“Bible Parables EP04 - The Parable of the Bags of Gold" < --- Click To Download the Notes.
Title: An Invitation to Share in Christ’s Happiness
Central passage: Matthew 25:14–30
The Master Entrusts His Wealth (vv. 14–15)
Servants = Us (followers of Jesus)
Wealth = God’s gifts, people, opportunities, talents
Distribution according to ability
The Servants’ Responses (vv. 16–18)
Faithful servants: invested and doubled their portion
Unfaithful servant: hid the talent out of fear
The Master’s Return (vv. 19–23)
Settling accounts
Praise and reward for faithfulness:
“Well done, good and faithful servant”
Greater responsibility
Invitation to share in the master’s happiness
The Wicked Servant’s Excuse (vv. 24–30)
Fear and wrong view of the master
Rebuked as wicked and lazy
Talent taken away, judgment pronounced
Who Are the Servants?
God’s people (John 12:26, Deut. 7:6, John 17:6, Isa. 43:1)
What Is the Wealth?
The world and all in it belong to the Lord (Ps. 24:1–2)
Gifts and talents given by grace (Rom. 12:6–8)
God’s treasured possession (Mal. 3:16–18)
The Master’s Happiness
Eternal reward and fellowship with Christ (Isa. 53:12, 2 Pet. 1:10–11, Phil. 3:13–14)
Promises to the victorious (Rev. 2–3 selections)
The Consequences of Laziness and Fear
Loss of opportunity and blessing
Judgment (Gal. 6:7–10: sowing and reaping principle)
God entrusts us with His wealth (gifts, people, opportunities).
He expects us to put them to work for His kingdom.
Faithful stewardship brings great reward.
Neglect and fear bring consequences.
What does it say about God that He entrusts His wealth to us?
What keeps us from being like the first two servants?
How can we ensure we live faithfully as the first two servants?
Why do many fall into the third servant’s category?
