The Parable Of The Talents

[Albert Finch]

(Read Matthew 25:14-30)

The parable of the talents emphasizes that not all believers are given the same level of callings and gifts. The man who travels to the far country is Jesus and the servants represent us. A talent is a measure of money that represents the level of our call and gifts. Two important points in this parable:

1. All of the servants are given something -- this tells us that there is not one person in the church without a call on their life, accompanied by gifts.

2. The different levels of calls and gifts given to each of the servants were according to their own ability. Our ability is also given by God. We have nothing of value that was not given to us.

1 Corinthians 4:7 - "For who differs from another? And what do you have that you did not receive?"

Contrast the action of the third servant with that of the first two:

The faithful servants "went and traded" (v.16). The fearful one "went and dug" (V.18).
The first two invested. The last one buried.
The first two went out and took RISK. The third played it safe.
The reaction of the master to the first two--"Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things, I will make your ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
The reaction of the master over the third servant--"and cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (V.30)."

The sin was not mismanagement, but misunderstanding. The one-talent servant NEVER KNEW HIS MASTER. He should have. He lived under his roof and shared his address. He knew his face, his name, but HE NEVER KNEW HIS MASTER'S HEART.

Fears List

For fear of doing the wrong thing for God, I do nothing for God.

For fear of making the wrong kingdom decision, I make no kingdom decision.

For fear of messing up, I miss out.

Affirmations

I PRAY DAILY TO THE GOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, FOR THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. (Ephesians 1:17)

I BELONG TO CHRIST, WHO WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD, THAT I BEAR FRUIT UNTO HIM. (Romans 7:4)

JUST LIKE THE TREE OF LIFE NEAR THE THRONE OF GOD, I CONTINUALLY YIELD A FRESH CROP OF FRUIT. (Revelation 22:,1,2)