2. The Talents
Be Productive
Matthew 25:14-30

3. The Parable Examined Distribution:
Left his goods in the charge of his servants (14)
Three servants were given three different amounts (15)
Expectation to do something with the goods (16-18)
A talent = 20 years wages for a common laborer

4. The Parable Examined Accounting:
5 & 2 talent servants received accordingly (20-23)
One talent servant chose to do nothing
He made excuses
“You are a hard man” (24)
“I was afraid” (25a)
He tried to deflect attention from his inaction (25b)
No increase was unacceptable (26-27)

5. Stewardship
“Steward”—“the manager of a household or estate.” One entrusted with property of another
Stewards are expected to be faithful with their charge (1 Cor. 4:2)
Whatever we have has come from God (1 Cor. 4:7; cf. 1 Cor. 10:26)

6. Stewardship Good stewardship determined by productivity
5 or 2 talents? “…according to his own ability” (15)
5 and 2 talent men were commended and rewarded. Though different in original amounts, they both gained 100%
One talent man could have gained something (27)
This calls to mind (Matt. 16:27)

7. Practical Observations All Christians are not equally equipped
Moses was not a good speaker (Ex. 4:10-14)
Even spiritual gifts were individual (1 Cor. 12:7-11)
Whatever one has, he is responsible for what he does with it (Rom. 14:12)
By proper employment of what one has, increase will result (Gal. 6:8)

8. Practical Observations
Everyone will be judged individually (2 Cor. 5:10)
All who are slothful will blame someone else (Gen. 3:9-13)
People will be judged unacceptable not only for doing what is wrong, but also for neglecting to do what is right (James 4:17)