Wheat and tares | Dr. Conrad Vine

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Sermon Study Guide: The Wheat and the Tares

Central Question: How do we avoid becoming a tare and ensure we are growing as wheat?

Key Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Introduction

This sermon presents a sobering look at the spiritual reality within the church. Using Jesus’ parable, it reveals that there are two kinds of people among God’s professed followers: the wheat (righteous) and the tares (wicked). The ultimate distinction becomes clear only at the final harvest. This study guide is designed to help you internalize the sermon’s urgent call to self-examination and total reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Part 1: The Two Harvests – Understanding the Big Picture

Core Concept: God’s end-time work involves both a global mission and the internal maturation of His people.

Key Scriptures:

  • Matthew 24:14

  • Mark 4:29

  • Leviticus 20:26

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Matthew 24:14 and Mark 4:29. What is the difference between these two “signs” of Christ’s coming? Why are both essential?

  2. The sermon states that Adventists are to be both a “mission-minded people” and a “holiness movement.” In your own life, what does this balance look like? Are you leaning more toward one than the other?

  3. Leviticus 20:26 calls God’s people to be holy and separated. From what specific cultural values or practices in 2025 do you feel God is calling you to be separate?

Part 2: The Parable Explained – Wheat vs. Tares in the Church

Core Concept: The parable reveals that counterfeits (tares) exist within the church, and the final difference is one of character, matured over time.

Key Scriptures:

  • Matthew 13:24-30

  • Matthew 13:36-43

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to Jesus’ explanation in Matthew 13:36-43, who is the sower, the good seed, the enemy, and the tares? Why is it significant that the enemy sows the tares within the field?

  2. The sermon explains that for most of the growth cycle, wheat and tares (darnel) look identical. The key difference is that at harvest, wheat bows low while tares stand proud. What spiritual truth does this physical characteristic represent?

  3. The sermon asks: Do you attend church out of conviction, convenience, or coercion? Reflect on your own motives. What brings you to church each week?

Part 3: The Unforgivable Sin – The Role of the Holy Spirit

Core Concept: The “unforgivable sin” is not a single act but the persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work, leading to a hardened heart and demonic control.

Key Scriptures:

  • Luke 12:10

  • Psalm 145:8-9

  • 1 Samuel 16:14

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Luke 12:10. Why is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit unforgivable, while speaking against the Son of Man is not? (Hint: Consider the Holy Spirit’s unique role in salvation).

  2. The preacher gave great comfort: “If you worry you have committed the unforgivable sin, you haven’t.” Why is this true?

  3. The sermon lists biblical examples of those who committed this sin (Saul, Herod, Judas, the Jewish leaders). What was the common pattern in their stories? How can we guard ourselves from starting down a similar path?

Part 4: The Close of Probation – The Final Separation

Core Concept: The “harvest” in the parable is the close of probation, when character is fixed forever. The righteous are kept by God’s power, and the wicked are confirmed in their rebellion.

Key Scriptures:

  • Jude 1:24-25

  • Revelation 22:11

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does the sermon argue that the “harvest” is the close of probation and not the Second Coming? What is the logical reason for this based on the sequence of end-time events?

  2. Jude 1:24-25 is a powerful promise for God’s people living after the close of probation. What specific promises are found in this verse, and how do they give you confidence for the future?

  3. After probation closes, the sermon describes a great polarization. How will the “wheat” and the “tares” within the church be visibly different in their character and actions?

Part 5: Personal Application – Cultivating a Wheat Heart

Core Concept: Becoming “wheat” is not self-improvement; it is a daily surrender to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Scriptures:

  • 2 Corinthians 3:18

  • Ezekiel 36:26-27

Discussion Questions:

  1. The sermon urges us to “turn your eyes upon Jesus” rather than looking at our own spiritual inadequacies. How does 2 Corinthians 3:18 explain the process of how we are changed into Christ’s image?

  2. What is one practical, deliberate choice you can make each morning to “yield to the Holy Spirit” as the sermon recommends?

  3. The final appeal is: “Yield anything in your life today that you cannot give as a holy offering to a holy God.” In a spirit of prayerful reflection, what is one thing God is impressing you to yield to Him today?

Summary & Action Steps

  • Key Takeaway: Our daily choices, attitudes, and surrender to the Holy Spirit are shaping us for an eternal destiny—either as wheat (reflecting Christ’s character) or tares (reflecting Satan’s).

  • This Week’s Challenge: Each day this week, begin your morning with this prayer: “Holy Spirit, I yield control of my mind, heart, and actions to you today. Fill me, guide me, and transform me into the likeness of Jesus.”

Closing Prayer Focus: Pray for the willingness to surrender fully and for the faith to trust that God is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before His glory