ER12.   The Need for Faithfulness: Parables of the Talents and Minas

 

1.         The Parable of the Talents and Minas

o    The Parable of the Talents (Matt.25:14-30 and the Parable of the Minas (Luke19:11-27 have some similarities, and should be read and studied together

o    Parables are stories that have a central theme and present a spiritual truth

o    Some Key details in the parable will have actual meaning to convey the spiritual truth

 

2.      The Parable of the Talents

o    Mat 25:14  "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.

Mat 25:15  And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

Mat 25:16  Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.

Mat 25:17  And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.

Mat 25:18  But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.

Mat 25:19  After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Mat 25:20  "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'

Mat 25:21  His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

Mat 25:22  He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'

Mat 25:23  His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

Mat 25:24  "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

Mat 25:25  And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'

Mat 25:26  "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.

Mat 25:27  So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

Mat 25:28  So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

Mat 25:29  'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

Mat 25:30  And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

 

3.      The Parable of the Minas

o    Luk 19:11  Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.

o    Luk 19:12  Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.

o    Luk 19:13  So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'

o    Luk 19:14  But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'

o    Luk 19:15  "And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

o    Luk 19:16  Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.'

o    Luk 19:17  And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'

o    Luk 19:18  And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.'

o    Luk 19:19  Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.'

o    Luk 19:20  "Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief.

o    Luk 19:21  For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.'

o    Luk 19:22  And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.

o    Luk 19:23  Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'

o    Luk 19:24  "And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.'

o    Luk 19:25  (But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.')

o    Luk 19:26  'For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

o    Luk 19:27  But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.' "

 

4.      The basic story in both Parables is the essentially the same

o     A master (nobleman) takes a trip to a far country (to receive a Kingdom) and return

o    The master entrusts his goods to his servants while he is away on his journey

o    In the Parable the servant is entrusted according to his capacity, or ability to manage (Matt.25:15)

o    In the Parable of the Minas, each servant receives the same amount, one Mina (Luk.19:13)

o    When the master returns he evaluates each servant on their stewardship of his goods, and the increase that he has made

o    The master clearly expects an increase or gain from what has been entrusted to the servant.

o    A gain represents a degree of faithfulness with the entrustment on the part of the servant

o    After his evaluation the master rewards or recompenses each servant according to the increase gained

o    The two faithful servants receive reward, the unfaithful servant suffers loss

 

5.      The Setting or Context of the Parables

 

  (i).   The Setting for the Parable of the Minas

o     The setting for this Parable is in Jericho, in the open among the crowd

o     Zaccheus has just responded to Jesus who declared salvation had come to his house

o    A great crowd was gathered and expected Jesus to set up His Kingdom immediately

o    Luk 19:11  Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.

o    Jesus told the parable to explain that the nobleman (Christ) would go away to receive His Kingdom and would return

o    Prior to His departure He entrusts His ten servants each with one Mina, and requires that they do business on His behalf until He return

o    Luk 19:13  So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'

o    At His return He will evaluate their stewardship with the prospect of great reward, or loss

 

  (ii). The Setting for the Parable of the Talents (Matt.25)

o    The Setting of this Parable is Jesus Mount Olivet teaching Matt.24-25

o    Jesus had warned His disciples of the impending destruction of the temple they were admiring

o    His disciples privately asked Him when these things would happen and the signs of the end of the age and His coming as King to reign

o    The parables He shared in Matt.24-25 concern end-time events and warnings to His disciples

 

 (iii).   The Prophetic Warning in these Parables

o    The Parables cover the entire period from the noble man’s departure until his return

o    It covers the entire period of the Church from Jesus ascent until His Return

o    When Jesus returns it will be to establish His Kingdom and rule over the earth

o    To establish His Kingdom and rule He will need servants to assist Him who are trustworthy

o    Before He departs, He sets out plans for the selection of those who He can trust to aid Him in the expansion and administration of His coming Kingdom

o    God deliberately sets in place a prolonged period of time between His departure and return to test His servants in His absence to discover who are faithful and will qualify for positions of responsibility and trust at His return.

o    Jesus plan is in operation at this present time.

o    The key Issue in Jesus plan is how his servants demonstrate their faithful service to Him in His absence:

Luk 16:10  He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

Luk 16:11  Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Luk 16:12  And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?

o    The focus is not how much is entrusted, but our faithfulness with it. At stake are “true riches”

o    Every believer is on a personal journey reveal if they are faithful and trustworthy, and their capacity for responsibility and authority in the Kingdom

o    He has designed a plan to discover who is suited and their capacity.

o    The goods entrusted are small….but the returns possible are enormous

Mat 25:21  His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

o    Luk 19:17  And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'

 

6.      The Focus of Both Parables is the Servant who Failed

 

   (i). The Main Emphasis in Both Parables is the Third Servant

o    There are seven verses concerning the third servant who failed and suffered loss,  but only three verses each to the successful servants

o    Immediately prior to the parable of the talents Jesus spoke two other parables concerning His Return:

§ The parable of the wise and foolish servant (Matt.24:44-51)

§ The parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matt. 25:1-13)  

o    The servant who failed and the virgins who failed are also the principle focus of Jesus teaching in the previous two parables. There are also more verses on these than the ones who were successful.

o    Immediately prior to teaching this parable Jesus warned us to watch and be ready (Matt.25:13)

 

o    The identity of the third servant is therefore the key focus of the parable

o    Unless we see that servant could be us, and what we could lose, we will miss the main point.

o    We automatically resist the thought that we could be that unfaithful servant, in spite of this person being  focus of Jesus teaching in all three parables

o    However, if we act or live like that servant, then we will experience what he experienced rebuke and loss

o    The contention many people have is with the third servant being a believer, possibly me!

 

  (ii).  What is the evidence that the Third Servant is a Believer?

o    Jesus calls them his own servants

Mat 25:14  "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.

Servant”…Gk. Doulos…slave, one bought for a price, one devoted to another

Jesus calls His own servants and trusts them to care for His interest as their own

The servants differ in capacity, and talents entrusted, but all share a common goal of service

It is that entrustment to serve that causes him to be a servant

1Co 6:20  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

o    Every Believer is called a Servant of Jesus

Col 3:22  Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

Col 3:23  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Col 3:24  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Jesus does not call the unsaved His servants, nor entrust them with advancing His Kingdom

 

o    Every believer has an assignment, a personal service to Jesus

Eph 2:10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Our works are things that we do.

They are the basis for developing our faithfulness to Christ before His return.

 

o    Possessions or “Goods” given by Jesus to His servants could include

The Holy Spirit, The Gifts of the Spirit, The Gospel, Material Resources, Opportunities, Assignments

Jesus gives gifts to His Church to use for service in His absence

He gives spiritual gifts to the Body Rom.12, 1Cor.12, Eph.4:11,

1Pe 4:10  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Every believer is expected to steward the gifts that he has received

 

o    The Third Servant is entrusted along with the other servants with the Lord’s goods.

Christ never entrusts His work to the unsaved. This man is the servant of the Lord and a believer.

 

o    All the servants are called to give account to Jesus at the same time

o    The Judgment Seat of Christ is not an evaluation of our “position.”

o    It is an evaluation of our works, our experience here on earth, how we actually lived and served, or not served.

o    All three servants are judged together. The third servant is the last to be judged

o    All the rest are judged at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ, at the Great White Throne

 

o    All three servants are judged solely on their works, not their position (status)

Their faith in and love for their absent master is assumed. Their status as servant of Jesus is never challenged

They are judged on what they have done, and who they have become

The third servant  is "the servant which knew his Lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will" (Luke 12:47).

 

o    In the Parable of the Minas, the Lord’s servants are contrasted with citizens who refuse His reign

The Servants are those who are saved and are entrusted with His goods

One servant is unfaithful in his service and suffers rebuke and loss

The Citizens are those who refuse His reign and openly rebel

 

7.           How did the Third Servant Fail?

    (i).  He undervalued what Jesus had given him

Mat 25:18  But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.

Luk 19:20  "Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief.

The servant only received one talent, one Mina. He did not value its importance

There are few five talent and two talent people. The majority are one talent capacity people

We must value what we have and use what we have in service

 

o    Paul warned Timothy about the danger of undervaluing the gift entrusted to him

1Ti 4:14  Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

“Neglect”…..Gk. Amelio…..to be careless of: - make light of neglect be negligent not regard.

All that is entrusted to us is of value in serving and developing faithfulness

 

   (ii). He did not understand the plan of Jesus to qualify him for sharing rulership in His Kingdom

It is the plan of the Future King that the servants first prove their faithfulness with a small sum of money.

At the return of the King their reward will be sharing with Him in managing part of His Kingdom

Rev 2:26  And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

Jesus reveals the “many things” over which He puts the faithful service signifies royalty

If you do not understand Jesus plan to prepare and qualify you, you will neglect opportunities given

Jesus will treat you in the same manner that He treated the unfaithful servant.

 

  (iii).  Jesus describes him as “wicked, lazy, and unprofitable

o    Jesus describes the third servant as the exact opposite of the first two

o    Instead of "good" and "faithful," He says he is "wicked" and "lazy(slothful)":

Mat 25:26  "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant…”

o    “Wicked”…..Gk. Poneros….hurtful, causing anguish, having a negative influence

o    “Lazy (slothful). Gk.okneros….slow, to delay, to hesitate,

This implies lacking any sense of passion or diligence in serving Jesus. Note Paul’s warning

Rom 12:11  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

o    Unprofitable”…Gk. Achreios…   Lacking any merit, useless, good for nothing

 

   (iv). This servant of God made nothing of his life.

o    All he has done wrong is withholding his abilities and time from serving God

He has not demonstrated love and loyalty to his master in His absence

He hoarded and conserved when he should have invested.

He has no sense of responsibility. His focus is entirely upon himself.

He lives with no consideration that he is failing Jesus test, and disqualifying himself from responsibility  and participation in the coming Kingdom

o    Actually, his wickedness is just his failure to exercise proper stewardship, because in both parables the Lord scolded him that he could have at least produced a minimal return if he had put forth the effort (Matt. 25:27; Lk.19:23).

o    So, the Lord judged him for poor exercise of stewardship as a servant.

 

            (iv).  How did Jesus Describe the other Two Servants?

o     Mat 25:21  His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

o    “Well done”…..This is conferred for one reason alone….They have done well

o    They have remained diligent and engaged in serving during the long delay of Jesus return. 

o    Throughout the appointed season of their lifetime they have remained faithful and productive

o    “Good”…….Gk. Agathos….excellent, distinguished, honorable

o    “Faithful”….Gk. Pistos …trustworthy, reliable in following commands and the execution of duties

o    What qualifies them for reward is not what they received, but the use they made of it

o     It is not the possession of the talents that determines our reward, but solely our use of them

 

   (v).  We must be clear that all three slaves in the story are examples of genuine believers.

o    The difference between the two slaves who produced a profit and the one who did not was their faithfulness in stewardship, not their genuineness as believers.

o    Matt. 25:19 reads: "Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.”

o    This verse speaks of the Judgment Seat of Christ where what we have done in our Christian lives (not pre-conversion) will be manifested and recompensed (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10-12).

o    The recompense (repayment) to the believer there is “according to what he has done,

whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).

In other words, we can receive a positive recompense or a negative one .

o    The two profitable slaves in the parable received a positive recompense, but the

failed slave received a negative recompense.

 

This parable is not for the unsaved.

It is a warning for those who have received Christ to engage in His service and not to hide their talent

If we act or live like that servant, then we will experience what he experienced..rebuke and loss

 

 

 

8.          The Reward and The Loss

   (i).  The Reward: Ruling with Christ in His Kingdom

o    In the Parable of the Talents, each servant is given a differing amount related to different capacity (Mat.25:15)

o    Mat 25:21  His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

o    Both the servant given five talents and the servant given two talents come boldly forward (1Jn.2:28, and 1Jn.4:18)

o    They have both exercised all their gifts and abilities for the interests of their master

o    They have demonstrated love and loyalty to their master during the period of His absence

o    They have been faithful.They have doubled their talents. They each produced 100 fold increase.

o    Their Reward:

§ They are both commended equally

§ They are both invited to enter and experience the joy of their Lord in His Kingdom

§ They are both given responsibility and authority in establishing & governing His Kingdom.

o    It is not the number of talents we possess that is important, it is the faithfulness and diligence we demonstrate over a long time to produce fruit for Jesus in His absence

o    In the parable of the Minas, each servant is given the same amount, the same opportunity

o    The servant who is more productive is rewarded in a greater measure

Luk 19:16  Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.'

Luk 19:17  And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'

o    Luk 19:18  And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.'

Luk 19:19  Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.'

o    The reward is a city. The more devoted the life the more intense the glory and honor

o    Note:

Greater diligence and fruitfulness resulted in greater rewards

Equal diligence and faithfulness resulted in equal rewards..the number of talents received is not important

 

  (ii).  The Loss: Exclusion from Stewardship and Ruling in the Kingdom

o    The servant who received one talent was deemed wicked and lazy because he put no effort into stewarding and increasing what he was entrusted.

o    He was rebuked for what he failed to do

o    As a result of his failure, his stewardship was taken away from him

Mat 25:28  So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

o    Instead of ruling and reining with Christ he lost his stewardship

o    Instead of entering into the joy of his master,  he was thrown into “Outer Darkness”, a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth”

o    Mat 25:30  And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

 

  (iii). What is “Outer Darkness”?

o    Many Christians think that “outer darkness” refers to hell.

o    This is a mistake and brings confusion concerning the real possibility of a believer being excluded from ruling with Christ in His coming Kingdom

o    Outer darkness does not refer to hell. It is referring to a different state or condition

o    The final fate of the lost is called “the lake of fire”(Rev.20:15)

o    In the parable of the talents the penalty is called “outer darkness”.

o    “Outer darkness” means exclusion from sharing the joy and glory of Christ in the Millennial Kingdom

o    The marriage supper and the Kingdom are full of light. “Outer darkness” means to  be outside or to be excluded, and therefore to be in darkness

 

  (iv). What is “weeping and gnashing of teeth”?

o    Weeping”…refers to great sorrow as the Christian realises too late, that he has missed out on the very purpose of his calling and wasted the opportunities given to prepare for eternity

o    Gnashing of teeth”…refers to great anger and frustration at his failure to prepare for his future by being a good and faithful servant of Jesus when he had the opportunity.

o    He will forfeit an abundant entrance into the Kingdom, and the first resurrection which provides that entrance (2Pet.1:10-11)

o    Two scriptures that point to the possibility of reigning with Christ in the Kingdom and sharing His glory, or being excluded from reigning and sharing His glory

o    2Ti 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

o    Rom 8:16  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Rom 8:17  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

 

  (v). The Judgment on the Wicked among Israel and the Gentiles. "

o    Luk 19:14  But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'

o    Luk 19:27  But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.' "

o    Following the judgment and distribution of praise, rewards, and penalties to His servants the King then proceeds to execute vengeance upon all his enemies who rejected Him

o    This may refer not only to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, but also the impending judgment on those who reject Christ

 

 

9.         What Does it Mean to Be Faithful?

 

   (i).  Why is Faithfulness so Important?

 

o    God is Faithful

Deu 7:9  "Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

o    Jesus Modelled Faithfulness

Heb 3:1  Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

Heb 3:2  who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.

o    Faithfulness is Required of Sons

Heb 3:5  And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward,

Heb 3:6  but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

1Co 4:17  For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

o    Faithfulness is Required of All Servants

1Co 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

o    Faithfulness is Required in All Emerging Leaders

2Ti 2:2  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

o    Faithfulness is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

o    Love and gentleness develop by the work of the Holy Spirit in our heart and life, so also faithfulness is something that grows and develops as we surrender to obey the Holy Spirit  daily

Daily Prayer: “Lord, create in me a faithful and loyal heart”

 

o    Jesus will Reward Faithfulness

Mat 25:21  His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

Rev 17:14  These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."

 

   (ii). What does Faithful mean?

o    Definition:

§ Strict or thorough in the performance of duty:       a faithful worker.

§ True to one’s word, promises, vows, etc; reliable, trusted.

§ Steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant:    faithful friends.

§ Adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate: 

a faithful accounta faithful copy.

o    Faithfulness hinges upon what we value as important combined with commitment to it

 

  (iii). How can I develop Faithfulness?

o    God is not looking for perfection or people who seem to have it all together. He is

          simply searching for those who will be committed and faithful.

§  Faithfulness is being loyal, steadfast, and dependable. 

§  Faithfulness is the fruit of a trusting believing heart

§  Faithfulness does not mean that we will be perfect. It does not mean that we won’t struggle or that we won’t make poor decisions.

§   It does mean that we will continue to trust in God and try to follow His commandments even when life is difficult. 

§  Your gifts and resources may be limited, but the possibility of being faithful is unlimited

 

o    Faithfulness is cultivated in many different ways

§ Personal Devotional Life ( Priesthood)

Maintaining Christ as the first affection of your heart

Faithfulness in secret with God will lead to a life of faithfulness – fruit that others can taste and see and be blessed by.

Remaining constant in following Christ during difficult times

§  Obedience to God in little Matters

Following Jesus instructions regardless of the consequences, or if you cannot see the outcome

Choosing to please God rather than please and conform to people’s expectations

Holding firmly to Christ and His words in the midst of adversity, difficulty, disappointment, mistreatment, or loneliness

Turning to Jesus instead of substitutes, when you feel overwhelmed by life’s circumstances

§  Small Tasks:

Treating small insignificant tasks as an act of worship and service to God

Completing small tasks, with excellence and care for detail, on time

§  Words:

Keeping your word. Fulfilling the promises that you make

Keeping confidences. Refusing to gossip

§  Holding God’s Word in your heart and mouth

§  Giving an honest answer when it is painful to do

§  Time:

Placing God first in our use of time….time alone in His presence and prayer

Treating time as an irreplaceable entrustment and investing it wisely

Planning the investment of your time  in Kingdom priorities

§  Finances:

Treating your resources as His property for you to administer, and not your own.

Honouring God with your firstfruits

Regular Giving both spontaneously, and as a planned practice

Learning finance management and wealth building practices

§  Church Family

Remaining loyal to your church family and leaders especially in difficult times

Reliable attendance and participation in Church gatherings

Faithful in prayer and fulfilling responsibilities assigned to us

Remaining steadfast even when offended or facing decisions you disagree with

§  Relationships:

Remaining loyal; and supportive of people God has set in your life, and being there for them especially in trouble, when they have failed or fallen.     

Being there for people when they most need your support   

Refusing to participate in gossip in a personas absence

§  Perseverance

Staying true to the call of God upon your life in the face of pressure and difficulties

Refusing to quit and turn away from following and obeying Jesus and completing the assignment that He has given

Joh 17:4  I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

 

o    When a person walks consistently with God, in humble service to Him, he or she can be called “faithful” and qualified to “rule over many things”

o    Rev 3:21  Therefore be zealous and repent…..To him who overcomes (lukewarmness and spiritual passivity) I will grant to sit with Me on My throne (and reign with Me), as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

o    The position of authority or the work assignment we are entrusted in the Coming Kingdom are dependent upon the faithfulness that we demonstrate in this age

o    The loss of sharing in the kingdom glory and reign will produce profound sorrow, regret and self- blame over the believer‟s failure and loss: “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30).

o    A believer should never minimise this potential loss by thinking, “If I don‟t reign with Christ in His glory that is no big deal. I still belong to Him and will be with Him in eternity.”

o    This loss will be very significant and those who suffer this loss will be greatly affected with sorrow, and regret.

o    The Lord is warning us that we must be ready when He comes at an unknown time, being faithful in our stewardship! There will be an accounting for each of us at the Judgment Seat of Christ!

o    We may not be able to fully understand all what this means, but that should not keep us from accepting this picture of truth that God has given us in His holy word.

 

 

 

10.      Conclusion:

 

   (i). The Clear Application

o    The third servant who hid his talent, and neglected to faithfully serve, was rebuked and excluded from the coming Millennial Kingdom.

o    Whoever is like him will likewise be rebuked and excluded from the coming Millennial Kingdom

o    This life is our appointed test time, our internship, our season of preparation

o    Our use of time will determine our entrance, position and participation in the Coming Millennial Kingdom.

 

   (ii). The Personal Challenge

o    Many Christians struggle with these parables and teachings of Jesus:

§ It makes them uncomfortable

§ It places an expectation upon them to to engage in Spirit led, faithful service

§ They do not wish to seriously consider the possibility that the third servant is them

§ They have no understanding of the importance and value of Eternal Rewards

 

    (iii). What Excuses are you making for Failure to Engage in Faithful Service?

§  Fear?

§  Hurt in the past?

§  Not been thanked or appreciated?

§  Have so little to contribute?

§  Lack ability or training?

§  Other priorities?.......work, marriage, family, busyness?

§  Disappointment at responses of people?

§  Delay in seeing fruit or success?

§  Don’t believe this clear teaching of faithful stewardship?

§  Focus is upon grace and not works?

§  Lack of understanding on the eternal significance of our works?

   

      (iv).  What does it Mean to Faithfully Serve God?

 

11.      Personal Reflection and Application

 

o     What has the Holy Spirit been speaking to you of in this message?

o     What particularly has challenged you

o     What areas of faithfulness do you need to grow in?

o    What actions do you need to take?

o     What areas do you need to grow in faithfulness?

o     What excuses are you making to justify not changing?