Serving The Lord - Ex 23:25-26

Context

3 servants

servant A - 5 talents and returns 10,

servant B- 2 talents and returns 4,

servant C - 1 talent and returns 0 (zero)

The master

The lord returns after a long time and want a report

Report of servant A & B

2 x Servants went and traded, 1x servant digged in the earth and hid the talent

Character of servants A & B

good and faithful (Mat 25 21,23)

Reward for the A & B servants- who traded

and will be made ruler over much

shall have abundance (from those who are not using their talent)

No Excuses

They put themselves to work and doubled the talent

Report of servant C

no trade, no increase.

hid the talent

Excuse/accusation for servant C -

hard master and

reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you didnt strawed

Character of servant C

wickedness and slothfulness Mat 25:26

Characterised as unprofitable servant - Mat 25:30

Reward

The one talent taken away and given to servant A (who has 10 talents).

Cast out in the outer darkness

Intro

Serving God is an important aspect of life (Mat 25:14-30)

This morning the spirit is leading to the parable of the talents explicited by Christ. here Jesus is elaborating on one of kingdom’s likeness

What Do They Need To Know

Put your gift to good use

scripture 1 Timothy 6:20 “20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:”

story

application

Every gift we have is from God and for God’s glory

scripture James 1:17 “17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” 1 Corinthians 4:7 “7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”

story -

application

God gives according to our ability - do not envy your neighbors gifts

scripture Matthew 25:15 “15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”

story

application

God gifts for us can be exceptionally amazing

scripture Ephesians 3:20 “20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” 1 x talent had a value of 6000 denarri which was someone salary of 15 to 20 years x 5 = 100/75 years x 2 = 200/150 years of labour. God can bless you beyond your imagination

story

application

Fight laziness & wickedness (selfishness - dont want others to profit of your gift)

scripture Matthew 25:26 “26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:” Proverbs 20:4 “4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; Therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.” Romans 12:11 “11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Proverbs 6:6–10 “6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, And gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep:” Wickedness could be interpreted as evil of not wanted to share in with others of your good gifts. Freely have you received, freely give.

story -

There is a language i usually dont like even at work: “I owe you” or “You owe me” people say that usually when you have done something for them and they feel obliged to return the favor. We must not always expect something in return. This could sound like manipulation on my behalf, so when i am in need i come to you, you must do i because I did something for you initially.

Some people expect to always be recognised for doing something - not necessarily. Especially serving God -

application - serving God requires fervency, not slothfulness

What Do They Need To Do

Be aware that you are God’s minister and steward. 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 “1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Put your talent to work for God’s glory

Dont be selfish with what God has entrusted you with

teward and Pray that you multiply what God has given you

Why Do They Need To Know

Why Do They Need To Do

Reward on earth and heaven

Proof of love and faithfulness to God - 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 “1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Reiteration