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Bill Teubl continues his series on parables by examining the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He explains that this parable, following the parable of the ten virgins, focuses on how believers should work and be active during the current age between Christ’s first and second coming. The emphasis is on faithfully using what God has entrusted to us, in contrast to the previous parable’s focus on resting and being filled with the Spirit.
[00:00:00]The sermon focuses on the parable of the talents from Matthew 25, which deals with how we conduct ourselves in the current age.[00:03:01]This parable complements the parable of the ten virgins; one emphasizes rest and being filled with the Spirit, while this one emphasizes work and being awake.[00:04:06]God looks for a balance: a working man who rests and a rested man who works, as exemplified by the life of Jesus.[00:06:26]A key contrast is between the servants given five and two talents, who traded and doubled their money, and the servant given one talent, who did nothing.[00:07:18]The servants with five and two talents represent different paces and levels of enthusiasm, but both are commended. God is patient and gives all opportunity to use their talents.[00:09:52]The servant with one talent is condemned not for having little, but for his unwillingness to use what he was given, seeing God as a “hard man” and operating out of fear.[00:12:39]The parable uses three key terms: “ability” (dynamis/power, interpreted as our faith), “talent” (our God-given gifting), and “trade/invest” (our work).[00:14:48]Our “ability” or power to work effectively comes from our faith in Christ, and the “talent” given to us is proportionate to this measure of faith.[00:17:08]It is important to prayerfully assess the measure of faith and the talents God has given us, and we can be helped in this by fellow believers.[00:19:58]Five general areas of work for believers are outlined:- The discipline of turning our thoughts to Jesus.
- Nurturing deep friendships, especially within the family.
- Caring for the home to create a place of rest.
- Performing our daily work or job.
- Laboring to share the gospel.
[00:29:29]The way we work is also important, and several biblical characteristics of godly work are given:- Work should be a labor of love, motivated by love for God and others.
- Work can sometimes be lavish, going above and beyond.
- Work should be persistent.
- Work should involve sharing with those in need.
- Work should support those who share the gospel.
Scripture References
Matthew 25:14-30
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Mark 14:6
John 5:17
Galatians 6:10
Ephesians 4:28
3 John 1:5
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