“There is only one job where you can start at the top – and that is digging a hole” Mt.25:14-30 shows what happens when a man tries to start at the top

His own slaves, 14 His property, 14  “But my talent and hard work pro- vided these things” Who gave ability to work, sunshine, seed, rain…? Who will get it when you leave? Lk.12 I. Ownership, 14

II. Stewardship, 15

Talents: five, two, one Talent: great sum of money (18:24) Today: an ability that God has given each of us  Ac.11:29  2 Co.8:3  1 Pt.4:11

Each: an individual responsibility God gives us talents to bless –  us. If you can see, hear, walk…  others. He didn’t give all the talents to one person We depend on each other, Ro.12 We help each other, 1 Co.12:28; 2 Pt.1:1 According to ability

I. Ownership, 14 III. Personal Responsibility, II. Stewardship, 15

The Master went away (15) The slave went away (16a) (to work) 16b, Immediately traded  Principle: Love never does for us what we can do for ourselves

What does this mean to us?  “A ship in a safe harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is built for” Perceive our talents Practice our talents Progress our talents

I. Ownership, 14 IV. Productivity, II. Stewardship, 15 III. Personal Responsibility, 15-16

Work pays Two Gained One was unproductive  Active: dug, hid  But…not what his master said

I. Ownership, 14 V. Accountability, II. Stewardship, 15 III. Personal Responsibility, IV. Productivity, 16-18

Their Master Returned, 19a If He had watched them, they would have felt forced to do something Accountability, 19b-23  20: 5 + 5; result: good, faithful. 21, few things = not abusive 21, joy of Lord – “not fair!”  22: 2 + 2; result: good, faithful, 23 (= 20)

1 + 0 = : one talent man gave the Master only excuses and blame  24, a hard man  25, I was afraid (Gn.3:8-10)  25, Implies “I did enough”

His own words condemn him, , a give and take relationship. If he won’t use it, entrust it to one who will 29-30, judgment is coming  Mt.21:43  Saul & David

I. Ownership, 14 V. Accountability, II. Stewardship, 15 III. Personal Responsibility, IV. Productivity, VI. Lessons

1. God wants us to win, 21, 23  Joy over success 2. The “hard” line is hard indeed, Neglect destroys, Master’s words Jn.6:60 Master’s will Ac.26:14 Master Himself Jd.15

4. We are stewards,  Gn.24; 1 Co. 4:1-2  “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t been in bed w. a mosquito”  Even if you can’t do the job, you can encourage and support someone who can

1. God is on our side 2. Hard line is hard 3. Neglect destroys 4. We are stewards 5. God holds stewards accountable,  Use it or lose it, 28  Use it and receive more, 29  Lose it and receive more (more than rebuke, dismissal), 30