Text: Matthew 25:14-30
In the parable of the talents, three servants were given a different number of “talents” to use while their master was away. These talents were sums of money given to the servants to use in the master’s service. For us, “talents” are those things we possess that may be used in the Lord’s service – our abilities, our money/resources, our time/opportunities. In this lesson, we are going to notice some “regular Christians” who used their talents.
Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)
- Dorcas was one who used her abilities to help others (Acts 9:36) – she made clothes for others (Acts 9:39); this was what she was remembered for, implying that it was something she did consistently
- This description is reminiscent of the virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:22, 24, 20)
- When it comes to helping those in need, we tend to think of money – this is one way to help, but there are other ways as well (make clothes, cook meals, watch children, make repairs, etc.); we can take what we are good at and find ways to honor/serve God through those abilities
Philemon (Philemon 2, 22, 10-14)
- Philemon was one who used his possessions to help others – in this case, his home (Philemon 2, 22); Paul even had an expectation that he would provide help by means of his servant (Philemon 10-14)
- This is what Paul said that the rich were to do (1 Timothy 6:17-18) – be willing to share; this is possible when we put our trust in God more than in our possessions (1 Timothy 6:17; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11)
- There are different ways in which we can use money/possessions to help others or do good – provide hospitality (Hebrews 13:2); give to the needy (Ephesians 4:28); save for the future (Proverbs 13:22; 2 Corinthians 12:14); give to the church (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7); support those who preach (Galatians 6:6)
Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16)
- Onesiphorus was one who took advantage of an opportunity to do good – an opportunity that was unique to him; he was from Ephesus (2 Timothy 1:18), yet in Rome he eagerly sought to help Paul in prison (2 Timothy 1:17)
- This is similar to the actions of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) – an opportunity arose, so he helped; he did so despite the possible danger or stigma of helping this particular individual
- We are to make the most of our time (Ephesians 5:16) – one way is to take advantage of opportunities before us (Galatians 6:10); each one of us has opportunities that no one else has (to teach, encourage, help, etc.); therefore, we need to be looking for these opportunities and use them; do not let them pass, thinking that others can step up in our place
Conclusion
- In Jesus’ parable, when the master gave his servants talents, they did not receive the same amount
- In the same way, we all have different abilities, resources, and opportunities
- We do not need to be a “five talent” Christian to be active in the Lord’s service – we simply need to use what we have to serve the Lord
