1. ACCORDING TO MY ABILITIES MATTHEW 25:14-19

2. All Goods Committed To Man Belong To God. Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. Acts 17:24 "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.” Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

3. Everyone Has Abilities. There is no such thing as a “no talent person.” The amount is determined by the master. Matthew 25:15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. God has given all of us talents.Some more than others. I Corinthians 12:27-28 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

4. What Did God Require In The Parable? The talents were given according abilities. God knows what we can handle. How did they use their ability? God does not tell us how to be stewards. Each person has the freedom use their talents the way they want. Matthew 25:16-18 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.

5. The master wanted at least something. Matthew 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. God demands no more of us than our abilities will allow. God, being our Creator, knows we are limited to certain things. God only expects our VERY BEST What does God require?

6. What Is Meant “According To My Abilities?” What I can handle. We don’t have to have much to do great things. Luke 21:1-4 Then He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty has put in all the livelihood that she had.''

7. Who do I have to blame for my ways? Stewardship Is Not Optional. Being a good steward or a bad steward is. James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. It is my decision.

8. It is a matter of faith and works. Have enough faith that God has blessed you with certain abilities. Then put that ability to work for the Lord. We must work to develop our ability. Why is this so important? We must strive to develop more abilities. We Will Answer For Our Ability! Each person is required to gain. Even the one talent person.

9. Matthew 25:20-27 So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, `Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' "His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, `Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' "His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.‘ The same reward is given to the faithful. Then he who had received the one talent came and said, `Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'

10. But his lord answered and said to him, `You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. Therefore you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Each answered for themselves. Was this a just reckoning? Judgment was made according to each one’s ability. Galatians 6:5 For each one shall bear his own load. Romans 14:10, 12 For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Our judgment will be in the same way.

11. The unfaithful must suffer the consequences. Matthew 25:28-30 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Something to remember: A+R O = Ability+Opportunity= Responsibility We all have ability. Opportunity is all around us. We all have a responsibility.

12. We are all stewards. MoneyChildrenFriendsThe things we own. OUR SOULS ARE YOU A FAITHFUL STEWARD? UNFAITHFUL STEWARD? OR AN

13. Given by David Hamlin on 5-17-09 am Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.hollisterchurchofchrist.orgwww.hollisterchurchofchrist.org