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Parable of the Talents (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod entrusts His servants with varying amounts of talents, according to their personal abilities, as seen in the Parable of the Talents. To some, He gives greater gifts, expecting more in return, while others receive fewer, yet all are called to serve Him faithfully with what they have been given. Even those with the least must support His church in vital, though less noticeable, ways through prayer, encouragement, and positive attitudes. The use of these talents reveals the heart of the servant. Those who diligently trade and multiply their gifts, whether great or small, double their assets through faithful effort, driven by love for their Master. In contrast, the servant who hides his talent out of fear, failing to improve it, shows passive disobedience, neglecting the responsibility entrusted to him. Spiritual gifts must be used in service to Christ for the glory of God, the Giver of every good gift. When the Master returns, He rewards His servants based on their faithfulness. Those who have diligently used their talents, regardless of the amount, receive equal praise and the promise of greater responsibility, entering into the joy of their Lord. However, the servant who buried his talent faces condemnation for neglecting his trust, revealing a flawed view of his Master's intentions and earning judgment as lazy and wicked. God values faithfulness and obedience over brilliance or recognition, accepting each servant according to what they have, not what they lack, and rewarding persistence in His service.
Making Good Use of God's Talent
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBiblically, a talent has nothing to do with ability, skill, or aptitude. The Parable of the Talents goes far beyond making use of skills and abilities.
Our Stewardship
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAfter we are baptized and become members of God's church, we inherit a new primary job and responsibility: to become a steward.
Burying Our Talents?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod expects a return on the investment He has placed in us. Doing nothing with our abilities is a grievous abuse of this trust.
The Peter Principle (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordWe have our physical job, and then we also have our spiritual job. They go hand in hand. We are a witness to those we work with and to all those we meet.
The Peter Principle (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordThe Peter Principle is a concept in business management developed by Laurence J. Peter: People in a hierarchy tend to rise to their level of incompetence.
The Peter Principle (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has given us certain gifts and the space to use them. He expects us to use them properly in service to Himself and the Body, and requires an accounting.
Our Final Performance Review
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWithout well-defined plans, projects become quickly derailed. Both time and energy are wasted in the absence of carefully established goals.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Talents teaches the need for diligence in using the gifts of God. God expects us to use our talents to His glory and in the service of others.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe have the obligation to bear spiritual fruit, heeding the lessons of the cursing of the fig tree, and the parables of the barren fig tree and the talents.
The Peter Principle (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has called us to be servants with humble attitudes. We are also expected to grow beyond that low-level position, gaining skills to perform well in our next job.
The Peter Principle
Sermon by Mike FordAs one uses the power provided by God's Holy Spirit, even one who has previously failed miserably can rise to astounding levels of spiritual competence.
Giving Flows From the Focused Work of God
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerIf God's people keep their focus upon His purpose for them as outlined by His Holy Days, they will be able to accomplish the work God has given them.
Where Is My Rolls Royce? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerSome scriptures seem to say that all one needs to do is ask God in prayer for whatever the heart desires, and He will grant it like a genie rubbed from his lamp.
Using God's Given Authority
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 7)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost commemorates the establishment of the church and the bestowal of spiritual gifts through God's Spirit. We need to use these gifts responsibly.
The Economics of an Offering
Article by StaffBoth we and God will get more out of our holy day offerings (Deuteronomy 16:16-17), especially spiritually, when we plan our giving.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are called to fulfill our job as a steward, entrusted with managing, protecting, preserving, attending, and increasing what has been entrusted to us.