2. When We Became Christians… We died to sin/self and began to live for God. We became servants/slaves of righteousness. Rom. 6:18 Our purpose: Created in Christ Jesus for good works. Eph. 2:10 Have our fruit to holiness. Rom. 6:19, 22

3. Gifts Given from God: Matthew 25:14-15 who called his own servants and delivered his goods to themeach according to his own ability 14 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man… who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them… 15 each according to his own ability; 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness who called us 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

4. Gifts used… for God’s glory We have been given all things pertaining to life and godliness. 2 Pet. 1:3 We are given (as a gift from God) the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 The Holy Spirit gives differing gifts to different members within the body of Christ. Rom. 12:6-8

5. We are to be neither barren nor unfruitful

6. Not Just Differing Gifts, but Differing Abilities Grace given in different measures: Cp. Matt. 25:15 It is not up to us what we’ve been given. It is up to us to use what we’ve been given. Matt. 25:16-18

7. Use Your Talents Like a Champion! Praying Teaching Serving Encouraging Giving Leading Following Courage

8. Every Talent Is Important The 1 Talent servant is EVERY BIT IMPORTANT as the 5 Talent servant. Matt. 25; 1 Cor. 12:17ff The person who prays for our Bible class teachers are just as vitally important as the Bible class teachers and students that make up that class. Those who financially give for the cause of Christ is as vitally important as those supported to execute that cause.