Are You Ready?

Matthew 24:45 (NLT)

"Who is a faithful, sensible servant, to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his household and feeding his family?

A Question of Trust

 Two character qualities

 Faithful

 Defined as one who adheres firmly and devotedly to a person, cause or idea...loyal

 Worthy of trust or belief...reliable

 Sensible

 Acting with or exhibiting good judgment...wise

 The task of stewardship

 Managing the master’s household

 Caring for the master’s family

Matthew 24:46 (NLT)

If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

The Work Will Be Evaluated

 Work should be done with the expectation of the Master’s return

 Luke 12:40

Luke 12:40 (NLT)

You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."

The Work Will Be Evaluated

 Work should be done with the expectation of the Master’s return

 Luke 12:40

 The quality of the work will be evaluated

 1 Corinthians 4:5

1 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT)

So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due.

Matthew 24:47 (NLT)

I assure you, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.

Faithfulness is Rewarded

 The reward is for the attitude of the heart

 Not task completion

 The attitude of the heart ensures task completion

 Task completion is a demonstration of loyalty

 The master’s interests are put first

 Proverbs 27:18

Proverbs 27:18 (NLT)

Workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat its fruit. In the same way, workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.

The Task of Stewardship

 Continuing the work of Christ

 Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

The Task of Stewardship

 Continuing the work of Christ

 Matthew 28:19-20

 Loving God

 Loving others

 Matthew 22:37-40

Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)

Jesus replied, " ’You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] A second is equally important: ’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

Matthew 24:48-49 (NLT)

But if the servant is evil and thinks, ’My master won’t be back for a while,’ [49] and begins oppressing the other servants, partying, and getting drunk—

Looking Out For Number One

 The Master’s interests are no longer the priority

 The steward’s interests have been elevated

 The Master’s household and work are neglected

 James 3:16

James 3:16 (NLT)

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.

Looking Out For Number One

 The Master’s interests are no longer the priority

 The steward’s interests have been elevated

 The Master’s household and work are neglected

 James 3:16

 The Master’s authority is no longer acknowledged

 The Master’s return is no longer anticipated

Matthew 24:50 (NLT)

well, the master will return unannounced and unexpected.

The Master’s Return

 The question is not if...but when

 Matthew 24:42

Matthew 24:42 (NLT)

So be prepared, because you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

The Master’s Return

 The question is not if...but when

 Matthew 24:42

 The Master will return when least expected

 Matthew 24:44

Matthew 24:44 (NLT)

You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected.

The Master’s Return

 The question is not if...but when

 Matthew 24:42

 The Master will return when least expected

 Matthew 24:44

 The Master’s return brings judgment and accountability

 Romans 14:10b-12

Romans 10b-12 (NLT)

Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God. [11] For the Scriptures say,

" ’As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,

’every knee will bow to me

and every tongue will confess allegiance to God.’ "

[12] Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God.

Matthew 24:51 (NLT)

He will tear the servant apart and banish him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.