Ziklag M8.5 - You
SOS Discipline - Daily Proverb and Red Letter Reader
Trust is quiet. cf Pr. 11:13
Judgment day is good enough. cf Mt. 10:26
You Are Not A Robot
Biblically, evil is simpler to define than sin.
Listen 👇: Matthew 13 - Sons of the Wicked 1
Context and Definition
The “sons of the wicked one” appear in the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Matthew 13:24-30 and its explanation in Matthew 13:36-43. Their identity, characteristics, and implications within the broader biblical context of the reprobate and the “violent man” is a much valuable insight of Matthew’s “Third Discourse.”
Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
• Setting: A farmer sows good seed in his field, but an enemy sows tares (weeds) among the wheat. Both grow together until the harvest.
• Sower: The Son of Man (Jesus).
• Field: The world.
• Good Seed: The sons of the kingdom (righteous).
• Tares: The sons of the wicked one (wicked).
• Enemy: The devil.
• Harvest: The end of the age.
• Reapers: Angels.
• Outcome: Tares are gathered and burned (judgment).
• Wheat is gathered into the barn (fruitfulness).
Characteristics of the “Sons of the Wicked One”
1. Children of the Devil:
• They are directly associated with the devil, indicating a nature and disposition aligned with evil (John 8:44).
2. Reprobate:
• The term “reprobate” refers to those who are rejected by God due to their persistent unbelief and wickedness (Romans 1:28).
3. Workers of Iniquity:
• They engage in actions that are contrary to God’s will, often causing harm and perpetuating evil (Psalm 5:5; Matthew 7:23).
4. Deceptive and Corrupt:
• Like tares, they blend in with the righteous but ultimately reveal their true nature (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
5. Destined for Judgment:
• Their fate is sealed for destruction, illustrating the certainty of divine judgment (Revelation 20:15).
The Violent Man in the Old Testament
The concept of the “violent man” in the Old Testament parallels the New Testament’s “sons of the wicked one,” emphasizing those who oppose God’s people and perpetuate violence and wickedness.
1. Psalms and Proverbs:
• Psalm 140:1-4: David prays for deliverance from violent men who plot evil and stir up strife.
• Proverbs 4:14-17: Describes the path of the wicked and violent, who cannot sleep until they do evil.
2. Character Traits:
• Violence and Deceit: They are characterized by their violent actions and deceitful speech (Psalm 55:9-11).
• Rebellion Against God: They actively oppose God’s laws and oppress the righteous (Psalm 73:6-9).
New Testament Reprobates
The New Testament further expands on the characteristics and fate of those considered reprobate.
1. Romans 1:28-32:
• Describes those given over to a reprobate mind, filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, greed, and malice.
2. 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
• Lists traits of people in the last days, including being lovers of themselves, boastful, proud, abusive, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
3. 1 John 3:10:
• Distinguishes between the children of God and the children of the devil, with the latter characterized by their lack of righteousness and love for others.
Implications for Believers
1. Discernment:
• Believers are called to discern between true and false brethren, recognizing that not all who appear righteous are genuinely so (Matthew 7:15-20).
2. Patience and Faithfulness:
• Believers must remain patient and faithful, trusting that God will ultimately separate the righteous from the wicked (James 5:7-8).
3. Spiritual Vigilance:
• Encouraged to be vigilant and sober, aware of the devil’s schemes and the presence of the wicked among them (1 Peter 5:8-9).
4. Hope in Final Justice:
• Assurance of God’s final justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil (Revelation 21:7-8).
Conclusion
The “sons of the wicked one” in Matthew 13 instruct believers to beware the reprobate, the violent man, highlighting their persistent as wickedness in the world with an emphasis on the certainty of divine judgment. Christian discernment, patience, and faith holds fast to the promise of God’s righteous judgment and the hope of eternal life with Him, giving room for wrath, it is God who avenges.
