• The parable of “The Wise And Foolish Virgins” stresses the need to be “prepared”(Mt 25:1-13),
• The parable of “The Talents” stresses the need to be “productive “
• The first emphasizes “watching”for the Lord; the latter, “working” for the Lord

I. THE PARABLE AND ITS LESSONS

A) EVALUATED ACCORDING TO HIS OWN ABILITY

• 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

B) HIS RETURN WAS AFTER “A LONG TIME”

• God judges us by consistency and longevity

C) USE IT OR LOSE IT

• Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

D) DILIGENCE IS REWARDED

• He praises them for their work, saying “Well done”
• He commends them both as “good and faithful servant”
• He rewards them by promoting them: “you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things”
• He invites them to share in his happiness: “Enter into the joy of your lord”

E) NEGLIGENCE IS PUNISHED

• He calls him a “wicked and lazy servant”
• “But from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away”
• He has the “unprofitable servant” cast “into the outer darkness”, where “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”

II. USE THE RESOURCES GOD HAS GIVEN YOU – THE THREE T’S

1) TIME

• Ephesians 5:16-17 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Do you have a hard time saying no to the strenuous commitments that bombard you?

With this verse we need to pray that God will give us wisdom how to answer when those situations arise.

When it comes to our TIME we get our priorities all out of order

Sleep……………..23 years………32.9%
Work……………..16 years……….22.8%
TV…………………8 years……….11.4%
Eating…………….6 years………..8.6%
Travel…………….6 years………..8.6%
Leisure……………4.5 years………6.5%
Illness…………….4 years………..5.7%
Dressing…………..2 years………..2.8%

2) TALENT

• Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
• Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

• ONE THING INSIGHT: Once you have:

• 1) Determined “YOUR THING”
• 2) Spent time in Prayer
• 3) Approached key leadership of existing ministries
• 4) Accumulate as many details as possible about your ministry

3) TREASURE

• Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
• Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD SERIES

• SERMON ONE: THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED
• SERMON TWO: THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (THE FOUR SOILS)
• SERMON THREE: THE PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND THE TARES
• SERMON FOUR: THE PARABLE OF THE COSTLY PEARL
• SERMON FIVE: THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
• SERMON SIX: THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON