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TALENTS
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and He gave TALENTS; gifts
to men. - Ephesians 4:8
(ESV)
First
Word
- As
a Presbyterian with a Pentecostal Baptist heart, I just need to get
this said, and out of the way, because the term Gifts and Talents
and used so interchangeably.
- Upper Class
Christians - There are NOT two
classes of Christians – Those who speak in tongues and those who
don’t. – Nowhere in the Bible does it say that when you are filled with
the Holy Spirit you WILL speak in tongues. – That’s assumptive
interpretation – It does say that the Believer will receive a gift or
gifts as the Spirit wills.
- The
gifts are given for the purpose it was intended or needed “at the time”;
not for all time. NYOBS 08.02 - SPEAKING
IN TONGUES – NYOBS 20.19 THE HOLY SPIRIT – NYOBS 06.08 - GIFTS OF THE
SPIRIT
Acts 2:4 – Gifts and
Talents are given as the Spirit wills.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and
began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
NIV
1 Corinthians 12:29-30 – All do NOT have the same
talents.
29 Are all apostles? (NO) are all prophets? (NO) are all teachers? (NO) are all workers of miracles? (NO)
30 Do have all gifts of healings? (NO) do all speak with tongues? (NO) do all interpret? (NO) (ASV)
29 Are all apostles? (NO) are all prophets? (NO) are all teachers? (NO) are all workers of miracles? (NO)
30 Do have all gifts of healings? (NO) do all speak with tongues? (NO) do all interpret? (NO) (ASV)
Israel
·
I sincerely love the Jewish people,
but I must say this; the Old Testament Nation of Israel had received some
understanding of the Kingdom of God, they had witnessed the signs,
wonders and miracles of the Holy Spirit and had a foretaste of the Kingdom
of God; but then they rejected the King.
·
This is still true today, the Jews have
lost the original meaning of the prophecies of their religion, their covenant,
the promises as well as the GIFTS and TALENTS from God. – Even today, to the non-Believer, parables
are just un-explained riddles.
·
All men are progressing one
way or the other; we do not stand still.
We progress into receiving more light or we move out of the light,
regressing deeper into the pit of darkness.
·
If you accept the light of Jesus Christ;
more light will be given you. If you
reject the light, even what you have will be taken away and given to those that
are seeking His light.
Matthew 25:28-29 – Reject Light - Take away the
light he has
28 Take the talent from
him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ESV)
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ESV)
Matthew 6:33 - Seek first
the kingdom of God – More Added
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
Romans 9:3-4 - Israel – Covenant, Glory and he
Promises
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
(ESV)
Matthew 13:13-14 - Prophecy – Will hear, but not
understand
13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
(ESV)
Matthew 13:15 – Israel’s heart has grown dull;
eyes closed
15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
Matthew 13:16-17 – The Faithful’s eyes see and
ears hear
16 Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. (ESV)
16 Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. (ESV)
A little Background
·
During the time of Jesus there were Secret
Societies and Mystery Religions which contained progressive secrets that you
learned as you moved up in the ranks.
They were only for the initiated to understand; the Upper Level
people. – They saw parables as holding Secrets. – Parables were actually an act of judgment on the hard
hearted of Israel; they would see, but not perceive; they would hear,
but not understand.
·
Today we have the Bible and have the ability to
unlock the MYSTERIES of the Kingdom of God; to be able to understand the secrets
of the Talents that were given. – These spiritual mysteries can only be understood
by the initiated; the Believer. – God will give ascending revelation
of truth to those that live to get more truth. – Thus the TALENTS.
·
There are Three Things paramount
in our service to Christ.
1. Find out what God wants us
to do; our assignment while on earth.
2. Determine the Talent that
God has invested in us.
3. Be faithful, diligent in
the improvement of it; make it profitable.
·
Good News - It’s OK to be a One-Talent Person – It’s not how much
you have done, but how faithful you have been with the Talent that you have
been given. – It’s not a competition. –
·
Spiritual Gifts is the oil that
lubricates the Physical Talents.
Mark 12:42-44 – It’s what you do with; “What you Have”
42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.
43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;
44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." (NKJV)
42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.
43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;
44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." (NKJV)
Psalm 78:2 – God will utter hidden things from old
2 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— (NIV2011)
2 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— (NIV2011)
Psalm 119:18 – Believers Prayer – Open my eyes
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (ESV)
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (ESV)
Luke 24:45 – God opens our minds to understand
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
(ESV)
Matthew 13:11 – It is given unto the Believer
understanding
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (KJV)
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (KJV)
Side Bar
·
It
may surprise you, but it is a Gift from God for you to just be able to
EAT and DRINK.
·
Our
health, strength, physical endowments, faculties, natural habits, possessions
and our length of days on the earth are a gift from God. - For the
Believer, length of days includes eternity with Him. - Everything a man has;
was given to him by God.
·
Thought – If someone has a heart
for God, is it not God that gave him that heart? – But what if a man does not
have a heart for God, is there no hope? … Ponder that – SELAH
·
Free Will & God’s
Sovereignty; Predestination are both taught in the Bible. Some are predestined to receive the Talent
of God’s Saving Grace while others have been given the Talent of Free
Will to choose His Saving Grace. - What God has planned, no man can
frustrate, even with his Free Will. – If Free Will is not present
alongside of God’s Sovereignty, then there is NO HOPE, it’s a settled done
deal. – The Lord, not wishing that any should perish, but that all
should come to His Saving Grace, gave The
Great Commission to go out into all the world and preach the Gospel,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. - NYOBS 29.28 - PREDESTINATION
REVISITED
Ecclesiastes 3:13 – Eating and Drinking is a gift
from God
13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his effort
13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his effort
(HCSB)
Psalm 91:16 – Our length
of days are a gift from God
16 With length of days I satisfy him, And I cause him to look on My salvation! (YLT)
16 With length of days I satisfy him, And I cause him to look on My salvation! (YLT)
Romans 6:23 – Eternal Life is the Free Gift of
God.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV)
Ezekiel 11:19 – I will put a “heart for God”
within them
19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,
19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,
(ESV)
2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord
does not want anyone to perish
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(ASV)
Isaiah 14:27 - The LORD has planned; who can
frustrate it
27 For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?" (NASB)
27 For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?" (NASB)
Mark 16:15-16 - Commission – Go into all the world
and preach
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV2011)
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV2011)
Matthew 28:19 – Baptizing in the name of Father,
Son, Spirit
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (ESV)
Botheration
·
This may bother you, but the talents and gifts
are given according to Gods own sovereign will and pleasure. – That means that
His distribution of talents may not seem FAIR to you.
·
God does not give to all men talents alike, neither in quantity or quality. – He
gave Abraham Talents that He did not give to the Heathen nations around him. –
Isaac was given Talents that were better than Ishmael’s. – Jacob received
Talents better than Esau. - The Jews received Talents better than the Gentiles.
– The Twelve Disciples had better Talents that the other followers.
·
To some, God will give more common
light and knowledge. - Others He will
give honors, riches and greater dignity – Still Others, more spiritual
knowledge – Even others given greater spiritual gifts – NOTE; to those to whom much
is given, much is expected; required.
·
Double Botheration – God loves some folks better
than others. – Both Judas and Peter
denied Jesus, but God chose to love Peter and condemned Judas. – God loved
Jacob, but hated Esau; and that was even before they were born. - Some He pre-destined
to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ. – He has mercy on whom He
will have mercy, and is hardened to those He chooses to be hard. – God is NOT
obliged or a debtor to any man.
·
What did the Thief on the
cross do
to merit the Talent of Saving Grace? – He did nothing; it was the mercy
of Jesus Christ alone.
Philippians 2:13-14 – God works in you for His
Good Pleasure
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, (NKJV)
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, (NKJV)
Matthew 13:11 – Kingdom Mysteries - Some know, some
don’t
11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but TO THEM IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. (NKJV)
11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but TO THEM IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. (NKJV)
Malachi 1:2-3 – God loved Jacob, but hated Esau
2 I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob
3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” (ESV)
2 I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob
3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” (ESV)
Romans 8:29 – Predestined to be conformed to Image
of Jesus
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (ESV)
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (ESV)
Romans 9:15 – God - Mercy & Compassion on who
He chooses
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.
(ASV)
Romans 9:16 - Mercy Does
Not depends on human will or labors
16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. (ESV)
16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. (ESV)
Romans 9:18 - God – Harden whom He will harden
18 So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will be hardeneth. (ASV)
18 So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will be hardeneth. (ASV)
Luke 23:42-43 – MERCY – Thief; you will be with me in Paradise.
42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (ESV)
42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (ESV)
Talents
·
A Talent is an
Aptitude or a group of aptitudes useful for a
specific activity. – They are of two sorts; Earthly or Heavenly - Common or
Spiritual.
·
The Talents may be natural, acquired,
special or spiritual – They include clear thinking and judgment, conscience,
memory, passions, learning, comprehension, knowledge, power to get knowledge,
wisdom, dignity, moral habits, wit, charm, and the list goes on.
·
All men receive at least one natural
external Common Talent, but cannot receive spiritual talents or
gifts; only true Believers who have received the Holy Spirit can receive such
things. – God loves all men with a
common Love and gives them common talents, but He loves the Believer with a
special peculiar love and therefore blesses them with special and peculiar
Talents. – It is His power that works in us to both WILL and to
DO what is His own good pleasure. - Believers not only have the Gospel
in WORD, but also have it in POWER.
·
The natural world cannot receive these Gifts
or Talents, because they are incapable of understanding them because they are
spiritually discerned. - To say it another way, the natural world is
spiritually dead in their sins and cannot improve a spiritual talents unless
God brings it alive in them.
·
Talents or Gifts differ according to God’s
grace and good pleasure and are based on the individual’s ability that was
given to him. – Every Talent, large or small comes from God. – All the Talents
that come from God are NOT all designed to the same end or purpose; it’s His Purpose
and Plan.
·
Some people have special
spiritual privileges, dignities and prerogatives to be Pastors, Teachers, Deacons,
Elders, Ministers of Music; Workers in the house of God.
·
NOTE: All of the talents or
gifts have been INVESTED in the Believer for improvement, to
bring a PROFIT; we have been empowered with the ABILITY to improve the
Talent to its end that it was intended.
·
Hiding the Talent is wasting it, perhaps
even ashamed of it; concealing the convictions it might have on the
conscience. - Perhaps pretending that
you can’t spare the time, that you are too busy in pursuing required worldly
endeavors. – When it’s brought to your attention; excuses are given for the
neglect. – The multiplicity of other issues conflicts with the desire to find
time for spiritual matters and to obey and serve for the good of others. –
They hide their candle under a bushel basket. – We are to put our light on a
high pole so the whole world can see it.
·
We are stewards of whatever we have been
entrusted with. – We should know the value of it as a jeweler would know the
value of a precious stone vs; that of a counterfeit stone. We must know the difference. - If we think
that the Talent that has been invested in us is of little value, then we will
not do much with it. – It will be hidden among our private business.
·
The improvement of these gifts have nothing
to do with the saving grace of Jesus Christ – Your salvation is through
grace alone and not of anything that you can do; it is a gift from God, but you
will give an account on the “Day of the Lord” for the improvement in your
talents. – We are responsible according to our individual abilities.
·
Note: If only one talent has
been given to you, the NON-improvement of it can be the cause of your damnation.
- Oddly enough, the improvement of that
same talent cannot and will not bring salvation. – Salvation is a
Free Gift from God; if salvation is dependent on the improvements of your
talents, then salvation is not a Free Gift. – SELAH -Think about that.
James 1:17 - Every
good gift & every perfect gift is from God
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation. (ASV)
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation. (ASV)
1 Corinthians 4:7 – Every Talent is received from God
7 For who sees anything different in you? What
do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you
boast as if you did not receive it? (ESV)
Jeremiah 31:3 – God draws near the Believer with
lovingkindness
3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (KJV)
3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (KJV)
Ecclesiastes 5:19 – God gives Talent to obtain
wealth & Possessions
19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and POWER to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. (ESV)
19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and POWER to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. (ESV)
Deuteronomy 8:18 – God
gives you power to use your talent
18 You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you POWER to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (ESV)
18 You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you POWER to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (ESV)
Philippians 2:13 – The energy of God Wills and Works
within us
13 That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. (MSG)
13 That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. (MSG)
Romans 12:6 - Gifts differ according to the grace given to us
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; (ESV)
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; (ESV)
Matthew 25:15 – Talents
are given according to our ability
15 To one he gave five
talents, to another two, to another one, to each according
to his ability. Then he went away. (ESV
John 14:17 – The Natural world cannot receive the
talents
17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (ESV)
17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 2:14 - Natural man can’t understand spiritual things
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV)
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV)
Matthew 16:17 - Flesh & blood cannot reveal spiritual things
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. (ASV)
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. (ASV)
Ephesians 2:8-10 - Saved through Faith; not by our Works
8 for by grace have you been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that man should glory.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. (ASV)
8 for by grace have you been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that man should glory.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. (ASV)
Matthew 5:15-16 - Light a candle and put it under a bushel
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
Proverbs 6:10-11 – Non-Exercise of your Talent
produces poverty
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep-
11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler (NKJV)
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep-
11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler (NKJV)
The Parable of the Talents
·
The best example of a gift or a talent is
to take a look at “The Parable of the Talents” as taught by Jesus Christ. – It’s
symbolic of the profitable outward activity for the Kingdom of Heaven and
the WATCHFULNESS for the Return of The Messiah. – I feel a
need to point out that the Israelites were forbidden to charge each other
interest; but they could charge the Gentiles; here’s how it all plays out…
1. The purpose of this Parable was to stir up His
Disciples to watchfulness, provoking them to improve the gifts and talents that
have been given them. – It does not lead to passivity, but to doing unquestioning
faithful good works to develop the resources God has entrusted in all of
us. - All gifts and skill endowments; original or acquired, natural or
spiritual are known as “His Goods”.
2. The Master was a generous and loving man
who wanted all his servants to participate in the growth of his goods; taking
into consideration the Talent distribution according to His evaluation of their
providential position, influence, means and opportunities; entrusting in
ALL of them, almost like partners, according to their natural ability
and capacity in “acquirements”; this Profit Sharing was common in
ancient times. – It is neither the amount, nor the nature of the work
performed, but the fidelity shown in performing it.
·
The
Master going on a long journey is Jesus Christ’s ascension into Heaven; for a time.
– He has entrusted the Church with all the things that are necessary for its
growth until He returns. He will
judge the people according to their abilities, for the opportunities they
have seized to “do good” and to be productive during His absence.
3. The Servants are those who by their Christian profession,
have committed to serve Him in His absence.
Some are Believers, some are Make Believers. – Some have the “Outward
Word”; know the history and can preach it, but have not experienced it, nor
do they possess the “Inward Power.” – Some Serve; some Pretend
to Serve and some just Serve Themselves. Servants are not their own;
they were bought with a price. – NOTE; Realizing that Christ is
“Lord of All”; even the ungodly, the unfaithful are still the servants of God.
4. The Mind Set – Two Believing Servants promptly responded
at once in love to the Masters command and went out and immediately
traded without delay to make their capital grow. - One Make-Believer servant
thought that it was not only impossible to serve the Master, but it was
impracticable as he would NOT be satisfied with whatever he obtained.
·
NOTE: I must point out; the Believer does nothing for Christ that is
useless or unprofitable.
·
Many think God is a HARD
Master
and blame Him for their unfruitfulness. – They make no use of the Talent
given to them; never exercising it to the end it was purposed; they just sit
down and do nothing. - They have shut up their gifts from active service.
– Show me Faith without works; and I will
show you a dead faith.
5. The Talents or “His Goods” could be considered
spiritual gifts, but in this parable the talent is actually money that was
given to be invested, to make a profit as with a spiritual talent
which also should be improved and made profitable for the Kingdom of God. – The
Talents were different, not the same, but required the same fidelity and would
be equally rewarded. Everyone has at least one talent to be useful for the
common good of others. – It is by EXERCISE that “The Power of the Talent”
grows.
·
A Talent was a lot of money depending
on whether it was silver or gold; it would be between a $1,000 and $2,500 in
today’s money, but notice even though the money was great in the worlds eyes,
the master referred to it as being faithful over ”a FEW things”. - All the Silver and Gold belongs to the Lord
anyway; it’s all His.
6. The Return of the Master is to reconcile the
accounts of His servants concerning the profitability of the investment of
the Talents; the Improvements or Non-Improvements.
·
The Reckoning symbolizes the Judgment Seat of Christ; when Jesus
returns, He will give rewards and crowns to those who were faithful with their
talents and to those who were not; there will be judgment. – In this parable there
are just two places:
a) The Joy of the Master which is living in His
presence and
b) The other place that is called Outer
Darkness, which is living in the absence of the light of Christ; which
would be Hell.
7. The Rewards - The one that had earned Five additional
talents and the one who had earned Two additional talents, BOTH were
equally diligent and received precisely the same thing; they were both promoted
and received higher and glorious new responsibilities and entered into the privileges
of the Joy of the Lord; they became joint-heirs with Him. – Did you notice that
they not only kept the original talents that were given to them, but that they
also kept the return on the investment. – Good Grief, what an AWESOME GOD we
have. Note: The servants and the money
entrusted to them, BOTH still belong to the Master.
·
WHAT GREAT NEWS - It’s not a
competition; our talent is based on the ability that God has given us. –
It’s not about the amount of the profit, it’s about our FAITHFULNESS. – The Believers
service is honored in heaven, with them granted even more ACTIVE service,
versus the inactivity and boredom of Hell, where you do nothing,
but STEW – (Did you get
it?) HELL; STEW
– CHUCKLE, CHUCKLE
8. The Condemnation was not for the mis-spending
of the Talent; it was for the mis-use or the loss of its use; it was hidden;
buried.
·
Bummed Out - I think the one who was
given only one talent was “Ticked Off” having been given so much less than the
others and just in spite, dug a hole and hid it and then masks his lack of love
for the master by blaming Him; thus excusing himself. - The master condemns the
servants using his very own words, proving his guilt. – No one is called into
account for more than they have received.
9. The Excuses are what is heard during the
Judgment. – My daddy use to say, “If you
don’t want to lend your neighbor your shovel, then one excuse is as good as
another”. – Excuses from the Scriptures; - I have just bought a farm and need
to go take care of it - I just bought some
cattle and need to feed them - I just married a wife and she needs me.
·
In
the parable of the Talents; the excuses WERE NOT TRUE, but IF they had been
true, it should have been motivation enough to invest or improve the Talent that
had been given. – (The god of the unfaithful is themselves; their stomach.)
·
Notice that the one servant was
blind to his master’s love and generosity that allowed him to participate; no
servant should be idle. - When the Master repeats the utterly false, harsh,
cruel and merciless view of the servant’s excuse, He says it in the form of
a question; not as a statement of fact. – This servant pleads FEAR of the
possible loss of the Talent. He says,
look “I have not made the talent less” thinking that would bring him
into right standing and praise, and then he goes on to imply that it was the
Master’s fault for his inability to turn a profit. - This is the very same
thing Adam said in the Garden of Eden; he said it was God’s fault that
he had sinned, because He had given him the Woman who led him astray.
10. Judgement was pronounced on the wicked servant
because of his own idle slothfulness and his pretense of
an excuse that was un-reasonable and frivolous. – He never cried out for help
for the faith he needed to enable him. – He was banished from the Masters
presence to a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth; Hell. – Having neglected
opportunity, he is now deprived of opportunity. - He experienced the very thing
he feared.
·
Side Bar – There are those that
receive many Talents, who have great abilities and great advantages, however they
can also bury their Talent and be of no use; of no good; and
then there are those with only one Talent who can flourish; it’s not quantity,
its quality. –
·
I
once was trying to hurry up an employee to finish a wiring project; to close it
up; nobody would ever see the inside. – He responded; “GOD DOES”. – He faithfully
finished the project in EXCELENCE; inside and out. – Our faith is displayed in
our Works. – Doing Good Works does not save us – It’s because we are
saved, that we do Good Works.
Matthew 25:14-15 - Master left; gave Talents to
his workers
14 For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (ESV)
14 For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Servants are bought with a
Price
19 Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? And you are not your own;
20 for you were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body. (ASV)
19 Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? And you are not your own;
20 for you were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body. (ASV)
James 3:13 – We show our Faith by our Works
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show HIS WORKS in the meekness of wisdom. (ESV)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show HIS WORKS in the meekness of wisdom. (ESV)
James 2:14 – You can’t have Faith without Works
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (ESV)
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (ESV)
James 2:26 - Faith
apart from works is a dead Faith
26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (ESV)
26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (ESV)
Matthew
25:16 – Five Talents invested returned Ten
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.(ESV)
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.(ESV)
Matthew 25:17– Two Talents invested returned Four
17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. (ESV)
17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. (ESV)
Matthew 25:18 – The One Talent was HIDDEN; UN-USED
18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and HID his master’s money. (ESV)
18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and HID his master’s money. (ESV)
Matthew 25:19 – Master Returns - Settles Accounts -
Judgment
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (ESV)
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (ESV)
Haggai 2:8 – The silver and the Gold belongs to
God
8 I own the silver, I own the gold.' Decree of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies. (MSG)
8 I own the silver, I own the gold.' Decree of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies. (MSG)
2 Corinthians 5:10 - We receive what’s due for what we have done
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV)
Matthew 25:20-21 – Faithful servant is promoted –
Enters Heaven
20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (ESV)
20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (ESV)
Matthew 25:22-23 – Faithful servant is promoted –
Enters Heaven
22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’
23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’(ESV)
22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’
23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’(ESV)
Philippians 3:19 – The god of the Unfaithful is
their belly
19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (ESV)
19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (ESV)
Matthew 25:24-27 The Excuse –
You are hard and I was afraid
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed???
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. (ESV)
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed???
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. (ESV)
Luke 14:18-20 – EXCUSES – EXCUSES - EXCUSES
18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’
19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’
20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ (ESV)
18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’
19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’
20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ (ESV)
Genesis 3:12 – It’s your fault God that I sinned
12 And the man said, the woman whom THOU gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
12 And the man said, the woman whom THOU gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
(ASV)
Matthew 25:28-29 - The Judgment – Take his Talent
away
28 So take the talent from
him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
(ESV)
Matthew 25:30 - More Judgment - Cast him into Outer
Darkness
30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
(ESV)
2 Corinthians 5:10 – Our Talents – Judgment Seat
of Christ
10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
(ASV)
Romans 2:16 – God will judge the secrets of Men
16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ. (ASV)
16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ. (ASV)
Church
Hopping
·
In the Baptist Church in my early years and through my 20’s, I was
there with my family every time the doors opened including prayer meeting. - I was
involved in Training Union - Royal Ambassadors - Worked in the Nursery - Sang
in the Choir - Led the music in Adult Sunday School - Taught children’s Sunday
School - Headed up the Audio Visual committee - Counted money, and Kept the
records.
·
In the Assemblies of God in my 30’s, I went through a year of
helping people financially - another year of picking up people off the side of
the road; feeding them and talking to them about the Lord - Another year of
visiting the sick in the hospitals. - A year of putting Christian TV programs in
prime time on the local access Cable channel, and for a time building a couple of Christian TV stations.
·
In the Presbyterian Church and for years now, I just write CONTROVERSIAL
Word Studies and share them on the internet, desiring to get others interested
in studying the Bible for themselves and believing for just one to come to the
saving grace of Jesus Christ.
- But what was my Gift or
Talent?
– I think all those things were at the time. - My gifts or talents were what we would
call “IN PART”, not the whole. – Scripture says; A WORD of Wisdom
is given, not ALL wisdom; A WORD of knowledge is given; not ALL
knowledge; these gifts were given “in part”; and for just a season.
- The Gift of prophecy was given to
70 Elders of the OT and it happened to them only ONCE and no more.
·
The Holy Spirts Job is to plant the SEED - My job is just to WATER it -
It’s God’s job to do the
HARVESTING. - My talent is my
ability to keep my WATER GUN loaded, ready to water the seed; and as a bonus, I
may get to witness a harvest.
- You may have more
than one Talent or Gift – Scripture does not
support someone having ALL the gifts, but ALL the gifts and Talents are present
or found in the body of believers; another good reason to not
forsake being involved in your local church as some do.
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 – Our Talents are “In Part”
till He returns
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. (ESV)
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 12:8 – In Part – A Word, not a Paragraph
or Page
8 for to one is given the WORD of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the WORD of knowledge through the same Spirit, (NKJV)
8 for to one is given the WORD of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the WORD of knowledge through the same Spirit, (NKJV)
Num 11:24-25 – The 70
Elders – ONCE and no more
24 So Moses went out and told the people what the
LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them
stand around the Tent.
25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke
with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on
the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied,
but they DID NOT do so again NIV
Hebrews 10:25 – Do not neglect going to your local
Church
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)
My
Job
·
My Job in life is to pass down; Generation
to Generation, what God has put in my Spirit; the very least I can do is
lead my family to THE BOOK.
·
Today - My daughter Lisa runs
the video projection system in her church; my two sons David and Mike both run
the audio in their churches; Talent at work in the background –
·
I can’t see in scripture that in order to be
effective for the kingdom of God, that you first must be a Deacon, Elder,
Pastor or Teacher in order to have a gift or talent.
·
I promise that everyone has been
given a talent from God; it might just be found in the back of the room running
audio instead of up front in the Praise Band and WE NEED BOTH.
·
The Talents and calling of
God are
irrevocable; awaiting His return. – It’s in the Book –
·
My company was shut down
in 1975
and while standing in the un-employment line, I told a co-worker that I was
excited with anticipation to see what door God was going to open up in my life.
– He said, “I have worked with you for over a year and did not even know you
were a Christian”… I WAS STUNNED – I vowed that this would never happen to
me again – I would be a blinking billboard for the Lord. – Today my talent,
such as it is; is to write Controversial Word Studies and pass them on,
hopefully STIRING UP and watering the seed that the Holy Spirit has already planted
in someone.
·
My Talent – I have the talent of
“Organization”, you would know it, if you ever saw my tools and supplies in my
garage or followed me around in the grocery store as I straighten up all the
can goods. – I am unable to write a book, but I can organize my thoughts in a
Word Study.
·
The President of my
Company
asked me to lunch one day and to take my car. – He later confessed that he
wanted to see how I took care of my own car before he put me in charge of
taking care of his Company. – He said, “He who is faithful in little, will be
faithful in much”.
Proverbs 24:30-31 - The lazy man will not even
clean his car
30 I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. (ESV)
30 I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. (ESV)
Proverbs 26:13-16 – The lazy man is wise in his own eyes
13 The sluggard says, “There
is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. (ESV)
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. (ESV)
Romans 11:29 - The
gifts and calling of God are irrevocable
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (ESV)
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (ESV)
Five Talents
·
I grew up with a close friend named
Jimmy Whitmire. He played the trumpet in the high school
band; I tried the cornet and bombed out.
We both sang in a quartet; he sang solos, I didn’t. – In high school, he
led the music in Christian Youth Fellowship, I led it when he was not there. –
Jimmy performed ballroom dancing for the whole high school; I didn’t even know
how to dance.
·
Fifty years later, I see Dr. Whitmire on TV orchestrating
pageants and leading the music for Pastor Adrian Rogers on the TV program
called “Love Worth Finding”. – Jimmy
was given talents according to his abilities and so was I; they were just
different. – Jimmy had FIVE talents and I only had ONE.
·
Oddly
enough, it always stressed me to be out front in the spotlight; however,
God gave me an excited heart to dearly love and crave what I do
in the background. – We Need Both. -
Service
- A word about the
Talent of Service; “Helps” – You may not be able to preach, teach or
read the Bible out loud in public or even pray aloud in public, but you
can be of “help” – This can be through private prayer, counseling someone,
handling business affairs or promoting the kingdom of God. – It may be
cooking a meal for someone or taking them to the grocery store; helping a
neighbor with repairs or volunteering at the hospital.
- It is a Talent as well as a joy
to find ways of helping people who cannot repay you.
- My
neighbor Buddy Cashion was a man that rarely spoke, but seemed to be ever
present working around the church and offering his labor in the
community. His life was a sermon to
me. – Years later and retired, I find it pleasurable in mowing the grass
for a neighbor in bad health and for another neighbor to pick up pine
cones and sticks out of her yard as she is in her 90’s and on a walker. –
It’s fun for me, because they usually don’t know I’m there and CANNOT
return the favor.
WATER CAN
PEOPLE
·
I
can see where a Pastor would be encouraged when someone they have preached the
Gospel of Jesus Christ to, finally receives His Saving Grace; BUT if they never
see a single convert, remember that his job is just to water; it is God who is in
charge of the harvest.
·
There
are so many people in my life as well as in yours, that have watered the
seed that the Holy Spirit has planted in our hearts. Occasionally we get to see the harvest of a
full grown seed and that is just a bonus. – You do not have to see the harvest in
order to be effective for the kingdom of God; just grab hold of The Great
Commission and be A Faithful “Water Can Person” ready to Sprinkle or
Submerge. (That’s a play on baptizing words for the
Presbyterians and the Baptist- CHUCKLE, CHUCKLE )
John 2:7 – Fill your water pots and get ready for
a Miracle
7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. (NKJV)
7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. (NKJV)
Closing Thoughts &
Spankings
·
The Faithful Servants gained entrance into
Heaven, because of their love for their Master, the respect for His name that
motivated them to OBEDIENCE.
·
The
exercise of your Talent strengthens not only you, but provides gain for others
as well.
·
Question; Does your daily thoughts
include being held accountable when the Lord returns for your Talents? – Do you
try to redeem your time, improve your Talents, gifts and graces?
·
You have at least one
talent
– Are you ashamed of it and hiding your light under a bushel basket or
is it lifted up high on a pole to light the world? – Do you conceal your
convictions? Do you have a multiplicity
of earthly concerns that you PRETEND keeps you from finding time to read His
Word, Worship, Obey and Serve? – Have you robbed God by withholding His tithes
and offerings?
·
If you are ashamed of God, He will be ashamed of
your when He comes in Glory.
·
He will reward everyone according to what
they have done with their talents; – Good works do NOT save you; you do good
works because you are saved; this is not talking about the salvation of
the Believer; that is secure.
·
Remember God in your youth. – Use your talent
beginning with your youthful days while your health and strength is at its
prime; so there is more time to exercise your Talent. – Don’t wish you had
started earlier. - Be ready in season and out of season; whether it’s
convenient or not. – Whatever your hand finds to do; do it will all your might.
·
Add to
your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to
patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to
brotherly kindness LOVE. For if these things are in you,
and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
·
God
will give you the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit and will
give you the TALENT to buy wine and milk without money.
Revelation 22:12 – God will reward according to
your work
12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
(NKJV)
Matthew 5:15-16 – Put your light on a pole to
light the world
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(KJV)
Mark 8:38 – Ashamed of Me – I will be ashamed of you
38 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (ASV)
38 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (ASV)
Malachi 3:8 – Have you robbed God in your tithes
and offerings?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
(NKJV)
Ecclesiastes 12:1-5 - Remember God in the days of your youth
1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”
2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when people rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint;
5 when people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home and mourners go about the streets. (NIV2011)
1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”
2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when people rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint;
5 when people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home and mourners go about the streets. (NIV2011)
2 Timothy 4:2 – Be ready even when it’s not
convenient
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (ESV)
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (ESV)
Ecclesiastes 9:10 - What your hand finds to do, do it with might
10 Whatever your hand finds
to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or
wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. (ESV)
Isaiah 55:1-3 – Talent to buy Wine and Milk
without money
1 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
1 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
(ESV)
Isaiah 61:3 – Get the Oil of Gladness; The Garment
of Praise
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. (ESV)
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. (ESV)
2 Peter 1:5-8 – Add to faith; virtue knowledge
patience godliness
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
In the multitude of counselors,
there is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14
I am grateful to those that went before me
providing concepts, ideas, historical information, and scripture verses. Because of them I can stand on their
shoulders and see further that I otherwise ever could have.
A
commentary; Critical, Experimental and Practical – Eerdmans
Baker Commentary
on the Bible – Walter A. Elwell
Bible
Commentary – F.B. Meyer
English
Standard Version Bible – ESV
Exposition
of the Parables – Benjamin Keach
Expositor’s
Bible Commentary; The – Frank E Gaebelein
Gospels Interwoven;
The – Kermit Zarley
Matthew
Henry’s Commentary - Zondervan
Message
Bible; The – MES
New
International Version Bible – NIV
New King
James Bible – NKJV
Parables of
Jesus; The – J. Dwight Pentecost
Parables of
the Kingdom; The – John MacArthur
Thru the
Bible – J. Vernon McGee
Wycliffe
Bible Commentary; The – Pfeiffer &
Harrison
Wikipedia
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