A Lamp Unto My Feet Bible Study Website
Matthew 25:14-30
Lesson #62
GIFTS AND THEIR USE IN THE KINGDOM
- Memory verse: Mat 25:29
- Read Mat 25:14-30 Parable of the Talents
- In the parable of the ten virgins, we saw the necessity of being prepared inwardly by being born again and possessing the Holy Spirit. We saw the virgins waiting for the Lord.
- The parable in this lesson deals with outward ministry once a person is saved. We now see the servants working for the Lord.
- Who is the man? Jesus Christ
- What does he do?
- He goes into “a far country” which refers to Christ’s ascension into heaven.
- Who are the servants? Born-again believers
- What are the “goods” given to the servants (14)?
- All the wealth and blessings of Jesus Christ are given to the believer.
- Every believer has the responsibility for the kingdom of God and must account to God for what is given to him.
- What is a talent?
- In the context of Bible times, a talent was a measure of weight like a pound that we use today.
- The talents in this parable do not represent natural abilities such as painting, singing, playing the piano, etc. Usually we think that this parable refers to these natural abilities.
- Notice that all the “talents” belonged to the Lord and not the servants.
- The “talents” in this parable are spiritual gifts specifically given by God and not inherited by some combination of one’s genes.
- Who is the man? Jesus Christ
Biblical Gifts
| Spiritual Gifts | Positional Gifts | Motivational Gifts |
| 1Cor 12:8-10 | Eph 4:11-12 | Rom 12:6-8 |
| 1Pet 4:11-12 | ||
| Gifts given by the Holy Spirit | Gifts given by Christ, the Son | Gifts given by God, the Father |
| Word of Wisdom
Word of Knowledge Faith Gifts of healing Working of miracles Prophecy Discerning of spirits Divers tongues Interpretation of tongues |
Apostles
Prophets Evangelists Pastors |
Prophecy (Insight)
Ministry (Serving) Teacher Exhortation (Encouraging) Giving (Contributing) Administration (Facilitation) Mercy |
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- How do you explain that in the parable one is given 5 talents, one 2 talents and one 1 talent and that they do not all receive the same amount?
- God gives to everyone the amounts that He knows that person can handle. (According to their ability) (15). He does not expect you to perform beyond what He has enabled you to do.
- God’s gifts accomplish more through some believers than through other believers.
- We are all to develop and use to the best of our ability what God gives us.
- What are the rewards for faithfulness?
- Notice the two faithful servants reacted immediately: “straightway” (16,17)
- Notice that the two returned double on the original investment. They were both 100% faithful.
- How should you use the gifts God gives in order to be 100% faithful?
- Learn what your gifts are.
- Learn what the Bible says about them.
- Learn to rely on the Holy Spirit for their use.
- Determine to develop them.
- Notice the two faithful servants reacted immediately: “straightway” (16,17)
- How do you explain that in the parable one is given 5 talents, one 2 talents and one 1 talent and that they do not all receive the same amount?
For example, teaching: Use it and learn what makes a good teacher.
Give yourself to using the gifts to the very best of your ability.
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- Rewards are given at the judgment seat of Christ.
- Read 1Cor 3:10-15
- What are the rewards for unfaithfulness?
- Notice the third servant was not only idle, but he was disobedient.
- What are the rewards for unfaithfulness?
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He was told to use his talent.
Not only that, but he also lied about the Lord. (24)
Notice his own words condemn him in vs. 26.
Because he lied, the Lord called him wicked.
Because he was idle, the Lord called him slothful.
What he has is taken away.
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- The servant did not bury his talent because he only had one, but because he was slothful.
- Cast into outer darkness
- Loss of reward at the judgment seat of Christ.
- What does it mean that there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth?
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This expression, “the weeping and gnashing of teeth” expresses the utmost degree of shame and loss.
It is oriental symbolism for profound regret.
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- What is the central truth of the parable?
- It is a warning against non-use or mis-use of the supernatural gifts that God gives us as well as an encouragement to use the gifts God gives for His glory.
- Looking for the second coming of Christ, we should then work for Christ until He comes.
- What is the central truth of the parable?
- Principles:
- We never lose what we use.
- Everyone that has, more shall be given (29)
Homework
Matthew 25:31-46
- Application of Mat 25:14-30 Parable of the talents and rewards
- If you know your Biblical gifts, make a list of any you find listed on the chart in your notes.
- How can you better develop and use these gifts?
- If you do not know your Biblical gifts, pray and ask God to begin revealing them to you.
- Preparation for Mat 25:31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats
- Keep in mind this parable also refers to the second coming of Christ as did all those in Mat 24 and 25. It is also a picture of judgment.
- Read Mat 25:31-46
- Who is being judged?
- Who is the shepherd?
- Who are the goats?
- Who are the sheep?
- Who is the king?
- What is meant by “inherit the kingdom” (34)?
- What are the criteria for this judgment?
- Who are the “brethren” in verse 40?
- What is the result of the judgment?
- What is the central truth of the parable?
- Keep in mind this parable also refers to the second coming of Christ as did all those in Mat 24 and 25. It is also a picture of judgment.
- Memory verse: Mat 12:50
