This Week’s Scriptures
Matthew 25:14-30
14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 The one who had received the five talents immediately went and did business with them, and earned five more talents. 17 In the same way the one who had received the two talents earned two more. 18 But he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
19 “Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have earned five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’
22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have earned two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’
24 “Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. 25 And I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you still have what is yours.’
26 “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? 27 Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
29 “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. —Matthew 25:14-30
1. Listen to the Message
Your serving resources are divinely given according to ability.
v.14b-15b…who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability
– God is the giver of resources. 1 Corinthians 8:6 “… but there is one God, the Father from whom are all things…”
– True servants use what they are given to the best of their ability.
6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. —Romans 12:6-8
You must serve while He is away.
v.14a, 15c who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them;… and he went on his journey.
– True servants are busy even when no one seems to be watching.
3 areas in which we must be serving:
1. Our Home - Ephesians 5
2. The Church - 1 Corinthians 12
3. The World - Luke 10
– True servants desire to give a good return.
You must serve with anticipation, knowing that you will give an account.
v.19 Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.
– True servants know the master may return at any moment. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5
– True servants strive to honor their master. John 5:23
“When doing the work of the Lord, don’t forget the Lord of the work”
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. —1 Peter 4:10– Faithful service will be rewarded. v.21
– Faithful service results in joy and fellowship with the Master. v.21
Refusing to serve reveals your true allegiance.
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? 27 Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
29 “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. —Matthew 25:26-30
– True servants are known by their fruit. Matthew 7:15-27
– Counterfeit servants are cast out. v.30
2. For further reflection and study
DISCUSS
1. Who do the various characters in the parable represent?
DISCUSS
2. Is there comfort in knowing that you are only accountable for your abilities?
DISCUSS
3. Have you ever considered your exposure to biblical teaching as a talent for which you are accountable?
DISCUSS
4. Discuss the different possibilities represented by the “talent”.
DISCUSS
5. What does the “Joy of your Master” represent? How does that idea apply to believers?
DISCUSS
6. Discuss the different serving opportunities addressed in the sermon (home, church, world). In which areas are you doing well? Which areas need improvement?
DISCUSS
7. If the talent can represent the “Gospel”, how are you doing in preparing to give the Master back His reward? Can you give a good account? If not, what do you need to change?
DISCUSS
8. Is there a “retirement age” when it comes to serving; meaning do you hit a time in your Christian walk where you have earned the right to slow down, considering this parable?
3. Pray