let us use our god-given talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Introduction:
1. In these verses Matthew recorded the Lord's parable known as "the parable of the talents." 2. As we study this parable we must keep in mind that Jesus instructed His followers to "watch" and to "be ready" for His return (24:42, 44; 25:13). 3. In the parable of the talents Jesus showed His followers: a. "how" to be ready for His return b. "why" we must be ready for His return -- when He returns we will face Him in judgment.
Discussion:
I. LET US EXAMINE THE PARABLE
A. (vs.14-15) A man, who was going on a long journey, divided his goods among his servants. 1. He would be gone for a long time. 2. He wanted his goods to be taken care of while he was gone, so he entrusted them to his servants. 3. He gave his goods to his servants according to their individual ability. a. To one servant he gave 5 talents. b. To one servant he gave 2 talents. c. To one servant he gave 1 talent. 4. A "talent" was a large sum of money. 5. This man was trusting his servants to care for his goods while he was gone. 6. The servants would be responsible for the way they used his goods. B. (vs.16-18) We learn what the servants did with their master's goods. 1. (vs.16) The servant given 5 talents traded with them and made 5 more. 2. (vs.17) The servant given 2 talents traded with them and made 2 more. 3. (vs.18) The servant given 1 talent hid his in the ground. C. (vs.19-30) The master reckoned with his servants. 1. (vs.19) After a long time the master returned and asked his servants to account for the way they had used his goods. 2. (vs.20-21) The servant given 5 talents was blessed for his faithfulness. 3. (vs.22-23) The servant given 2 talents was blessed for his faithfulness. 4. (vs.24-30) The servant given 1 talent was cursed for his wickedness and slothfulness. a. This servant tried to make excuses. 1) (vs.24) He told his master about how hard he was. 2) (vs.25) He revealed his main problem -- FEAR. 3) He tried to return the talent he had been given. b. The master did not accept the talent or his excuses. c. This servant was cast into outer darkness.
II. LET US EXAMINE THE SYMBOLISM IN THIS PARABLE
A. The man going on a long trip refers to the time between the Lord's ascension and return. B. The servants refer to the Lord's followers. C. The master's return and the reckoning of the servants refer to the Lord's return and the judgment. D. The blessing refers to eternal life in heaven, and the curse refers to eternal condemnation.
Conclusion:
1. The Lord has given us gifts that He expects us to use (1 Peter 4:10-11). 2. As stewards of these gifts from the Lord, we have 1 main requirement: "faithfulness" (1 Corinthians 4:2). 3. We will be judged on the basis of how we use what the Lord has given us. 4. Fear must not prevent us from doing the Lord's will (2 Timothy 1:7). 5. If we use what the Lord gives us, He will bless us with more, and we will be prepared to face Him in judgment when He returns. 6. "Let us use our God-given talents."
