THE TREASURE OF TALENTS
MATTHEW 25:14-30
INTRODUCTION:
We have a real treasure within ourselves, that is, the talents that God has given each of us that are to be used to glorify Him. What are we doing with those talents? Perhaps this study will give you insight as to whether you are glorifying the Lord with your talents.
I. ABILITY–the CAPACITY TO SERVE
God has given each of us exactly what we need in order to serve Him.
A. He has give us HIS GRACE in order to do the thing He has called us to do.
Ephesians 4:7-8, But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
2 Corinthians 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
B. He has given the manifestation of the Spirit (the evidence that the Lord lives in us).
1 Corinthians 12:7, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
C. He has given us the RIGHT SPIRIT in order to do the work.
2 Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
II. ANTICIPATION
God will judge each Christian according to HIS SERVICE.
God expects all Christians to serve Him with their God-given talents.
A. We should anticipate God’s call to serve Him by letting His light shire in our lives.
Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
B. The fact that the LORD has chosen us should bring anticipation of the great opportunities of service for Christ.
John 15:16, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
C. We are His workmanship, that is, we were created for this purpose.
Ephesians 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Titus 3:8, This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
III. AVAILABILITY
The greatest ability is availability! Now honestly, are you really available to God?
Isaiah 6:8, Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
“I think it’s time we challenged the notion that the church is a volunteer army. Since when did God give us the option of enlisting? Does He discuss terms of commitment with us? Should faithfulness be expected only of those who get paid for their work?” (Edwin W. Lutzer, pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois).
IV. ACCOUNTABILITY
God will judge each Christian according to HIS SERVICE.
Matthew 25:14-30
A. We have to account to the Lord for the talents He has given to us and how we have used them for His glory.
B. An unfaithful servant will suffer loss of rewards when we stand before the Lord.
2 Corinthians 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.
CONCLUSION:
Our talents may not be many, but they are sufficient for the work the Lord has called us to do. Our responsibility is to put them to use in His service. NOT BODY WAS EVER CALLED TO BE A BENCH WARMER!!!