FaithFew

Introduction

Everybody wants to have a sense of accomplishment in life. Nobody likes feeling useless or not appreciated. We tend to enjoy being a part of what’s new exciting growing and moving forward. For some of us the occasional nod that you’re doing a good job will suffice. For others they may not be satisfied until they have another notch on their life portfolio or resume showing what they have achieved. But at times we feel that challenging experiences stand in the way and keep us from progress, which solicits us to give in to the pressure or opt out by finding another interest. God has a fail proof way to advance us in the kingdom as well as in this life. Let’s look at what Christ says in the scripture…..

Key Points

Matthew 25:14 KJV 1900

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Christ gives illustration and insight on God’s mind by saying how the Kingdom of heaven operates

Christ came preaching repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand

Christ the embodiment of the Kingdom Of Heaven

God’s rule, power, authority, will, mind, all wrapped in Jesus

Matthew 25:15 KJV 1900

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.

God knows me (strengths, weakness, capability, potential

Problem – we over estimate or under estimate our self “…to every man not think more highly than he ought to think; but t be sober, according as God has given to every man the measure of faith” Rom. 12:3

God gives the ability to be responsible. God is at work in me.

Matthew 25:16–17 KJV 1900

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

Using today’s money terms – the servant given $5,000, worked and made $5,000 more; the servant given $2,000, worked and gained $2,000 more

Notice the words made and gained as to denote a different means of profiting, but according to their measured ability.

Don’t compare, or compete with others, cooperate.

Matthew 25:18–19 KJV 1900

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

Reckon – settle the accounts (take his profit and give them what they have earned.)

Matthew 25:20–23 KJV 1900

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

On both occasions the Lord gave the same praise “well done, you good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things” and the reward is “I will make you ruler of many things”.

In the kingdom, the faithful are rewarded. (Leadership, authority, promotion)

To Lead and govern. 2Tim. 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Here’s what I want you to know…..

“The Faithful over a few are blessed with more to rule”

Faithful – God enabling me to actively and consistently fulfill my commitment or responsibility.

God’s ability plus Right response plus consistency equals Faithfulness

This Faithfulness is a by product of the Holy Spirit Gal. 5:22

Luke 16:10 KJV 1900

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

God is looking to bless the faithful

Psalm 101:6 “mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me:…”

Proverbs 28:20a A faithful man shall abound with blessings

Matthew 25:24–25 KJV 1900

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

3 Enemies of Faithfulness

Fear, laziness, and idolatry keeps us from being faithful

Fear

Unknown – God is not asking us to foresee the future outcome of things. He says live by faith.

Rest in knowing that the future belongs to God’s providence. God is faithful and His will shall come to pass.

Matthew 25:26 KJV 1900

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:

Lazy or indifferent attitude – inactivity; useless

Insecure – his attitude was wrong (“do nothing, lose nothing”; “ You were going to leave me nothing so I did nothing”; “If I make no effort then I can’t lose”)

“He who thinks small does little”

Matthew 25:27 KJV 1900

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

Idolatry – self-centered; opens the door for unfaithfulness

Matthew 25:27–30 KJV 1900

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The unfaithful always loses in the end.

Faithfulness is when we choose to honor the Father by not compromising His standards for the gain of this world. He blesses us with favor that opens doors for righteous increase in our endeavors.

Conclusion

Listen, God requires faithfulness. The kingdom operates and expands this way. When we are faithful in every area of our lives there is such an atmosphere of camaraderie, support and cooperation, that those things that seemed unattainable are now no match because everyone is faithfully doing what they been given. The Question is not how much you have, but rather are you faithful with what God has entrusted you with?

…..“The Faithful over a few are blessed with more to rule

God has given you His ability and responsibility

Faithfulness starts with you and God right where you are now. Be faithful with what you have right now.

The Spirit of the Lord is here to help us.

1. Focus on who the Father has given to us. Have you received Jesus Christ as Lord and savior today? Are you faithful to him?

2. Focus on what God has placed in your hands. Are you actively and consistently fulfilling your commitment and responsibility?

Let’s Pray!!!