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Matt. 25:14-30
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last week we learned that the biblical concept of service is what you deserve and are entitled to receive from me! We also learned that giving of ourselves to God is our reasonable service to Him because we belong to God by right of creation; because He redeemed us; and because all good things come to us from God. Now let’s consider…
- SELF-GIVING IS OUR RESPONSIBLE SERIVCE! We are in Matt. 25:14. Jesus is continuing His explanation of His return to earth and establishing His kingdom. In this parable of the talents there are many lessons to be learned. Today we are focusing on the truth that every Christian is responsible to give themselves to God. You will notice the master calls his servants, and in trusts them with His property. One of the first lessons that you want to learn in being responsible in your service to the Lord is the gospel is God’s property and you are accountable to Him for it. In fact, this entire parable verifies that. The question is, which servant are you? You are both responsible and accountable to God for all He gives you! You are responsible and accountable to God for only what He gives you! Got it? Only what God gives you and in the amount He gives it to you! You will never have to give account for what someone else has! Now let’s see that
- SELF-GIVING BRINGS US REWARD FOR SERVICE! Go to Mark 9:38-41; 1Cor. 3:12-15; now Col. 3:23, 24. Nowhere does God ever teach that his people are to work for Him, or serve Him pro bono! However everywhere Scripture teaches us *God’s reward comes to us on God’s terms! Go to Mark 10:29, 30; now 1 Cor. 9:26, 27; now Heb. 10:32-39. Here we learn that God’s rewards are given to us for self-denial! I think God is the originator of the idea of saving the best till last. If we are willing to give up self and allow God to reward us on His terms we will discover that! God’s greatest reward to his children is Himself! A truly redeemed heart knows that nothing or no one anywhere is better than God. As Paul told the Romans, “what shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things.” So it comes to this – to what degree do we give to God? That question is answered with this question – to what degree do you want to receive from God? Jesus gives us the answer to both questions, and it is recorded in Luke 6:38 “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be put into your lap.” Now here’s the answer to the question— “for with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” We might say it this way today – however much you give is how much you will receive. In eternity past God made His choice – and it is significant! Now – it’s your turn to choose!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
