a soldier prepares for war by equipping themselves with the necessary weapons and protective gear, we too must arm ourselves with the tools and strategies that will enable us to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.
The parable teaches us the importance of being vigilant and aware of the enemy’s tactics. It reminds us that not everything that appears good is truly from God and that deception often masquerades as truth.

We must be sober and vigilant.

1 Peter 5: ⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Be discerning.

Psalm 13: ³ Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
⁴ Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

Trust that the Lord is watching too

Psalm 127: Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me about the Kingdom of Heaven. I am reminded of the vital lessons about guarding against the infiltration of the enemy. In this ongoing spiritual battle, the enemy seeks to sow confusion and deception among us. Just as a soldier equips themselves for warfare, I intend to strengthen my spiritual armour with the tools and strategies to help me stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

I am committed to learning the importance of vigilance and awareness of the enemy’s tactics. Your Word instructs us not to be deceived by appearances and to discern the true source of every influence. I declare my commitment to discerning, relying on Your wisdom to distinguish between truth and deception. Keep me vigilant O, Lord.
Holy Spirit, by Your help, I declare that I will be sober and vigilant, as 1 Peter 5:8 instructs. The adversary prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. With unwavering faith, I resist him, I resist his plots and plans to infiltrate my space and that of my family. My faith remains steadfast, and I declare victory over the enemy’s schemes.

Lord, I recognize the significance of discernment in guarding against infiltration. As Psalm 13:3-4 states, enlighten me so the enemy will not outwit me and my family. Guard my eyes from spiritual blindness, prevent me from slumbering in ignorance. I declare that the enemy’s plots shall not prevail against me. I stand firm in faith, confident that Your light exposes the darkness and empowers me to overcome.

I trust that You, O Lord, are a vigilant watchman over my life. Just as Psalm 127:1 declares, the watchman’s efforts are in vain unless You guard the city. I place my trust in You, knowing that the safety and security of my family and I rests in Your hands. I declare that as I remain watchful and prayerful. Your divine protection encompasses me. In the mighty and ever vigilant name of Jesus, I pray Amen.

CONCLUSION 
The parable of the tares teaches us about the Kingdom. We learn to recognize and uproot negative influences that hinder our spiritual growth. We should humbly assess our lives, eliminate toxic elements, and pray for transformation. Trusting in God’s timing is crucial, as His plans are strategic and purposeful. We must stay vigilant against the enemy’s infiltration by being watchful, discerning, and active in our faith.
Next week we will conclude the prayers on the lessons from the parable of the wheat and tares. The Holy Spirit will open our understanding to how generational curses are established in people’s lives. We will make strong declarations to address the things the enemy sowed into our families and lives. Be assured that the Kingdom of Heaven always prevails; it is within you, and you must lay hold of it. It is harvest time and time for the righteous judge to execute His righteous judgment. Are you ready do declare The Kingdom of God come, His will be done on earth as in heaven.
If this is your desire, connect next week for prayer, do not miss it.

DECLARATIONS FOR THIS WEEK 
(use part or all of this or generate your own). 

1. Father, I declare Your light illuminates my mind and reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom, aligning my life and ministry with the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. Lord, by Your grace, I declare that no negative influences shall dominate me, and I’m ready to uproot the obstacles that hinder my spiritual growth, guided by Your light and love.
3. Heavenly Father, I declare my commitment to Your perfect timing in all aspects of my life, trusting in Your divine schedule and aligning myself with Your purposeful wisdom.
4. In Your strength, O Lord, I boldly rise above doubt and fear, fully convinced of Your promises and unshaken by uncertainty, giving glory to Your steadfast faithfulness.
5. Father, I declare my commitment to vigilant watchfulness, actively seeking Your presence and wisdom, never resting in complacency but standing ready to guard my spiritual well-being and environment.
6. I declare my readiness to uproot the tares of harmful relationships, negative thoughts, or sinful habits, stepping forward in faith that Your light and love guide my path.
7. Lord, I declare my trust in You as a vigilant Watchman over my life, confident in Your divine protection and ever watchful against the enemy’s schemes.
8. I boldly confess my commitment to embracing both the challenges and joys of daily life, guided by the Holy Spirit.
9. I declare that I am alert, active, watchful, and ready, committed to the spiritual well-being of myself and others, and empowered with strength, courage, and discernment.
10. In the Name of Jesus, I declare victory over the enemy’s schemes, standing firm in faith and trusting in Your vigilant protection as I resist and overcome the darkness.