He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. (Mathew 13:36-43) Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so at to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. (MaƩhew 24:23-25) Paul said to the elders of the Ephesian church “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. 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. There be alert. (Acts 20:28-31a) The Parable of the Weeds: Kingdom of the evil one is actively fightng the Kingdom of heaven. Purpose of the Sons of the Evil one is: To Deceive the world b. To Distract the church c. To Divide the church d. To Discourage the church We resist the work of sons of the evil one by remaining true to scriptural truths At the end of time, sons of the evil one will receive eternal punishment, and the sons of the kingdom of heaven will receive eternal rewards Discussion Questons: In The Truth Project Del Tackett asks this question, “Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?” How would you respond to that queston? If you take a closer look, are there influences in your life that may be leading you astray? How are you protecting yourself against individuals (and teachings) masquerading are followers of Christ