Breaking Fear - Revisited Series

Breaking Fear - Revisited

Theme: Breaking the fear of moving and restoring the joy.

Text: Matthew 25:14-30

Introduction

This morning I would like us to take a look at Matthew 25:14 -30. This passage is titled the Parable of the Talent. As I read this passage I want you to underline a few words.

Matthew 25:14 "For the kingdom of heaven is like (this is a sample of the activities that go in God's kingdom) a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants (this parable is about church people) and delivered his goods to them. (15) And to one he gave five talents (a talent is a years wage so he gave him 5 years worth of money), to another two (two years wage), and to another one (one years of wage), to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. (16) Then he who had received the five talents went and traded (work, minister, labor, commit) with them, and made another five talents. (17) And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. (18) But he who had received one went and dug in the ground (all took some action this was his action), and hid his lord's money. (19) After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (20) So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' (21) His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (22) He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' (23) His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (24) Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. (25) And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' (26) But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. (the Lord was not saying that the servant was right in his assessment, actually it could be translated with sarcasm, or disdain, He is telling the servant if you thought all these things even though they were not true then you should have . . .) (27) So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. (28) Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. (29) For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. (30) And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

The original word talent was used for a measure of gold. It was used as money.

So we know that first this is a message about doing right with the Lord’s money. I think this is important to understand. As I told you to underline certain words in this passage I want you to notice a few things.

1st it is the Lord’s money. It is the Lord who gives it to the servant. You see the money we have is not our own. We know this.

2nd God only gives to each individual as to “their abilities” (or you could say faithfulness). God knows our abilities and he only gives more if we could handle more. Many people who struggle with tithing or giving to the church think, “Well when I get more money, when I get that raise, when this happens or that changes then I will be able to tithe.” Tithing is about faithfulness and integrity. Even when we don’t feel like we have it we give it because we trust the Lord.

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Cor. 12:4-7).