Matthew 25:14-30
Preached Sunday Morning September 6, 2009
Introduction:
- Context is the coming kingdom
- Someday we will all face Jesus and account for what He has given us
- We saw that only the truly saved will enter into the wedding celebration
- Today we will study a Parable of stewardship
I. The Master gives His assets to His servants
Matthew 25:14-15
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
A. Not everyone is given the same thing
B. Talents are dispersed based upon ability
C. There is a level of trust given to the servants
1. The master knows His servants
2. The servant’s faithfulness reflects his relationship with the Master
D. We hare accountable for all the things that God has entrusted us with – The more that is given, the more that is expected in return.
Luke 12:48
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
1. Freedom
2. Modern communication
3. Complete Bible in our Language
4. The specific teaching, preaching and personal exhortation that God has brought into your life.
5. Natural abilities and talents that God has brought into your life.
E. These were always the Master’s talents; they never belonged to the servant.
II. The servants took temporary custody of the Master’s talents
Matthew 25:16-18
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
A. The true servants
1. Knew that the talents were meant to be invested.
2. Knew that their job was to bring gain to the master.
3. Knew that their job was not only to protect the master’s money, but also to invest it.
4. Were not paralyzed by fear but motivated by love.
1 John 4:18-19
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.
B. If you are a true servant of the Master you will:
1. Realize that everything you have been given is not yours
2. See your responsibility to invest what you have been given to get gain for the Master’s Kingdom
– Time
– Privilege
– Talent
– Opportunity
– Money
– Possessions
– Career
C. The unsaved person is an unprofitable servant.
1. Does not really know the master
2. Is driven by fear, not love
Romans 8:15
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
3. Hid the one talent that he had been given.
III. The Master returns to see what the servants had done with His money.
A. The wise servants
Matthew 25:19-23
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
1. Each one returned the principle with interest
2. Each one received commendation
3. Each one received promotion
4. The promotion was greater responsibility and accountability – Ruling in the Kingdom.
Luke 12:43-44
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
5. With that increased responsibility, they entered into the Joy of the Lord.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
B. The unprofitable servant
Matthew 25:24-30
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
1. Acted in fear
2. Lost what he was given because he did not use it.
3. Was cast into outer darkness – His actions show that he never had a relationship with the Master in the first place.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
4. Even the unsaved person has been given assets to invest for the Lord
– Access to the Word
– Hearing this message
– The opportunity to believe before it is too late