Task-Oriented – Pt 2
Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT)
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
1. The bag represents valuable kingdom opportunities.
2. Each person has been given specific talents for unique kingdom opportunities.
– Talents are gifts you’re born with.
– Skills are learned.
– Skills enhance talents.
– What’s in your hand?
Exodus 4:1-2 (NLT)
1 But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” 2 Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.
3. Jesus is the source of wisdom for how to use your talents for Kingdom opportunities.
Colossians 2:3 (NLT)
3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Reflection: What’s a talent you have? How can you use it to serve people in need?
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: Jesus gives wisdom to use our God-given talents for kingdom opportunities.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Matthew 25:14-30. How does this passage challenge the idea of comparing our talents with others? Why do you think God gives us unique kingdom opportunities?
▶Read Exodus 4:1-2. How can we combat the lie that we need something more or better to serve God? What does it look like for you to start with what you already have and allow God to multiply it?
▶ What does it mean to be a faithful steward of the talents God has given you?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
Share a talent you have that you’ve enhanced with skills. Are there areas where you feel God is calling you to step out and use your talents in a new way to serve others and His Kingdom?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Thank the Lord for each unique talent and pray that He would grant us the wisdom to steward them well for His Kingdom.