OceanSide church of Christ

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USE GOD’S GIFTS AT EVERYOPPORTUNITY

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.               Opportunity

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 Samaria to draw water:  Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

 

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 OPPORTUNITY

 

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 OPPORTUNITY

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.            Opportunity

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 (Rom. 12:6-8; I Cor. 12:14-20).

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 OPPORTUNITY

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 OPPORTUNITY

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.            Opportunity

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 (Rom. 12:6-8; I Cor. 12:14-20).

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 OPPORTUNITY

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).