For the Kingdom
Read: Matthew 25:14-30
14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. 19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’ 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’ 22 “The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’
24 “The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 “His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned. 28 “‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Transformation Questions:
- How does the biblical principle that everything belongs to God help shape our understanding of the parable of the talents?
- Why do you think God gives different amounts of talents to different servants?
- This parable isn’t just about money. It is also about using your time and talent that God has given you wisely. Who is someone you have seen that has modeled stewarding their lives well? What did they do that you would want to emulate?
- How did the first two servants react differently than the third servant? Why is there a difference in their reactions?
- What is the difference between a river and a reservoir? How do we make sure that we are spiritual rivers who allow God’s blessings to flow out of us to others?
- How would you define Kingdom stewardship? (Pastor Zach defined Kingdom stewardship as using God-given resources for the accomplishment of God-given goals) Why would you define it that way?
- What are tangible ways to use your time for the LORD? What are tangible ways to use your talent for Him?
- Pastor Zach introduced the Kingdom Generosity stewardship campaign. Would you pray that God would work through our church and provide the resources so we can pay off our debt?
- Besides that campaign, what are other ways to ensure that your finances are being used for God’s Kingdom?