1. Will You Make It! Matthew 25:14-30

2. Background Matthew 24 – Olivet Discourse Signs of the 2 nd coming of Christ Matthew 25 comprises 2 parables. Message in Matthew 25 1.Watch for the Lord’s return 2. Work whilst waiting for the Lord’s return.

3. Two (2) Parables 1. Parable 10 virgins 2. Parable of the talents 1. Parable of the 10 virgins  5 wise  5 foolish Oil Holy Spirit 5 wise virgins filled with the Holy Spirit. How? Readiness while waiting

4. 2. Parable of the Talent Message – focus on watching / readiness manifested in diligent work. Illustration 4 (four) R’s aspects of spiritual opportunities. 1. Responsibility entrusted 2. Response to the responsibility entrusted 3. Reckoning on day of accountability 4. Rewards gain.

5. 1. Responsibility Entrusted  Kingdom of heaven – not in Greek.  Man traveling to a far country.  Man Jesus Christ  called his own servants Servants Believers Servants means duolos Compose all kinds of servants  common  skilled  highly trained

6. God’s sovereign right to distribute 1 st servant – given 5 talents 2 nd servant – given 2 talents 3 rd servant – given 1 talent 1 talent – largest measurement of money. Equivalent to 1001bs. Talents belong to the master. Meaning 100 lbs bag of silver

7. Talents Talents can also include:  gifting – preaching, teaching etc  talents – musical, vocal etc  ministry – youth, children etc  finances – money, property etc Note: each servant given according to their ability. Master knows his servants well.

8. 2. Response to the Responsibility (v16-18) 1 st servant immediately traded them. Immediately implies the servant:  Diligent  Industrious  Prudent As long as the master is away, he keep investing. Did not sit back

9. 2. Response to the Responsibility (v16-18) 2 nd servants traded. Gained 2 more talents Both servants demonstrated 1. Supreme commitment 2. Maximizing opportunity Though given different talents, have same obligation to maximize their opportunities.

10. 2. Response to the Responsibility (v16-18) 3 rd servant behavior radically different. Hid the talents given Hiding valuables in the ground. common practice.  no bank vaults  no safe deposit box

11. Not given talent to protect it But to trade the talent. Simple and sensible way to protect something valuable. 2. Response to the Responsibility (v16-18) Given to invest the talent.

12. 3. Reckoning on the day of accountability A long time – exactly how long  not specified  not important Fact is the master return. He will come back unexpectedly Jesus will also come back the same way. Parable – 10 virgins

13. 3. Reckoning on the day of accountability 1 st order of business is settled account. 1 st servant – he gained 5 more talents  was not boasting  merely reporting the facts Master’s response:-  well done  good  faithful

14. 3. Reckoning on the day of accountability 2 nd servant – gained 2 more talents. Same commendation:  well done  good  faithful Master commends their attitudes Not just their accomplishments

15. 3. Reckoning on the day of accountability 3 rd servant did not present any earnings instead he:- 1. Accuse the master of:  dishonestly  being unmerciful  hard hearted 2. Gave excuse.  I was afraid

16. 3. Reckoning on the day of accountability Master’s response to the servant:  wicked  lazy Okneros gives a picture of a person who  does nothing  apathetic Wicked - assassinate master’s character. Lazy – did nothing with the talent

17. 3. Reckoning on the day of accountability Romans times bank gives 6% interest for fixed deposit. Attitude of the servant reflects:- 1. total irresponsibility 2. indifference 4. unfruitful 5. unprofitable 3. faithless Achreius – means:  useless  good for nothing

18. 4. Rewards gain 1 st and 2 nd servant:  ruler of many things  enter into the joy of the Lord 3 rd servant:  take away his talent  give to the 1 st servant  Cast into outer darkness  Weeping and gnashing of teeth.

19. 4. Rewards gain Note the phrase – Cast out Meaning – must be in the first place Cast out – ek-ballo, which means:-  to drive out  to throw out  to expel  to kick out Outer darkness – refers to hell.

20. 4. Rewards gain Weeping and gnashing of teeth What does this mean? Conclusion Jesus is coming again. God has given us talents. Are you using your talents? If not, lets start now.