Stewardship of Talents Mt. 25:14-30

Introduction The parable of the virgins teaches us to watch and prepare The parable of the talents teaches us how to prepare

Purpose Of The Parable Mt. 25:14 Talents = entrusted responsibilities We have different abilities

Purpose Of The Parable “We must discover, through study, prayer, and faithfulness, what our talents are.” Mt. 25:19 A picture of the second coming of Christ – all will give account

The Faithful Two Mt. 25:16-17 Mt. 25:20,22 Each received what he could use We should begin developing our talents as soon as we become a Christian

The Faithful Two “Drawn wells are seldom dry” Mt. 25:21,23 Notice their reward “Well done – good and faithful servant” “thou hast been faithful”

The Faithful Two One important question at judgment “Have we been faithful to the Lord?” “Are we faithful now?” So many things will not be important at judgment!

The Unfaithful One Mt. 25:15 He gave him one talent because his abilities were not as great as the other two Mt. 25:18 He refused to use his talent

The Unfaithful One This is a common sin among church members today Many are baptized into Christ then do nothing His sin was of omission Js. 4:17 Heb. 2:3

The Unfaithful One “The chief sin in the church today is neglect of duty, a failure to develop and use our talents, a a failure to work, study, pray, worship, and give of our time, talent and money to the Lord.”

A Bad Attitude Mt. 25:24 He had the wrong attitude toward his Master Many like that in the church today Mt. 11:30

A Bad Attitude Mt. 25:25 He was also afraid! FEAR keeps many from serving Christ as they should

Talent Taken Away Mt. 25:25-28 One lost his talent because he did not use it – the other gained more talents because he used what he had! “Use or Lose”

Talent Taken Away What if we neglect: prayer study worship to sing

The Stewardship of Talents 3-8-09 Conclusion Mt. 25:26, 30 Wicked = had the wrong attitude toward his master Slothful = hid is talent and refused to work He lost his talent is this life and his soul in eternity! Js. 4:17 N.T expository, Christian Living