Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. As we gather here today, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of a new week, a new dawn, teeming with possibilities and potential. It is in this spirit of anticipation, of hope, that we gather here today to delve into the word of God, to seek His wisdom and guidance. Remember, dear friends, that we are not merely passive recipients of God's grace but active participants in His divine plan.

In the words of J.I. Packer, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." This profound insight serves as a compass, guiding us as we navigate the often tumultuous seas of life. It reminds us that our primary purpose, our ultimate goal, is to know God, to serve Him, and to utilize the gifts He has bestowed upon us to further His kingdom.

Today, we turn our attention to the book of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 14-30. Let us read:

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"

Recognizing Our God-Given Resources

In the heart of the scripture we just read, we find a master entrusting his servants with talents. Now, these talents were not just random gifts. They were resources, carefully chosen and distributed according to each servant's ability. This is a crucial point to understand. God, much like the master in the parable, has given each of us unique resources. These resources come in many forms. They could be physical abilities, intellectual capacities, or spiritual gifts. They could be our time, our energy, or our material possessions. They are the tools God has given us to serve Him and to serve others.

Now, let's think about these resources. They are not ours by accident. They have been given to us by God, entrusted to us for a purpose. This is a profound truth that we must grasp. We are not the owners of our resources. We are the stewards. Our resources are not for our own personal gain or pleasure. They are for God's glory and for the benefit of others. This is a radical shift in perspective. It challenges our self-centered tendencies and calls us to a life of selfless service.

Let's take a closer look at the servants in the parable. The first two servants, who were given five and two talents respectively, immediately put their resources to work. They traded with them and doubled their initial amount. When the master returned, they were able to present him with the fruits of their labor. The master's response to them was one of commendation and reward. He said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

These servants understood the value of their resources. They recognized the opportunity they had been given and they seized it. They did not waste their talents or hide them away. They used them, they invested them, they multiplied them. This is a powerful example for us. God has given us resources, and He expects us to use them. He wants us to be active, not passive. He wants us to be productive, not idle. He wants us to be faithful stewards, not negligent caretakers.

Responsibility in Managing Our Talents

In the parable we just read, the master entrusts his servants with talents ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO