2. Scene 1: The beach. Children building a sandcastle. Though they labor all day they know it will not last. Scene 2: A man builds a house for himself and his family. Daily he works and plans for the future. He works all his life.

3. This lesson is a study of Matthew 25, and the message of Jesus. We need to ask ourselves: 1.“Where are we building?” 2.“How are we building?” 3.“What is the focus of our lives?”

4. Watch/Be Prepared Matthew 25:1-13  At an unknown time the Lord will return. 2 Peter 3:10  At the second coming of Christ, we will be caught up together with Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:7-10; Matthew 25:11-12  The Lord will deny those who do not follow Him or obey Him. Matthew 7:21-23; 25:13

5. Watch/ Be Prepared Matthew 25:1-13 Again, ask yourself these questions: Where are we building? How are we building? What is the focus of our lives?

6. Don’t Fear Matthew 25:14-30  The master entrusted to each servant a certain amount. Matthew 25:14-15 Steward- A manager or superintendent to whom the head of the house or proprietor has entrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age.

7. Don’t Fear Matthew 25:14-30  The master entrusted to each servant a certain amount. (verse 15) 1 Corinthians 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. (NKJV)

8. Don’t Fear Matthew 25:14-30  The master entrusted to each servant a certain amount. (verse 15)  The master gave according to ability: five, two, and one talent.  What is your talent level?  What is your ability?  Are you a one, two, or five talent person?  If you are a two, performing on level one, will God be happy with you?

9. Don’t Fear Matthew 25:14-30  The master entrusted to each servant a certain amount. (verse 15)  The master gave according to ability: five, two, and one talent. READ Matthew 25:16-25  It is fear that so often cripples us in the Lord’s work. Verse 25- “I was afraid.”

10. Don’t Fear Matthew 25:14-30 What are we afraid to do? 1.Preach. 2.Teach a class. 3.Lead Prayer. 4.Do personal work. 5.Visit the sick. 6.Cook for someone if needed. 7. Comfort those who need to be comforted. 8.Financially support good works. 9.Cut the grass of someone who can’t. 10.Keep someone’s children if it will help them.

11. Don’t Fear Matthew 25:14-30  The master entrusted to each servant a certain amount. (verse 15)  The master gave according to ability: five, two, and one talent.  It is fear that so often cripples us in the Lord’s work. (verses 26-30)  What the one talent man called “fear,” the Lord called “wicked and lazy.”

12. The Importance of Love Matthew 25:31-46  What do we see in these verses? It is love that prompts us to: 1.Prepare food and take it to someone in need. 2.Take a stranger into our home and give shelter. 3.Visit those in prison. 4.Provide clothing for those who need it.

13. The Importance of Love Matthew 25:31-46  What do we see in these verses? This is love in action Love is something that is demonstrated. Love desires what is best for the other person. Love feeds, gives drink, clothes, visits. Love is seen in the actions of the child of God as he or she goes about doing God's will. And even the smallest action of this nature is noticed by God.

14. The Importance of Love Matthew 25:31-46  What do we see in these verses? Matthew 10:42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold [water] in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward. (NKJV) Back to the text… Matthew 25:41-46

15. We are just passing through life. “Life is not so bad if you realize it is only temporary.” 1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I beg [you] as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, Psalm 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I [am] a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers [were.] (NKJV)