Followers Are Good Stewards
Grady Henley
Part 02 of Lesson 09 of the Follow Me Series
Key Verses:
1 Tim 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1 Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Lesson Text:
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Part Two: SPIRITUAL GIFTS (TALENTS)
The second part of this study pertaining to followers being good stewards is about our spiritual gifts or as some call them talent(s). Many stewardship studies are called the “Three T’s” Of Stewardship: Time, Talent, and Treasure. The word talent, as used in the parable of the talents, Mt 25:14-30, is not to be confused with natural talent. As we shall learn, there are differences in natural born talents and spiritual gifts. Though different, they do have commonalities:
§ You received both at birth. The natural talent came at with your natural birth. The spiritual gift(s) was given at your second birth
§ Both are to be used for the Lord.
§ Both can cause the holder to sin.
§ Misuse of either can cause a brother to stumble.
INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever considered why individual Christians and local church bodies seem powerless today? When you watch the world news or read the paper, one thing is abundantly clear and that is sin runs rampant.
In a society where we have the freedom to attend church, have more bibles available than at any other time in history, with more churches than ever before, the influence of the local church and the words of God seem powerless to change society.
What changed? It was neither God nor His word. Those changes that weakened must have occurred in the church and in the lives of those that attend. The problem lies in man and how we respond to the Lord.
I. GIFTS GIVEN.
The Lord has equipped us with everything we need to do all that He wants done. He gave us armour for spiritual warfare, Eph 6. He gave His word to empowers us, 2 Tim 3:16-17. He supplied us with His Holy Spirit to refresh us in our labor of love. He also gave us gifts to use. The fault, therefore, does not lie with the Lord. We are excuseless for being as we are.
Our problems are manifold.
1. We are not adept with the (s)word of the Lord, Heb 12:5. We pick it up and for reasons we cannot fathom, that old book seems strange in our hands. As we walk out the door, we tuck it under our arms so that the world will not see it.
2. Our spiritual armour, though several years old, is still like new. The reason for it retaining its original luster is because it has not delivered us in battle. We surrendered a long time ago. Our armour has collected more dust and rust than it has dings and dents, Eph. 6, from battles fought and won.
3. The Holy Spirit has been quenched so long that when we feel His stirring, we wonder if we are even saved, 1 Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
4. Satan is not bothering us, for we are not doing anything.
5. Our spiritual gifts have not been used in so long we forgot what they were.
Is it any wonder that our lives are in a constant state of disarray and that our churches look more like the world? Walk into a mall in Anytown, USA on Saturday, then walk into almost any church on Sunday morning, and note how folks are dressed at both places. The main problem that caused born again believers to become powerless is the world influenced the church more than the church has influenced the world, 2 Cor 6:17.
In the Parable of the Pound, Luke 19:13-28, the Lord told His servants to “Occupy till I come.” What this means is the church is an occupying army, Song 6:10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? As such, we are not to take up residence in the world. We are only to occupy this planet while breath is in our body or until He returns.
Once the local church ceases to think and act as an occupational force, she looses her Power. One command that is always given to an occupying army is: “Do not fraternize with the locales! Leave the natives alone!” Was that not the command given to Israel: Exo 23:31 And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Exo 23:32 Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. Exo 23:33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee. See also Exo 34:12-16.
The classic example of one that ceased to occupy and became a resident is the man Lot. Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom, Gen. 13:12. In just a matter of time Lot bought a house in Sodom, Gen 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. and sat in the gate of the city as a ruler and judge. He ceased occupying and instead began residing.
This is where the majority of church members are today. Furthermore, as the USA embraces homosexuality, more and more churches are residing in Sodom as well.
The early church turned the world upside down, Acts 17:6. Such is not the case in point today. The church has turned to the world. People come to church today and they dress as if they are going on a picnic. They look, talk, and act like the world. If we ever intend to make a showing for the Lord, it will take each of us using the word of God, the Holy Spirit, and our gifts to His honor and glory.
A. Gifts Are Tokens.
The occupying army in a foreign country usually brings gifts to the locales. These gifts are meant to be jesters of good will. Many times the newspapers and televisions show the US Army helping the underprivileged in the countries we occupied.
As an occupying army, the Lord gave His local church certain gifts to use so that each local body would be a force whereby the world would reckon. Sad it is but many church members do not know what their gifts are or how to use them.
There is a lot of talk about the gifts of the Spirit. The normal thought process in the mind of Baptist, in particular, when they hear the phrase, is they tend to think reference was made to speaking in tongues or someone tried to heal another.
Such mentality is taught from the televisions for it is alien to the words and workings of God. The gifts of the Spirit are special gifts given to those that are born again, with salvation being the first gift given. These gifts were given at the new birth to each believer so that the local church body would be a shining example and role model for the world, reflecting the goodness and grace of God. This power and influence was to begin with the local body, and extend to the utter most parts of the world.
If the local church is to regain the ground lost to the world, the members of each local body must begin to exercise their God given gift so that the local body exhorts the individual members to have the mind of Christ and set themselves apart as a useable vessels manifesting the manifold grace of God. Too many Christians are depending on their governments to pass laws geared toward Christian living. The problem with such thinking is there are too many lost people in powerful governing positions. It is up to the church to influence each other within the body, this influence will flow out into the world outside the church house doors.
1. Gifts vs. natural talent.
One of the first things the local church must needs do is discern the differences in "spiritual gifts" and "natural abilities." Some maintain there is no connection. Whereas others believe that the two can be, and frequently are, related. Some maintain they are all the same. If we take the time to examine both, we find that some individuals are born with certain natural abilities and inclinations that others do not possess.
I do not believe the gifts of the Spirit are to be confused with what is commonly referred to as ‘natural talent.’ For example, many lost people have the natural ability to play a piano. They sat down at the instrument and begin to play as if they have practiced all their lives. Some children are gifted to play classical musical arrangements before they can read.
Even so, there are many born again people with the natural talent to play the piano. Regardless, just because one is born again does not mean they will automatically use that natural talent to honor and glory the Lord or the local assembly. Still, others learned to play a musical instrument by disciplining themselves so that as they practiced and aged, they became masters of the craft.
When considering these issues relating to spiritual gifts vs. natural talent, we should consider their source. How may we account for the personal talents that are unique to each individual? Based on passages such as Psalms 139:13-16, it is clear that God had a hand in shaping and molding our lives. We are not the product of chance! We are the unique creations of God!
Consider the fact that natural talents and abilities are "God-given," yet not always "God-devoted." The flesh wars with the spirit. This is true in the area of spiritual gifts as well. Why is this? It is because very often the natural ability is a talent that pleases some aspect of the flesh. Thus, it is used to appease the flesh instead of glorifying God.
2. Useable gifts and talents.
Before one can use their natural talents in the service of the Lord three things must happen and they must happen in this order:
(1) Salvation must take place in the heart of the believer. Salvation is the first gift given unto man, but it is not always accepted by the individual.
(2) The believer must be baptized.
(3) The believer must then devote or sanctify their life unto the Lord, 2 Cor. 5:17.
It is not until these steps are active that abilities and skills that were once "natural and carnal" are dedicated unto the service for the Lord, Romans 6:11-13, 19b, as the person matures in the work of the Lord.
Though an individual may have the natural ability to play the piano, and use this talent in the local church body, playing the piano is not a gift of the Spirit. However, serving in the capacity of a church musician is, for that is the role of a servant.
For illustrating the differences in natural talent and spiritual gift, study Ex. 31:1-11, 35:30-36:2, 37:1, 38:22-25. In these passages it is revealed that when it came time to build the Tabernacle, God filled ordinary men with His Spirit so that they had immediate knowledge to work in a craft wherein they new little and had no previous experience.
The reason we know that they knew little about working with gold, silver, brass, etc. is if they already knew these crafts, the craftsmanship that went into the building of the Tabernacle could be attributed to man and not God. Instead, the opposite is true. These men were once slaves and had spent all their lives making buildings out of mud and straw. Now those same hands would fashion precious metals into a building that reflected God’s salvation.
Such is what our gifts ought to mirror as well, for God’s salvation and our lives should be a testimony of the new birth and His workings in our lives, collectively as a church and individually, Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 1 Pet 2:5.
Consider also that common fishermen by trade were transformed into great orators, Mat 4:19, and preached boldly the manifold works of the Lord, Acts 14:3. The same God that made common men bold and mighty is the same God who led his people out of Egypt by the voice of a stammering Moses.
There are other examples of people who do not have training, are not highly skilled, have no particular knack, but when the time comes for them to benefit the body, the gift is there, 1 Cor 1:26-31. We spend years developing natural talent. However, God gives the gift that He intends for us to use. Furthermore, He intends that we use this gift.
As good stewards of the blessings of God we ought to:
(1) Identify our talents and spiritual gifts.
(2) Dedicate both unto the Lord
(3) Refine and discipline the whole man to master the natural talents and spiritual gifts.
(4) Be wise unto opportunities for their use;
(5) Actively support the ministries within the local body using both.
3. Do not depend.
Though God gave you spiritual gifts and natural talent, do not depend on these as qualifying you for just any place and purpose to work for the Lord. It is the Lord that places us in the body and as a part of the body, we all have a function. 1 Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. Serve where the Lord wants you to serve, not where you want to serve.
4. Do not be confused.
Gifts are not proof that someone is more 'spiritual' than others. At best, the gift speaks of God’s desire to use the receiver. At worst, what appears to be a gift can be a total sham.
There are no set ways to receive and exercise any gift. Nor are there any visible gifts that can be taken to 'prove' someone's salvation. One must trust the Holy Spirit to dole out the gifts as the local body has needs. The gift may create special responsibilities, especially for one that is called to be a pastor.
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS.
As was stated previously, if the local church would consider itself an occupying force, the thinking within each local body would change in relation to the term ‘spiritual gifts.’ There has been so much false teaching on the subject that we need to unlearn the error so that we can learn and apply the truth.
Usually when we think of a gift, whether spiritual or material, the dominant idea is the gift was given to us for our own personal enjoyment. For example, salvation was a gift given to me. That gift is mine and belongs to me for eternity. However, it is not a gift that I stow away for myself. It is a gift that was meant to be shared with the world. Such is the gifts of the Spirit. They were not given to me to magnify self. (This is one thought that will be repeated in this study.)
For what then were these gifts given and what are the gifts of the Spirit? The first answer is these gifts were given to born again believers and were meant to be used within the local congregation to further the gospel of Jesus Christ unto the world.
As to what the gifts are depends with whom you are talking. There are some that say the laying on of hands for healing is a gift, speaking in tongues is a gift, casting out demons is a gift, and the list goes on and on with some misguided sincerely erring souls. Those that check to see if these things be so, will search the scriptures, Acts 17:11, to determine what is and what is not a gift of the Spirit.
A close study of the scripture reveals what the gifts of the Spirit are. As one continues to study, they will also determine their use. What follows is a listing of the gifts. This list is probably not 100%, but it is enough to get us to thinking.
A. The Gifts
1. Gift of Wisdom.
§ This gift allows a Christian to have an understanding of God's will as it relates to his/her life and the situations surrounding him.
2. Gift of Knowledge.
§ At one time this gift gave a Christian the ability to understand the gift of God's Word. (Many believe that this is one of those gifts that vanished away with the complete canon of scripture.)
3. Gift of Faith.
§ Gives a Christian the ability to accomplish God's Will in his/her life and in situations that upon examining from the world perspective seems impossible.
4. Gift of Discernment.
§ This gift permits one to discern whether things and people are of God or Satan.
5. Gift of Prophecy.
§ Gives a Christian the ability to interpret God's will for the future in a particular situation. NOTE: The scriptures are complete. We were commanded to neither add to nor subtract from God's written word. This alone seems to indicate that the N. T. gift of prophecy does not carry the same authority as the written word of God. There is no such thing as ‘New Revelations From God!” Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Every born again child of God has the spirit of prophecy; else they are void of the testimony of Jesus Christ. IF we do not have the testimony of Jesus Christ, our salvation is in doubt.
6. Gift of Evangelism.
§ Gives a Christian the ability to share the Word of God with unbelievers.
7. Gift of the Pastor ship.
§ Gives the man of God the ability to handle the spiritual welfare of the local New Testament church body.
8. Gift of the Teacher.
§ Is given to Christians so that they have the ability to teach others God's Word so that the student learns and understands. This particular gift is in close association with that of the gift of the pastor. 1 Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Apt means likely; or fitted. Not all pastors are good teachers. Not all good teachers are good pastors.
9. Gift of Exhortation
§ Gives a Christian the ability to stand by other Christians and bring them encouragement and strength in times of need.
10. Gift of Administration.
§ These people with this gift have the ability to understand the goals of the church's ministry and their use helps the church to keep moving in the right direction.
11. Gift of Mercy.
§ This gift is defined as the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by identifying with and comforting those who are in distress, Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
12. Gift of Serving.
§ This gift is the Spirit given capacity and desire to serve God by rendering practical help in both physical and spiritual matters.
13. Gift of Giving.
§ Is the spiritual given capacity and desire to serve God by giving of their material resources, far beyond the tithe to further the work of God.
14. Gift of Hospitality.
§ It is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to open their homes willingly and offer lodging, food, and fellowship cheerfully to other people. These individual eagerly welcome visitors at church.
No Christian has all the gifts and uses them wisely and masterfully. The reason behind this is if one were so endowed, the entire ministry of the church would revolve around that one individual instead of the Lord Jesus Christ. At the death of that one blessed individual, there would be the potential for the local body to die as well.
It is a certain fact that the local church body will endure without us. Dare say any of us within our local body to believe that we will be actively serving the Lord at the age of 100 years? All we have to do is subtract 100 from 2004 and we realize that the church was here in one form or the other for the past 1,904 years. What we must decide is are we going to do what God wants us to do in our allotted time so that we will hear the Lord say: “well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
B. Spiritual Gifts Broadens The Way For Greater Service
Why then, are spiritual gifts given to believers? They furbish the steward to do the work wherein the Lord called them. When gifts are understood and used properly, they point not to the "gifted ones," but to the "Giver."
1. Seeing the world as did the Lord.
If each of us would use our gifts with humility as did the Lord, instead of the lost world seeing us, these erring souls would see Christ, the hope of glory, Col 1:27. Was that not what the Lord did during His earthly ministry: magnify His Father? John the Baptist said that he must decrease, but Jesus must increase. If we would lift Him up, He would draw all men unto Him, John 12:32. Gifts are not given to reveal me. They are given to reveal the Lord.
If the lost world should ever see the Lord here on earth before judgment, they must see Him in His representative body, that being the local church body and in the lives of His saints living a life totally dedicated unto His will.
When believers concentrate their efforts to minister in those areas where God gave them spiritual gifts, these faithful stewards are certain to experience increased effectiveness and a deeper sense of satisfaction of working in the will of the Lord.
There are several reasons for this:
1. Using your gift calls forth a sense of mission. Each believer then becomes not only an occupying force, but a missionary as well.
2. Using our gifts causes us to hone our skills. The more we use something, the more familiar with it we become. Hence, that (s)word of the Lord in our hands, hidden in our hearts, no longer feels out of place.
3. Stimulates enthusiasm and vision. We begin to have the mind of Christ, Phil 2:5, and see things as He saw them.
4. We see the world as lost in darkness and our mission is to reveal the Light of the world unto them.
5. Provides strength.
2. Serving in capacity
Individuals serve most effectively and joyfully when their gifts fit their tasks. If you doubt this, consider the average weight of a quarterback of a professional football team. How many 400 pound quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl?
Too often, sincere and conscientious Christians carry heavy loads of guilt because they believe they are to perform to the specifications of other. This is because they were expected to perform tasks for which they had little or no ability. The happiest and effective Christian servants are those who function in ministries where they clearly recognize some sense of calling, some degree of skill, some level of enthusiasm and vision, and are competent to serve.
God does not set us up for failure. Gideon is a great example of this. He was reluctant to lead for he believed himself inadequate. With God working miracles and giving him deliverance, Gideon enlisted the help of Deborah. Because he did such, it cost him. He should have relied on the word of God and His workings.
C. Distribution of the Gifts.
Careful examination of the Scriptures reveal that God still gives gifts to believers today, Rom 12:4-6; Eph 4:7-8. The particular gifts imparted to the church of the 21st Century are not identical to the gifts given to the first century church.
The reason for this is because some of the gifts are no longer needed. Thus, they ceased, 1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1. Gifts not needed?
A gift not needed anymore is one of those truths that has not been taught. The general teachings on the gifts of the Spirit teach that all are still doled out today as they were 2000 years ago.
Reflecting upon the truth relating to the gifts and how some ceased, some vanished, and one failed ought to cause us to contemplate the deeper meaning of what Paul was trying to get across to the believers through the centuries. If we would just remember that the gifts of the Spirit ought to produce the Fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22-25, in our lives, much confusion over the gifts and their use would cease. What I think means little when compared to “Thus saith the Lord…” Doc Henley.
Love is the first fruit of the Spirit. Charity is THE ONE gift that never fails. (Adultery is the first fruit of the flesh, Gal. 5:18, and it always fails.) If love\charity is first in our actions, then our gift and fruit of the Spirit will reflect the love of God to those in the local body and to the lost world as well. Instead of making the love of God first in our lives, many folks are sidetracked into pursuing gifts that have not been given in centuries.
Paul said prophecies would fail? How could such happen? It failed because it is not of or from God. Did you ever consider that in the early churches, say along about the year 200 AD, just how many churches had the complete revelation of the will of God for man in book form known as the bible as do you and I? Furthermore, if these churches did not have the complete will of God in book form, how then, did the people know the will of God? Without the gift of prophecy, how would they know what to preach or teach?
The answer lies in that what one prophet spoke in one church was spoken in like manner by their counterpart in another church by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Whether these prophets spoke the same thing on the same day is not the issue.)
The reason why it was so important for those prophesying in different churches to say the same thing was because if a member of one church attended another church in another city, it would be easy to see that unless God was revealing what was to be said in both congregations, there could easily be conflicts arising especially in doctrinal issues, Gal 1:6-13. 1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Once the New Testament canon was completed, and copies began to be distributed, there was no need for the gift of prophecy to be given to the local church. Everything God wanted man to know was recorded in His word. (Is there any wonder that Satan attacks the word of God in every manner possible? If one does not have the words of God and if the words of God should conflicts, doubts and divisions are sure to arise.)
God no longer speaks His revealed word to individuals in voices hard to be understood. Many times if you are watching a television charlatan trying to pass himself off as a minister of the gospel, you will hear one of them say something to the effect: “God just spoke to me!” Right away you know you are dealing with a liar. God did no such thing. People who hear voices are usually on medication and should only be allowed out on weekends! Ü
If a thousand ‘ministers of the gospel’ should say God is speaking to them next Sunday morning, then God must say the same thing to all them, for God is not the author of confusion, 1 Cor 14:33. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. If those same thousand ministers would use the words of God as recorded in His word, then regardless of their message, they would all say the same thing.
2. Gifts imparted.
Even the manner in which gifts are imparted is not the same as in the first century. Since we have no living Apostles among us, gifts cannot be imparted through the "laying on of hands!" Instead of using miraculous and spectacular means for imparting spiritual gifts today, God disperses the gifts through means that are quiet and non-spectacular.
The important factor is not how the gifts are imparted, but that they are given to us by God! In His love and wisdom, our Father continues to bless His people with the spiritual gifts they need to function effectively as members of the local New Testament body.
If we intend on being faithful stewards, we need to use the gift given. We do not have to pray for such and such a gift. What we need to do is determine the gift already give and begin using it.
God distributes spiritual gifts in at least two ways. First, in His sovereignty, God may, in a quiet and non-spectacular manner, endow a believer with new abilities that were not apparent. For example, one who has never been hospitable may, as a new creature in Christ, become very skillful as a lover of and provider for strangers, 1 Peter 4:9-10.
Secondly, God may choose to equip a person for the ministry by refining, purifying, and empowering natural talents and abilities so that they become useful for building up the Body of Christ, Rom 6:19; Eph 4:22-24; 5:8-17.
3. Praying for the gift?
How does one receive a spiritual gift? Is there some spiritual formula in scripture that must be followed? No, there is not a special formula or prayer. How often have you heard someone say they prayed God to give the gift of…? One does not have to pray or beg God for any gift.
To receive and get the most from the gifts we must:
1. Be born again, John 3:7.
§ Without the new birth, there will be no gifts of the Spirit. Salvation is the first gift one must receive. All the other gifts of the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit abound from salvation.
2. Ye must be baptized, Gal 3:27.
§ Baptism is the first step in service. The convert received the gift(s) of the Spirit the moment they believe. However, obedience is the key to usage and baptism is the first step in living and obedient life.
3. Ye must be active in church, Eph. 3:21.
§ That gift of salvation you can share outside the church. The fruit of the Spirit ought to be manifested in and outside the local body. However, the first place God wants you to use your gift of the Spirit is within the local body wherein you hold membership.
4. Ye must be living a surrendered life, 2 Tim 2:20.
§ Without surrendering our lives unto His service, we will never receive the full benefit of the gift given.
5. Ye must be a faithful follower, Mat 16:24.
§ Without following Him, we will not know what He wants done, where He wants it accomplished, etc.
6. Ye must be a good and faithful steward, 1 Cor 3:5.
§ The more faithful we are, the more experienced we gain from using that gift that is in us.
7. Ye must know that you will give account of your stewardship and what you did with the gift, Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
As was stated previously, spiritual gifts are given at the new birth. It is only as we grow in grace that we realize our calling. Once God calls us to a particular service, He is not going to change His mind. (These gifts given are without repentance on the part of God. If God called you to preach, then get busy preaching!)
4. Dispersed by the Holy Spirit.
According to Rom 12:3, the gifts are dispensed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Your particular gift was not given to benefit you. It was given so that you might be beneficial to others.
In order to understand this teaching, for it is contrary to what is taught by many, one should study the epistle of Paul to Philemon. Philemon had a servant that in times past was unprofitable, Phile 1:11. Though we are not told in what area Onesimus was unprofitable, it would probably be good guess that he was continually causing Philemon problems, for
Onesimus ran away from his master. This alone tells us he was disobedient.
It was during the time that he ran away that Onesimus was converted. Prior to his conversion, he was unprofitable in his labor. Now that he was converted, his labor would now be beneficial to Philemon, Paul, and to Onesimus himself. As Onesimus began serving others, he would also be serving himself.
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. The learning point here is many people try to work their way to heaven without being saved. All their labors towards this means are as unprofitable as was Onesimus to
Philemon before his conversion. People trying to work their way to heaven are trying to impress God with their good works of the flesh. Before their conversion, they have nothing with which to impress the Lord. What they need to do is get saved and then continue working as a faithful steward with the same fervor as they did before they were saved, for now their labor can be profitable.
Once again, gifts are given for the benefit of others and not to elevate self. God’s grace is not bestowed for the purpose of self-edification, but for exhorting and edifying the local church body. Once you begin to use your gift, you are encouraged and strengthened. However, such edification is the "by-product" of its usage and not the purpose the usage.
C. Identifying Your Gift.
God is not going to write across the sky in bold red letters telling you in secret or the world in general that you have been given a gift. He is not going to write on the wall of the church or your bedroom.
He did something of like manner for the nation of Israel for 40 years with a pillar of fire and cloud of smoke. It is easy to comprehend by reading the book of Numbers that those that did the murmuring and complaining about Moses and what they had to eat, and about not entering the Promised Land, did so about the Lord as well. How do we know this? We know it because a little leaven will leaven the whole lump. If they complained about Moses, they complained about the Lord. Can you not hear one say as they lay down at night with the presence of the Lord shining down in a pillar of fire:
“Man, I wish someone would turn off that light! I am trying to sleep!”
Or how about during the day:
“Ya’ll can say what you want about that pillar of smoke, but I tell you, it is polluting the planet!”
Did the pagan king believe the handwriting on the wall, Dan 5:5? Did he repent? No. Did the children of Israel lift up their eyes and obey God from the heart until they were forced by the serpents, Num 21:6-9?
Would you therefore, believe such and such was your gift if God informed you in like manner? Your gift is identified in the Book of Books. Get into the word of God, get into His will and the peace of God will reveal your gift and where you ought to be using it. There some ways to identify, but always remember that gifts are given according to your place in the local body and your place of stewardship.
1. Pray for God's Direction and Help
The words of Jesus, Mat7:7-8, apply in our efforts to identify spiritual gifts. There is a promise there that if we will ask, we will be given. If you seek, you will find. Are we asking, seeking, and knocking as we attempt to identify our spiritual gifts?
Perhaps the reason why we do not know and are not using is because we are too busy looking at what others are doing instead of doing what God has told us to do. John 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
2. Spend time studying God's word
The way to determine your gift is not as important as surrendering your life for the surrendered life is the one God uses. Salvation came about by surrendering our will. This same thing must happen as we enter into His stewardship and that is surrender our lives and He will equip us to serve.
Once you surrender your life to be a faithful steward and follower of the Lord, and then spend time in bible study. For example, spending time studying the gifts listed in Romans 12, 1 Cor 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4 may cause you to identify your gift and your place of service. There may be a certain bible characters who demonstrated a gift that you relate to very well. Studying, believing, and doing what the bible says is a life-changing revelation from God that not only makes us wise, but also equips us for the work wherein we are called, 2 Tim 3:15-16.
3. Prayer and fasting.
Do you believe God is leading you into a certain direction? Have you prayed and tried fasting until you were sure of your calling? Perhaps God is calling you into one of these fields of service:
1. Pastor?
2. Ministry?
3. Do you have a burden for the youth?
4. Do you experience a special sensitivity for those who are sick?
5. Do you feel drawn to those who are elderly and shut-in?
6. Would you find fulfillment by participating in a visitation ministry?
7. Does the work of sharing the "Good News" to the unsaved appeal to you?
No one should think that "giftedness" is an escape from hard work and preparation. Do not take this calling lightly. Remember God is calling you to serve and He will hold each of us accountable. We will be rewarded for our service in honoring our stewardship relating to our gift as much as we will with how we used our time. If we are wise faithful stewards, we will spend our time using our gift so that others are benefited.
Once the Lord reveals your type and place of service, you will know what your gift is. Once you know this, get busy, James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. If you are certain about your calling, do not be as Jonah and run from God’s calling. Do not lay out your fleece as did Gideon. Using your gift is an act of faith on your part in the words of God.
If you find someone that will allow you to labor along side him or her, someone to mentor you, so much the better. Prov 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. .
III. THE PARABLES OF ACCOUNTABILITY, Mt 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27.
Once we determine our spiritual gift(s) and where we are to use it, the next thing we need to do is see to it that we abuse not this gift. There is an accountability clause that each of us would do well to read and recall everyday.
God did not give us that gift and then leave us wondering as to why and how He would hold us accountable. He gave us revelation in His word so that each of us might read and make the necessary changes in our lives. If we know what to expect from the Lord, there should not be any surprises on that day when we stand before Him. The biggest mistake we make is we think
God thinks like us. Nothing could be farther from the truth: Psa 50:21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Psa 50:22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
A. The Parables and their Lessons
Immediately following the parable of "The Wise And Foolish Virgins," Mt 25:1-13, we find Jesus telling the parable of "The Talents," Mt 25:14-30. While both parables relate to the kingdom of heaven, and especially in anticipation of the Lord's return, note the key difference:
a. The first stresses preparation.
b. The second productivity.
c. The first emphasizes watching.
d. The latter, working for the Lord.
In both we learn what should characterize those who eagerly WAIT for the coming of the Lord.
It is one thing to know what a parable or even a story from the Old Testament teaches. Knowing is one of our big problems when it comes to growing and maturing into a faithful steward. We know what is taught from many passages of scripture. Our problem seems to be in the application arena.
Mankind has the tendency to say “Well, that is just a story that took place. We should not take that stuff literally.” For such a one that thinks as such, the bible remains history and something that is not applicable in today’s society. The person who thinks like that is one that walks in the ignorance of their own heart, Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. As faithful followers of the Lord, we need to get busy applying what we know to be the truth.
1. What is important?
The first thing that I believe is important is, and bear in mind that this is my opinion, is that the people in the parables of the Lord are real. I realize some folks say differently. That is OK. It is not my desire to change their way of thinking on this particular issue.
The reason I believe the people of the parables are real people, in real situations, (I do not watch much TV, but I hear tell the reality shows are now the rage. That is, folks are placed in ‘seemingly real situations,’ and filmed. From what little I have seen of them, there is not much reality to those shows.) is because a parable usually begins with “a certain man…” and the story begins. Parables are picture stories of reality.
2. A certain man
The phrase “a certain man” is found 31 times in the bible. Ten of those are in the Old Testament and in each occurrence, save one, Dan 10:5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: the reference is to a person. Why would it seem strange that the twenty-one references in the New Testament would not refer to a certain man as well? After all, who but an unbeliever would disagree with the fact that Jesus Christ was a certain man.
The word certain means ‘established as fact or truth; beyond doubt or question; true.’ The teachings of the parables are certainly truths beyond question. I therefore, believe the people of the parables were certainly real people as well. Another reason to consider that the people of the parables are real is it is easier to identify with a real person than a figment of one’s imagination.
B. The Parables Analyzed, Mat. 25:14-15.
In the parable of the talents we find a man about to travel to a far country. Before his departure, he distributes his goods ("talents") among his servants, Mat. 25:14-15.
Side NOTE:
This study does not go into whether or not the unfaithful stewards in the parables of the pound and talents were saved or lost. (I believe the unfaithful steward in the parable of the talents was lost, while the unfaithful steward in the parable of the pound was saved yet so as by fire.)
Have you ever considered why this certain main distributed his good to his servants? Here are some thoughts to ponder in regards to his actions.
1. His own.
Observe that the man called his servants, (plural) and entrusted unto them His goods. Though the bible does not say why He gave such and such to so and so, it is easy to discern that the reasoning behind His actions were so that the goods would not lay idle during His absence.
Things laying idle over long periods have a strong tendency to deteriorate and become useless.
Have you ever parked a car for a year or two and then went back to it and tried to use it again? The car was not in the same condition as it was. Time took its toll on the car. Many things relating to the functionality of the auto deteriorated. Before it will be useable again, you must spend money on it to make it run and street worthy.
For such reasons as illustrated with an automobile parked for a long while is the thinking in the mind of this certain man leaving for a far country. Upon His return, He wanted those goods to be in better shape and be more valuable than when He departed. He wanted a return on His investments. He did not want to come back and spend time, money, and energy in restoring what was already in good condition at His leaving.
2. His investments
There is also another aspect in this man’s thinking in this particular parable. He has two investments:
(a) His goods
(b) His servants.
Unless He gave His servants something to do and the wherewithal (means--gifts) necessary to do what needed to be done, the servants would be as unproductive as was the talents He left behind. Prov 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Thus, the man would suffer losses in some and more of these areas:
(a) He lost the original value of His goods.
(b) His servants are unproductive.
(c) He lost the interest that His goods could have brought.
(d) He lost investments in other area, Mat. 25:24.
(e) He would be considered something less than a wise man for acting in such manner with his property.
The man entrusted His goods to the stewards and He fully intended that those stewards use His good wisely.
3. A talent.
A talent was a monetary measure, amounting to 6000 denarii, which would take an ordinary laborer twenty years to earn (a denarius being a day's wage). The number of "talents" were given "to every man according to his several ability" (or to his own ability).
Dr. Ryrie, in his study bible, has a footnote at Luke 19:13 where he states: “…Notice that each servant received the same amount (in contrast to the parable of the talents in which each received according to his ability, Mat. 25:15. The pound represent the equal opportunity of life itself; the talents, the different gifts God gives to each individual.”
1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee,.. note that the gift is in us. It did not come upon us. (Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.) The gift is not something we pursue. It is in us and it only manifested in our labor of love.
4. The wise use of the talents, Mt 25:16-18.
Thinking upon these stewards receiving their talents, and what they did with them, causes us to contemplate upon the parable of the sower and how the seed in the life of some produced 100 fold and some 60 fold, Mat 13:23. While in the life of others, that good seed brought forth no fruit at all.
As was discussed in the lesson 07 “Followers are Fruitful,” the problem relating to unfruitfulness was not in the seed. The problem was in the heart of the one that heard. God is trying to get us to see the heart of the matter. Once we see this significant part, it matters very much what we do with the Seed of Life implanted within our heart. What we do with the Seed of Life reflects the manner in which we use the gifts of the Spirit entrusted unto us. It matters in relation to the Fruit of the Spirit produced in our lives.
Two of the servants doubled their talents. These servants realized that they would be held accountable for their stewardship. Realizing there would be eternal consequences to pay, they used their time wisely and the equal opportunities in life and made their Lord proud of their labors. God gave a talent and a pound to some and with these working in their willing heart, they brought forth some 100 fold and some 60 fold.
As God created things, the bible records that God saw that this and that, these and those things were good. God invested power, energy, time, and Himself in His creation. It was a good creation. Some of the things He made were very good, Gen 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
For man to mar this perfect creation was a mark against God and His goodness. Thus, when God took the necessary steps to get a return on His original investment, He did so with intent of getting more out of it than He originally put into it. How so you may ask? The answer lies in the fact that what it took to restore that which man marred cost Him His blood. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
C. The Lazy Steward vs. the Thief.
Have you considered just how many laws are imposed upon mankind because of the thief? Once you begin to contemplate upon the number of rules, regulations, and requirements that restrict our movement and freedom, many of these obstructions are the direct results of the thief.
Every time I purchase some commodity at a store and try to get to the merchandise, I am reminded of the thief. I first thought I was just getting older and weaker and was unable to tear the plastic wrapping holding the merchandise I purchased. (I am old enough to remember when the majority of Americans thought plastic was cheap, of no value, and would purchase only products made from durable material over those made from plastic. Thirty years ago, we did not want plastic. We wanted the real thing. Those days are gone.)
Merchandise sold in stores today is packaged in space age plastic that must be cut with a knife to get to the product. Why is this? It is because of the shoplifters and thieves. The seller of goods takes extra steps to prevent the thief from making off with stolen valuables. Thanks to the thieves, we have a difficult time getting merchandise out of its package, John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…The thief has caused honest people much difficulties.
This third steward in the parable of the talents and pounds is many things including a thief. Both
stole something that was entrusted unto their care, for neither the pound nor the talent were theirs to do with as they pleased. (Remember Joseph was the steward of Potiphar and as a steward, Joseph owned nothing.) They were entrusted with these precious gifts and should have used them wisely. These unfaithful stewards acted as did Achan.
1. Both stewards stole things there were entrusted unto their care. Achan stole the first fruits that belonged unto the Lord, Josh 7:21. These evil servants stole the potential investment from the goods entrusted to them. They counted the free gift and what all it would bring as naught and trampled the blood of Jesus underfoot.
2. Achan and these two unfaithful stewards rebelled. Josh 6:19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. Achan knew that the first fruits belonged to God. These stewards knew that the pound and talent belong to the Lord as well as the interest.
3. All three counted the words of God to be of no consequential value. Achan reasoned that it would not matter if he took just a little for there is so much. These lazy stewards said within themselves, it is just one talent and one pound.
4. All three lost their inheritance. Achan and his family were killed. The lazy stewards had the talent and pound taken and both became an outcast.
5. They all lost eternal rewards.
6. All three hid the Lord’s treasure. Two of three hid the stolen goods in the earth, Josh. 7:21, (Have you ever thought of what Achan would do with the Babylonish garments and other treasures that he stole from Jericho? If he wore them, he would ‘stand out like a sore thumb.’ He has been in the desert from one to 40 years, (depending upon his age) so where would he go to get such garments and treasures?) Mat. 25:25.
7. The third one kept the Lord’s pound laid up in a napkin. He did not want to get it dirty.
8. The lazy steward that hid his talent in the earth committed two grave sins:
§ (a) he used his spiritual gift as did Balaam for personal gain. When a man invests in the earth, he is not thinking eternally. His thoughts of the hereafter go no farther than the things he is here after, Mat 6:19.
§ (b) He put it back for safe keeping, fully intending to use it at some future point in time, but just never got around to it. Years ago people did not trust banks and bankers for good reasons. Instead of placing the money where it would work for them, they hid their life’s savings in cans and jars usually in their back yards. Such actions might keep the money safe providing no one knew of their stash. The big draw back to such is the money does not draw interest. It just sits there. Such were the actions of this unfaithful steward.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
D. The Return.
For the past two thousand and some few years, preachers have faithfully kept the message in front of the people that the Lord is going to return. Some believe and make the necessary corrections and adjustment to their lives and eternal welfare.
The scoffers keep asking, 2 Pet 3:4…Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
One of these days the King of Kings is going to stand and shout something as you once shouted when you were a child and played the game of ‘Hide and Seek.’ “Read or not! Here I come!” When you hear that shout, it is too late to run. You might run, but you cannot hide. He is coming and a day of reckoning will take place, Mt 25:19-30.
1. The wise stewards.
Upon their master’s arrival, the first two servants in both the parable of the pound and the talents described how they doubled the amount entrusted unto them. They stood before their lord with excitement. Upon hearing their testimony of faithful steward ship, their lord was pleased! He praised them for their work, saying Well done and commended them for being good and faithful servants. He rewarded them by giving them a promotion, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Not only are they promoted, they are invited to share in his happiness, Enter thou into the joy of thy lord. It is the Lord’s joy to give his servants the kingdom.
2. The hiding evil servants.
Those two servants that hid their talent and gift also face their master. Observe how both began by giving back that which was given to them and both began to make excuses.
Lord, I knew…Mat. 25:24. and I was afraid, v. 25, and Lord I hid…in the earth. Lord, Behold, here is thy pound, Luke 19:20. For I feared, 19:21.
Have you noted the affinity of mankind to hide from God? Why do we think we can hide from God?
§ Grandfather Adam and Grandmother Eve, could not do it, Gen 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
§ Jacob hid strange gods under an oak, Gen 35:4.
§ Moses hid the slain Egyptian, Exo 2:12.
§ Achan hid stolen goods, Josh 7:22.
§ Saul hid himself among the stuff, 1 Sam 10:22.
§ Have you ever asked your children, “What are you hiding?”
§ Has God ever asked you, “What and why are you hiding?” Prov 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: (The wicked flees towards what they think will be a secure hiding place. There is no hiding place but in the Lord, Psa 32:7, 119:114.) but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Regardless of the truths found in Psa 139, we still think we are going are going to get one over on God.
These lazy, hiding, servants sought to appease the Lord by returning what they both had been given: lo, there thou hast that is thine, Mat.25:25, here is thy pound, Luke 19:20.
“Here it is Lord. Just like you left it.” The truth is the spiritual gift and the opportunity was not as they were on the day they were given.
§ Both were given in love. Both returned in shame.
§ They were given for service. The pound and talent were returned in vain.
§ They were given to manifest the Creator. Both were hid from His creation.
When appeasing the Lord did not ‘let them off the hook,’ they then tried to play upon His pity by telling the Lord that He was too hard of a man to serve. One would think that both knew that the yoke of stewardship in work of the Lord was an easy yoke. His burden is light, Mat 11:28-30. Sin and Satan are the taskmasters!
3. The response.
The Lord called these stewards wicked and slothful servant, Mat 25:26, Luke 19:22. These wicked servants were afraid. If we are afraid to serve the Lord, we need to seriously consider the company we keep, Rev 21:8.
The Lord told them that the least they could have done was to invest that which He invested unto them so that there would be a return on His original investment. The Lord took away what was given, and gave it to the servant with ten talents, with this explanation: For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance, v. 29. but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath" v. 29. The unprofitable servant is then cast into outer darkness, where he shall weep and moan and gnash his teeth. The wicked servant that failed to use the pound had his taken away from him as well.
CONCLUSION.
Every day is a day of opportunity to serve the Lord. This fact is revealed in the companion parable of the pounds, Luke 19:16. If you are willing, God can use you today. Once you make up your mind and set your face like flint that you are going to serve the Lord, He will give you the opportunities to utilize your talents and gifts.
The main points of the parables of the talents and pounds are revealed in two words: faithfulness and diligence. We should be faithful in using the opportunities for service. We should always keep it foremost in our minds as well that diligence is rewarded; negligence is punished. The faithful steward living by faith respects obstacles as opportunities for the Lord to manifest Himself.
We often expect to experience some degree of success when we begin laboring for the Lord wherein He called, Mat 25:5, 19. If we do not see immediate results, discouragement may begin to influence our ministry. If this is the case, what we did was confuse success with opportunities. Service is a door of opportunity for eternal rewards for the glory of the Lord! Seize the moment to serve. That is the important thing. When that door opens, walk through it and get busy using what God has given. The results will not be tallied until we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5:10. For as much as ye know you are not laboring in vain, 1 Cor 15:58.
It is our responsibilities, Mt 25:21, Re 22:3-5, to remain faithful unto our calling. If we neglect our responsibilities today, we will have greater accountability in the future. Those stewards that doubled their talents and pounds were committed to the cause. Their diligence paid off in eternal dividends.
Those evil stewards knew some things and yet, what they knew was not enough to motivate them to use the gifts given.
What they knew:
1. They knew that their testimony went much farther than they would, Mat. 25:24, Luke 19:21. Simply stated both knew that if they begin to serve the Lord that their life and testimony would affect people of whom the Lord had not touched personally, save through their testimony.
2. They knew that the testimony of the Lord would reach into countries where they Lord Jesus Christ never placed a sandal, via a missionary. He would take up where He had not strawed.
3. They knew that at the judgment the Lord would have souls gathered unto Him that were saved by the testimony of others.
4. They knew this and other things, but still they opted to forsake their gift, talent, and pound so that they could serve self.
5. They both said they were afraid, but not so much that their fear prevented them from serving self instead of the Lord.
If we would stop and consider the eternal ends of our service, what we might come to realize is God is not going to show us today what our eternal rewards will be. The natural tendency of man is to glory in the flesh, and take credit for whatever success may be achieved through the exercise of the flesh or spiritual gifts. The spirit of the proud Pharisee described by Jesus, Luke 18:11-12, is a potential threat to every believer. Contrary to popular belief, the Pharisees are not an extinct race of people.
When spiritual gifts are successfully deployed and wonderful results experienced, gifted Christians must be very careful to avoid any tendency to boast in their own strengths and abilities. Those faithful stewards in the parables of the talents and the pounds did not brag about their labor. God handed them their talent, their pound, and they went their way and served.
Paul wrote of a glorious personal experience, relating to a man he knew that was caught up to the third heaven, 2 Cor. 12:1-10. Have you tried to imagine what such an experience would do to you? How could someone handle such an experience without becoming puffed up and arrogant? For such reasons as pride, God sometimes give the most arduous laborer a thorn in the flesh to keep them humble.
Paul gave Timothy a warning, 1 Tim 3:1-6, relating to the calling of one into the office of pastor. Perhaps Paul was warning Timothy so the young lad would not bear a thorn in the flesh, as did Paul. The admonition given to Timothy related to an immature Christians being given the office of pastor. The advice from Paul was the young disciple must prove himself mature and learn humility, less he be lifted in pride.
The work wherein we are engaged belongs to the Lord. Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the
Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. God does the saving. He does the calling. He does it all. Therefore, it is tragic and dangerous when spiritual gifts cause individuals to "swell" rather than "deepen."
Faithful stewards following the Lord must be careful that we do not sacrifice the eternal on the altar of temporary. That is, let us labor in humility, knowing that it is God doing the work and we are His vessel. Else, our pride will cause us to lose our eternal rewards due to our glorifying in our feeble deeds. Faithful stewards are merely the "conduit" through which God’s power flows into the lives of others, 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 12:11b. God forbid that we should glory in ourselves!
As we consider the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we must never lose sight of two very important things:
1. These gifts were given by God to people in the body of Christ.
2. These gifts are given for the specific purpose of building up the body of Christ to the glory of God.
If you glory in your gift, you are robbing God! Once you begin to rob God of His glory, you have elevated yourself to be as Lucifer was when he fell. Isa 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
May we all labor so that one day when we stand before Him each of us will hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Some thoughts from this study came from: Lindsey Garmon “Identifying and developing Your spiritual Gift.” And from the Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2004
