OceanSide church of Christ
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USE GOD’S GIFTS AT EVERY
The Parable of the
Talents
Victor M.
Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
As we begin this
lesson, let’s define three words.
1.
Steward
a.
One entrusted with another’s goods
b.
Several thoughts come to mind when we think of a
steward.
1)
Money
2)
Faithfulness (I Cor. 4:2)
Moreover
it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3)
Bible example: Joseph while in Potipher’s house (Gen.
39:4)
And Joseph
found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house,
and all that he had he put into his hand.
2.
a.
Webster: a favorable
juncture of circumstances
b.
Book: Special moments when
God has given us the chance both to grow and affect the lives of others at the
same time.
c.
Synonyms: opening, chance,
occasion, possibility
3.
Parable
a.
Literally: to lay along
side
b.
A real earthly story that has laid beside it a spiritual
application
c.
“An earthly story with a heavenly meaning”
B.
This week, we will be
focusing on several parables of Jesus.
Our first one will be “The Parable of the Talents” as recorded in Matthew
25:14-30.
1.
Most members of the
church are very familiar with this parable.
2.
In this lesson, we
want to approach the parable from a different perspective.
a.
The writers of our book have entitled the parable: “The Parable of
Opportunity.”
b.
Explanation: “Each of God’s
gifts to us is exactly that, an opportunity to do His will and glorify His name”
(p. 4).
I.
TALENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE TIED TOGETHER
A.
I Peter
4:10
As every
man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good
stewards of the grace of God.
B.
Any gift, blessing, or
talent God has provided us give us the opportunity to use it in His service and
to His glory.
II.
ALL HAVE BEEN GIVEN TALENTS
A.
This is one of the
plain teachings of the Parable of the Talents (Matt.
25:14-15).
For the
kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own
servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto the 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.
B.
Not all have the same
amount of talents. Not everyone has
the same talents.
1.
Romans
12:6-8
2.
I Corinthians
12:14-20
C.
Since you have a
talent, you also have opportunities to use your talent.
D.
We each need to take
an honest inventory of the talents, abilities, and blessings we have been
given.
III.
OPPORTUNITIES COME IN MANY FORMS
A.
Some opportunities
come with common abilities.
1.
We can all
smile.
2.
We can all say,
“Hello,” and “Thank you.”
3.
We all have the power
of presence.
4.
We can all
write.
5.
Example: Jesus at Jacob’s well (John
4:7)
Then
cometh a woman of
B.
Some opportunities we
create for ourselves (i.e., the woman with the issue of blood, Matt.
9:20-21).
C.
Some opportunities
others create for us (i.e., Barnabas provided John Mark with another opportunity
for a second missionary journey, Acts 15:37, 39).
D.
The providential hand
of God also creates opportunities for us (Esther 4:14).
For if
thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, Then shall there enlargement and
deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s
house shall be destroyed: and who
knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as
this.
IV.
OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO US UNTIL WE
DIE
A.
Many opportunities
come our way each day that allow us to use our talents.
B.
Today’s opportunities
will not pass this way again.
C.
Some opportunities are
“once in a lifetime” opportunities.
D.
The key: Seek to make use of every
opportunity.
1.
This is precisely what
the five talent man and two talent man did (Matt.
25:16-17).
Then he
that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them
other five talents. And likewise he
that had received two, he also gained other two.
2.
This is not what the
one talent man did (Matt. 25:18).
But he
that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s
money.
E.
Lack of use of
opportunities will be one of our greatest regrets.
V.
ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES ARE LINKED TO
A.
Keep in mind that
opportunities come in proportion to the talents that God has given. Thus, God will hold us accountable for
their use (Matt. 25:19).
After a
long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with
them.
B.
Positive use of
talents and opportunities will bring the favor of God and the blessings of God
(Matt. 25:20-23).
And so he
that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord
thou deliver-est unto me five talents:
behold I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou
good and faithful servant: thou has
been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy
lord. He also that have received
two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents
beside them. 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.
C.
A failure to use
talents and opportunities will bring the displeasure and wrath of God upon the
individual (Matt. 25:24-30).
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 has not
strawed; and I was afraid, and went
and hid thy talent in the earth:
and lo, there thou has that is thine. 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:
thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then
at my coming I should have received my own with usury. Take therefore the one talent from him,
and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 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. And cast ye the unprofitable
servant into outer darkness: there
shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
VI.
WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR NOT USING YOUR TALENTS AND
OPPORTUNTIES?
A.
The one talent man
used the excuse of fear (Matt. 25:25).
And I was
afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is
thine.
B.
What are some of our
excuses?
1.
Fear
2.
Too
busy
3.
Disinterested
4.
Anger
5.
Blaming
others
CONCLUSION
A.
We have seen that
God’s gifts, talents, and blessings lead us to
opportunities.
B.
We have also seen that
these are to be used properly and effectively.
C.
We want to close by
leaving you aware that God has expectations of us.
1.
The one talent man did
not use his talent.
2.
Listen to one of the
statements the Lord made to him (Matt. 25:27).
Thou
oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming
I should have received my own with usury.
USE
GOD’S GIFTS AT EVERY
The
Parable of the Talents
Victor
M. Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
As we begin this lesson, let’s define three words.
1.
Steward
a.
One entrusted with another’s goods
b.
Several thoughts come to mind when we think of a steward: money, faithfulness (I Cor. 4:2); and
Josephe (Gen. 39:4).
2.
a.
Webster: a favorable
juncture of circumstances
b.
Book: Special moments when
God has given us the chance both to grow and affect the lives of others at the
same time.
c.
Synonyms: opening, chance,
occasion, possibility
3.
Parable
a.
Literally: to lay along
side
b.
A real earthly story that has laid beside it a spiritual
application
c.
“An earthly story with a heavenly meaning”
B.
Let’s now turn our attention to “The Parable of the Talents” as recorded
in Matthew 25:14-30.
1.
Most members of the church are very familiar with this
parable.
2.
In this lesson, we want to approach the parable from a different
perspective.
a.
The writers of our book have entitled the parable: “The Parable of
Opportunity.”
b.
Explanation: “Each of God’s
gifts to us is exactly that, an opportunity to do His will and glorify His name”
(p. 4).
I.
TALENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE TIED TOGETHER
A.
I Peter 4:10
B.
Any gift, blessing, or talent God has provided us gives us the
opportunity to use it in His service and to His glory.
II.
ALL HAVE BEEN GIVEN TALENTS
A.
This is one of the plain teachings of the Parable of the Talents (Matt.
25:14-15).
B.
Not all have the same amount of talents. Not everyone has the same talents
(
C.
Since you have a talent, you also have opportunities to use your
talent.
D.
We need to take an honest inventory of the talents, abilities, and
blessings we have been given.
III.
OPPORTUNITIES COME IN MANY FORMS
A.
Some opportunities come with common abilities: smiles, hello, thank you, our presence,
writing (Ex.: Jesus at Jacob’s
well, John 4:7).
B.
Some opportunities we create for ourselves (i.e., the woman with the
issue of blood, Matt. 9:20-21).
C.
Some opportunities others create for us (i.e., Barnabas provided John
Mark with another opportunity for a second missionary journey, Acts 15:37,
39).
D.
The providential hand of God also creates opportunities for us (Esther
4:14).
IV.
OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO US UNTIL WE
DIE
A.
Many opportunities come our way each day that allow us to use our
talents.
B.
Today’s opportunities will not pass this way again.
C.
Some opportunities are “once in a lifetime”
opportunities.
D.
The key: Seek to make use of
every opportunity.
1.
This is precisely what the five talent man and two talent man did (Matt.
25:16-17).
2.
This is not what the one talent man did (Matt.
25:18).
E.
Lack of use of opportunities will be one of our greatest
regrets.
V.
ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES ARE LINKED TO
A.
Keep in mind that opportunities come in proportion to the talents that
God has given. Thus, God will hold
us accountable for their use (Matt. 25:19).
B.
Positive use of talents and opportunities will bring the favor and
blessings of God (Matt. 25:20-23).
C.
A failure to use talents and opportunities will bring the displeasure and
wrath of God upon the individual (Matt. 25:24-30).
VI.
WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR NOT USING YOUR TALENTS AND
OPPORTUNTIES?
A.
The one talent man used the excuse of fear (Matt.
25:25).
B.
What are some of our excuses?
(Fear, too busy, disinterested, anger, blaming
others)
CONCLUSION
A.
We have seen that God’s gifts, talents, and blessings lead us to
opportunities.
B.
We have also seen that these are to be used properly and
effectively.
C.
We want to close by leaving you aware that God has expectations of
us.
1.
The one talent man did not use his talent.
2.
Listen to one of the statements the Lord made to him (Matt.
25:27).
USE
GOD’S GIFTS AT EVERY
The
Parable of the Talents
Victor
M. Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
As we begin this lesson, let’s define three words.
1.
Steward
a.
One ___________________ with another’s goods
b.
Several thoughts come to mind when we think of a steward: money, __________________ (I Cor. 4:2);
and Joseph (Gen. 39:4).
2.
a.
Webster: a favorable
juncture of circumstances
b.
Book: Special moments when
God has given us the chance both to ________ and ________ the lives of others at
the same time.
c.
Synonyms: opening, chance,
occasion, possibility
3.
Parable
a.
Literally: to lay along
side
b.
A real earthly story that has laid beside it a spiritual
application
c.
“An earthly story with a ________________________
meaning”
B.
Let’s now turn our attention to “The Parable of the Talents” as recorded
in Matthew 25:14-30.
1.
Most members of the church are very familiar with this
parable.
2.
In this lesson, we want to approach the parable from a different
perspective.
a.
One writer entitled the parable:
“The Parable of Opportunity.”
b.
Explanation: “Each of God’s
gifts to us is exactly that, an opportunity to do His will and glorify His name”
(Riders of the Great Roundup, Browning & Hall, p.
4).
I.
TALENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE TIED TOGETHER
A.
I Peter 4:______
B.
Any gift, blessing, or talent God has provided us gives us the
opportunity to use it in His service and to His glory.
II.
ALL HAVE BEEN GIVEN __________________
A.
This is one of the plain teachings of the Parable of the Talents (Matt.
25:14-15).
B.
Not all have the same ___________ or the same ___________ of talent
(
C.
Since you have a talent, you also have opportunities to use your
talent.
D.
We need to take an honest _______________ of the talents, abilities, and
blessings we have been given.
III.
OPPORTUNITIES COME IN MANY FORMS
A.
Some opportunities come with ____________ abilities: smiles, hello, thank you, our presence,
writing (Ex.: Jesus at Jacob’s
well, John 4:7).
B.
Some opportunities we create for _______________ (i.e., the woman with
the issue of blood, Matt. 9:20-21).
C.
Some opportunities others create for us (i.e., Barnabas provided
___________ _________ with another
opportunity for a second missionary journey, Acts 15:37,
39).
D.
The ________________________ hand of God also creates opportunities for
us (Esther 4:14).
IV.
OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO US UNTIL WE
_____________________
A.
Many opportunities come our way each __________ that allow us to use our
talents.
B.
Today’s opportunities will ________ pass this way
again.
C.
Some opportunities are “_____________ in a ________________”
opportunities.
D.
The key: Seek to make use of
________________ opportunity.
1.
This is precisely what the five talent man and two talent man did (Matt.
25:16-17).
2.
This is not what the one talent man did (Matt.
25:18).
E.
Lack of use of opportunities will be one of our greatest
_________________.
V.
_____________________ CONSEQUENCES ARE LINKED TO
A.
Keep in mind that opportunities come in proportion to the talents that
God has given. Thus, God will hold
us _______________________ for their use (Matt. 25:19).
B.
Positive use of talents and opportunities will bring the __________ and
blessings of God (Matt. 25:20-23).
C.
A failure to use talents and opportunities will bring the displeasure and
_______________ of God upon the individual (Matt.
25:24-30).
VI.
WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR NOT USING YOUR TALENTS AND
OPPORTUNTIES?
A.
The one talent man used the excuse of _____________________ (Matt.
25:25).
B.
What are some of our excuses?
(Fear, too busy, disinterested, anger, blaming
others)
CONCLUSION
A.
We have seen that God’s gifts, talents, and blessings lead us to
opportunities.
B.
We have also seen that these are to be used properly and
effectively.
C.
We want to close by leaving you aware that God has ___________________ of
us.
1.
The one talent man did not use his talent.
2. Listen to one of the statements the Lord made to him (Matt. 25:27).