Use It Or Loose It

Atrophy Defined 1 : decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue 2 : a wasting away or progressive decline Webster’s Dictionary

Causes of Atrophy “Causes of atrophy include mutations (which can destroy the gene to build up the organ), poor nourishment, poor circulation, loss of hormonal support, loss of nerve supply to the target organ, excessive amount of apoptosis of cells, and disuse or lack of exercise or disease intrinsic to the tissue itself…” - WikipediA.com, Atrophy

Introduction We all experience some level of physical atrophy As we age, muscles loose tone & mass Solomon eludes to this in his description of aging Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 But there is also spiritual atrophy If we don’t use it - we can loose it! This principle is illustrated in the parable of the talents Matthew 25:14-30 Eccl. 12:1-7 - READ Matt. 25:14-30 - Read while on next slide

The Lord’s Coming Judgment Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 25:31-46 Parable of the Wise & Foolish Virgins Preparation & Watchfulness Parable of the Talents Working for Christ & Productivity The Coming Of Christ In His Glory The Day of The Final Judgment Matt. 25:14-30 - READ

The Parable of the Talents Explained The Application The Lord Christ Servants Jesus’ disciples Distribution of talents Individual abilities & opportunities Return of their Lord Second coming of Christ The accounting by their Lord The final judgment The profit reported The fruit of spiritual work Joy of the Lord Heaven Outer darkness Hell Faithful servants Faithful working Christians Unfaithful servant Slothful/lazy disciples

All Men Were Give Talents Matthew 25:14-15 The distribution of talents made by their Lord Talents - A large sum of money Five Two One The Lord wants a return based on our abilities We have different abilities & must produce We all must do our part - 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 The amount based on the ability of each man Matt. 25:14-15 - For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

The Results Matthew 25:16-18 All three men were servants of their Lord Were obligated to be good servants and work for their Lord We as Christians are commanded to use our abilities and talents for the cause of Christ The Lord wants a return on His investment in us John 15:1-8 Matt. 25:16-18 - Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. John 15:1-8 - READ

The Results Matthew 25:16-18 The men with five & two talents doubled their amount Through trade, diligent efforts and hard work these men used the money entrusted to them to gain a double amount more The man who received the least of all hid his talent He made no effort to even try - he buried his talent Matt. 25:16-18 - Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Their Lord Was Pleased Matthew 25:19-23 The two faithful men are praised for their work “well done” - vss. 21, 23 The Lord commends these two men “thou good and faithful servant” - vss. 21, 23 These men are rewarded “thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” - vss. 21, 23 They are invited to share his joy “enter thou into the joy of thy lord” - vss. 21, 23 Matt. 25:19-23 - 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

One Man Makes Excuse Matthew 25:24-25 The slothful man blamed his failure on his Lord “Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed” - vs. 24 He said that the was afraid and hid his talent “…I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth…” - vs. 25 This man tried appeasing his Lord by retuning the talent “lo, there thou hast that is thine” - vs. 25 Matt. 25:24-28 - 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

His Lord’s Response Matthew 25:26-27 He called this man what he really was “Thou wicked and slothful servant” - vs. 26 His Lord told him what he should have done “Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury” - vs. 27 Matt. 25:26-27 - 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

His Lord’s Punishment Matthew 25:28-30 His Lord takes away his unused talent “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents” - vs. 28 His Lord expresses His displeasure in the slothful man “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath” - vs. 29 His Lord renders severe punishment and casts him out “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” - vs. 30 Matt. 25:28-30 - 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Applications God does not appreciate the fearful and lazy Revelation 21:8 Matthew 10:28 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 Proverbs 10:4-5; 12:24; 15:19; 19:15; 21:25-26 Romans 12:11; James 4:17 Be faithful in using your abilities and opportunities 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Rev. 21:8 - But the fearful (cowardly), and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Matt. 10: 28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 2 Thess. 3:10-11 - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Prov. 10:4-5 - He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Prov. 12:24 - The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Prov. 15:19 - The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Prov. 19:15 - Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Prov. 21:25-26 - As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. Rom. 12:11 - Not slothful in business (lagging in diligence) ; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Jas. 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. 1 Cor. 4:1-2 - Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Applications Christians are stewards of Gods word - Matthew 25:14-15 Apply it to yourself and teach others There will be a day of accounting and reckoning 2 Corinthians 5:10 Romans 14:12 The wicked and lazy will be condemned to eternal hell fire Matthew 25:25-26, 30 Matt 25:14-15 - For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 2 Cor. 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Rom. 14:12 - So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Matt. 25:25-26, 30 - 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 30 'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

Recognizing Your Talents We all have talents, but not the same or equal numbers The number and kind may vary Some are easier to recognize than others Wealth, education, positions of influence, intelligence, good looks Some need to be discovered and developed May determine through diligent efforts Make diligent effort to develop your abilities Seek advice from others Others can often see our strengths and weakness

Use Your Talents To God’s Glory Don’t bury your talents like the slothful man did Develop your talents Seek to grow in God’s grace on go on to perfection Hebrews 5:12-6:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:17-18 Glorify God with the talents you are blessed with by serving Him faithfully as a servant should Heb. 5:12-6:2 - 2 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 2 Tim. 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Pet. 3:17-18 - Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Use It Or Loose It!

“…what shall we do?” Acts 2:37 18 Alien sinners must… Hear the Gospel – Romans 10:17 Believe – John 8:34 Repent – Acts 17:30 Confess Christ – Matthew 10:34 Be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38 An erring child of God must Repent & Pray Acts - Acts 8:22 Christians must live “faithful unto death” Revelation 2:10 “…what shall we do?” Acts 2:37 Acts 2:37 - 26 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Jn. 8:34 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Acts. 17:30-31 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Matt. - 10:34 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:22 - Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.