Sunday Morning, July 21, 2013
scriptures: Matthew 24
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NOTES
People have ability, but the question is how they use it.
David Ring video – He said “I have cerebral palsy, what’s wrong with you?”
Steven Hawking – also has physical limitations, yet denies the existence of God
Both of these men were using their abilities, one for the glory of God, the other against the glory of God.
What do we do?
Matthew 25:14-30
Three people were charged with a task and had to give an account of what they did.
What are we doing with what God has given us while He is away?
Two came through and one didn’t. You don’t want to be the one who didn’t.
Everything we have is from God. How are we using the talents and gifts that He has loaned us.
He said that we all have abilities, so that is not an excuse.
Ultimately, you want to be known as a Christian, your chief talent.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – Our chief duty is to serve God.
In our talents, how is our work reported of by others?
There are people with high talent or potential with low use. Don’t be lazy.
God knows what He enabled you to do, so “I can’t” is not an excuse to Him.
Matthew 25:14-30
The story begins with a man giving instructions to his own servants. He left them responsibility based on what they can do.
With our talents, have we increased. Compare with last year.
Don’t get caught up in the numbers of what you have versus someone else. Do your best with whatever you do have.
vs 19 – There will be a day when we have to answer to God with what we did with our lives. Will we be able to say that we did what we needed to do.
Will we be ushered into the joy of the Lord or the anger of the Lord?
Compare with the scripture and examine yourself to see how you are serving the Lord.
Do you have more excuses than follow through on your potential and opportunities in Christ?
Are you a hole-digger – refusing to investigate options and invest effort to make things grow and be better in God?
Some people taper out when it comes to their efforts for God, but have the ability to plan things for themselves.
You don’t want to be the one that comes up short in God all the time.
What have I done that has been profitable to God and giving Him glory?
There times that we have intent to do something for God but He may have other plans. He knows our intention and will handle the rest.
The boss usually gives new tasks to people who have already shown that they do their tasks well.
How much more important is it to receive accolades from God for doing a good, faithful job?
Don’t be a person who puts forth effort for yourself or the accolades of people. Live to give God glory.
vs 25 This servant did not even try to do his task. Your employer usually doesn’t want to hear a set of excuses as to why you didn’t do, or even try to do, your work. When God has given you the resources you need, He doesn’t accept those excuses.
The lord in this parable said if you knew there were limitations, why didn’t you try to work around it? How persistent are we in Christ?
If you don’t know what to do in Christ, ask! Seek opportunity to be what you need to be or to help.
You want to work for God. Ultimately, we need God. He will go on with out us. We will be the ones to suffer without Him.
God will be severely displeased. He will punish.
As a tool, we want to wear out from use, instead of rust out from just sitting around.
You also don’t want to be a person who used to have a skill but doesn’t anymore from lack of use.
The punishment for the unprofitable servant is similar to the barren fig tree. It didn’t give fruit, and after special attention and cultivation, it still didn’t grow. If it still didn’t bring fruit (do its job), it would get chopped down and get taken out of the way.
Are we just in the way or are we providing fruit that is useful and encouraging to others?
Don’t be a lazy servant or a tree that gives no fruit, even after receiving special attention.
Use the talent you have for God to get the glory!
Jesus was a good servant. He had all ability, but humbled Himself to die for our sins.
What are we doing? Will you hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”