PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

Matt. 25:14-30

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. This parable is rightfully called "the parable of the talents."
   B. A talent was a weight of money used in ancient Greek and
      Roman times as shown by verse 27.
      1. In application of the parable, the "talents" have come
         represent ones talents (special abilities, endowments, and
         opportunities).

I. In verses 14-15, we see the talents given.
   A. The Lord is gracious in giving all of us various abilities
      and opportunities.  1 Pet. 4:10-11
      1. All of is have opportunities to teach, serve, and develop
         our abilities.
   B. The person who doesn't have much natural ability, but
      develops what he has to its fullest extent, is the one who a
      good servant of the Lord.
      1. Some have far more ability than they think.  They haven't
         used or developed what they have.  This in essence is a
         worthless servant.

II. In verses 16-23, we see talents used.
   A. Abilities and opportunities properly used bring great
      rewards.
      1. Opportunities used are multiplied.  (Verse 29a)
      2. Those who are diligent in the Lord's work will always
         have something to do.
   B. Opportunities properly used will bring eternal rewards.
      1. The Lord's phrase, "Enter thou into the joy of your
         Lord" will mean everything in that great day.
         a. What a marvelous thought - to someday have those
            words spoken to us!

III. In verses 24-30, we see talents hidden.
   A. Abilities and opportunities hidden or buried are lost.
   B. That which one does not use will be taken from them. (Verse
      29b)
      1. Sometimes people are laid up in the hospital for months,
         and their muscles which are not used, need to be
         developed all over again.  Sometimes after several
         months illness, some must learn to walk all over again.
      2. The leaves of trees and vines use up the nutrients in the
         process of photosynthesis. As the leaves consume
         nutrients in the sap, a suction is formed, which draws
         more sap from the roots. Without the sap, the leaves and
         branches would die, but the continual flow of this sap
         comes only as it is used up by the work of the leaves. 
         Likewise, we keep busy in the Lord's work so that we
         can grow and be nourished by the Lord.
   C. Abilities hidden brings great condemnation.  (Verse 25-29)
      1. Our God who we serve is a great God who can do things
         we can't.  Certainly, man cannot reap without planting.
      2. God, the Almighty One, must be revered and feared. 
         Heb. 10:26-27
   D.  When our talents (abilities and opportunities) are buried,
      great condemnation results.  (Verse 30)

Concl.  Let us diligently use and develop our God given talents.