GIVING

One day each one of us will stand before Almighty God to give an account of our lives

The Talents    Matthew 25: 14-30

1.  God is incredibly generous

1 Talent = 15 years of wages

There are NO no talent people in this story.

It’s the same with everyone here.  He’s entrusted His property to you – money, possessions, abilities, time.

Martin Luther had only two days on his calendar: Today and Judgment Day.  That’s a great focus!

2.  Accountability

Matthew 25: 19

The first two servants explain what they’ve done with the talents.  They’ve multiplied them.

The third servant is in trouble.  He hasn’t done anything.

Matthew 25: 26  Wicked and Lazy

The sin of unrealised potential.  The refusal to choose risk and obedience by choosing comfort and safety.

Jesus doesn’t want any of us to get to the end of our lives and know the profound regret of missing the best.

You and I are God’s stewards, firstly by creation and secondly by redemption.

Faithfulness is vital.

The third servant is not judged for doing desperately bad things.  He is judged for doing nothing.

Sound investment advice!  Choose your investments carefully.  Consider how they’ll be working for you a few million years from now!

3.  Reward

Matthew 25: 21

There’s more!    Matthew 25: 21

Luke 19:7   10 cities/5 cities

Whatever you invest for the Master this side of Heaven in obedience will look like a few things, loose change, when compared to the reward in Heaven.

1 Corinthians 3: 11-15

The Gospel is all about Grace.  But once you’ve become a Christian there are choices every day as to how you’ll live your life for God.  Philippians 2: 12-13

Every day is an opportunity for you and me to invest in the Kingdom.

Financial giving.

Every Christian should be giving first to their local church and then as God directs.

Just do it.  Be faithful.