Weekly Sermons

Your Most Important Retirement Portfolio - Matthew 25:14-30

Living as Stewards before the Lord’s Return - V. 14, 19

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. - 2 Peter 3:8

In the New Testament we read of before the ages began (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2); of  past ages (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:26); this present age (Matt. 12:32; Lk. 20:34; 1 Cor. 1:20; 2:6, 8; 3:18; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 1:21; 1 Tim. 6:17; Titus 1:2; Heb. 9:9); the end of this age (Matt. 13:39-40, 49; 24:3; 28:20); the end of the age(s) (1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 9:26); the age(s) to come (Matt. 12:32; Eph. 1:21; 2:7; Heb. 6:5); the age to come and eternal life (Mark 10:30; Lk. 18:30); and that age (Lk. 20:35). Jesus is called the King of the Ages (1 Tim. 1:17).

In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son… - Hebrews 1:2

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. - 2 Timothy 3:1

Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. - 2 Peter 3:3

How are we to live in light of Christ’s impending return?

As stewards of what He has entrusted to us.

God has a unique stewardship for each of us - V. 15

Our souls are all of equal value before God, but God sovereignly entrusts a unique stewardship to each of us. The question is not how much God entrusts to you, but what you do with it! 
What does our stewardship for God include?

Everything about us!

Our heritage and experiences, our relationships, our time & availability, our physical talents, our money & possessions, our bodies & purity, our minds & emotions, our personality, our spiritual gifts, our opportunities.

What you want to hear when you give an account to God - V. 16-23

How did the Master respond to these men who used what was entrusted to them to be fruitful and advance the Master’s work while He was gone?

He said the words we all long to hear – “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”

Our mission statement states that we exist to reproduce faithful and fruitful followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ parable of the talents lets us know that for believers to be fruitful they must intentionally and proactively act on their faith (5 G Living).

“I have made up my mind that Jesus Christ could have all there is of William Booth. I know that He has men of more brains and ability, but when I saw the poor of London, knowing what Jesus Christ could do for them, I made up my mind to give all there is of me to Him.”

What you don’t want to hear when God settles accounts - V. 24-30

Why didn’t the man entrusted with one talent steward it for God’s glory?

He had a wrong image of God in his head, and he selfishly wanted to live for his own self-interest instead of God’s glory.

Do you understand what this wicked man is saying? He is saying, “If I did the work, master, I should get to reap and gather – you really don’t have a right to claim anything from me – so I did nothing for you.”

For to the one who pleases Him, God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. - Ecc. 2:26a