Why Should I Give My Treasure, Talents, And Time? Series

B. Have you been a faithful Steward of that which Christ has financially entrusted you?

1. Having Wealth is not inherently evil and in some instances can be a sign of God’s blessing.

a. Illust- I hope you know there is nothing inherently evil or unspiritual in having wealth, even great wealth. Look at Job, Patriarchs, look at what God did for Israel – in one night paid them for 400+yrs of back wages!, Joseph of Arimathea, others. It is true, however, wealthy people are under God’s greater scrutiny (Mt. 19:24 – Illust- Camel to go thru eye of needle than rich man enter the KOG). However, can be used as great blessing to Church and its mission and meeting needs. (God has blessed America to be a blessing. PS. 67)

2. Initial step for the Christian to take in beginning to demonstrate Xst’s Lordship is to tithe.

a. Illust- What does the tithe do? Causes us to first of all obey God’s Word: Mal. 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says the Lord of Hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” Lordship over our treasures is by beginning to tithe. (Incredible verse, one of very few places in Bible where God challenges us to test Him. States very clearly that if not tithing (10%) you are robbing Him. I don’t know about you, but I would rather have to answer to law for robbing Hills or US Bank then face God one day on His terms.

b. Illust- I know some of you might be thinking, how can I afford to tithe? Can’t afford not to! Your and my security is not found in our paychecks, our jobs, our investments, our retirements plans. In fact, it is a wrong use of money (according to God’s design) to use it for security. And yet, we cling ever so tightly to it. As a pastor friend of mine used to say: “God can only give to the one who’s hand is open.”

C. Applic: Have you entrusted your treasures to Christ’s Lordship? Need to.

II. 2nd: Why Should I Use My Talents (abilities) for the Lord? V.15 (own ability)

A. God Knows that We Each Have Different Abilities.

1. The Master of the Slaves gave them responsibilities in direct relation to their abilities.

a. v. 15 – each according to his own ability… - Having done a bit of coaching over the years you learn the importance of placing players in key positions according to their talent or ability. If had a kid who never pitched in life and called on to attempt to save a very important game, would be my fault and not his if did not perform well and lost.

b. Recognize what this statement says. The slave didn’t have any excuse why he couldn’t have seen his talent of money grow. The master knew his ability and entrusted the amount that he could handle to make a profit.

2. This Parable tells us that God also knows the Abilities we have.

a. Illust- This is why a Christian should never compare him/herself to another Christian. God knows the gifts and abilities we have or don’t have. It is freeing to know that I don’t have to be like Billy Graham or RC Sproul, or Al Mohler, TD Jakes or whoever else. However, it is sobering to know that I have to maximize every gift and talent He has given me (and you) for His kingdom.