Title: Two Talents / Matthew 25:14-30
Every good gift and gift we have is from above, from the Father of Lights.
What talents do we have? In fact, there is none of mine except for sin.
I. There are some who have received little talents from God.
God did not make humans alike. The reason is firstly because of the sovereignty of God. As the parable of the potter tells us, God has the right to act according to his will. Don't blame the worms for the bad angels and the fish for not having wings. Second, because God the Creator loves diversity. The stars in the night sky, the plants on the ground, everyone is different. Third, He also gives a small amount of talent to fill the small area. Big boats and big fish need a sea, but small fish and tuna need a river or stream. Fourth, it is to show the greatness of grace.
II. Smaller talents are counted on the Last Judgment Day.
But God judges the little things. Even a hero like Napoleon judges not only his heroic deeds, but also his small sins. Also, God judges individually, judges individually, and judges accurately and without prejudice. Those who have received 5 talents must leave 5 talents, but those who have received 2 talents need only 2 talents.
III. The Unprofitable Servant and the Faithful Servant
On the other hand, the servant who received a month's ransom was cast out into the dark outside as a useless servant. Why? The Jews explain the concept of loyalty as the principle of sacrifice, because the servant who received one talent never denied that he was a servant, but he was a wicked, lazy, irresponsible, and unsacrificial person. He complained that the owner was a hard man, and made the excuse that he gave him little. There was no gratitude, no humility, no regrets, no sacrifice.
So, does emphasizing these things mean that we are saved by works? It's not like that. When Jesus said, 'When you are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, those who help will enter the kingdom prepared for you' does not mean salvation by works, but living faith. Faith without works is dead faith. Those who have been regenerated must have the fruit of faith. The one who received the two talents was the one who lived a responsible life.
closing words.
First, we were born with a mission, and we live for that mission. Was it not a problem with the large or small number of talents, but was he faithful all the time? do is the problem. People like Dr. John Kromminga have also served as choir members for 23 years. Second, the criterion of life before death is loyalty. Loyalty is a life of faithfulness, a life of faith. We need to know what God has entrusted to us as our mission and faithfully carry it out.
I earnestly hope that all the saints will use the two talents I have received for Christ and his gospel to become good and faithful servants who will receive praise and love from the Lord.