Giving of talents

Talents are given and sustained by God

1 Corinthians 4:7 KJV 1900

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?

Skill, ability and knowledge given by God for the making of the Tent of Meeting:

Ex 28:3; Ex 31:3–6; Ex 35:31–35; Ex 36:1–2

Dt 8:18; 2 Sa 22:34–35; Ps 18:33–34; Mt 25:15; Ac 7:10; Ro 12:6; 1 Co 12:7–8; 2 Co 3:5; Eph 3:7; Eph 4:7

Talents differ

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.

See also 2 Ch 2:13–14; Ro 12:6; 1 Co 7:7; 1 Co 12:4–6; Eph 4:11

Talents need to be developed

2 Timothy 1:6 KJV 1900

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

See also Mt 25:16–30; 1 Ti 4:14

Talents are to be devoted to God

For his own glory

1 Peter 4:11 KJV 1900

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

See also Ex 35:10; Ex 35:25; 1 Ki 7:40; 1 Ch 9:13; Ps 33:2–3; Ps 137:4–5; 1 Co 10:31

For the good of others

1 Peter 4:10 KJV 1900

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

See also 1 Co 12:7; 1 Co 14:12; Eph 4:12

Talents are to be accounted for

Matthew 25:19 KJV 1900

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

See also Mt 21:34; Lk 12:48

Rewards according to use or misuse of talents

Matthew 25:21 KJV 1900

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.

See also Mt 25:23–30