Task-Oriented – Pt 4
Matthew 25:24-30 (NLT)
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.’
THREE LESSONS FROM THE SERVANT WHO MISHANDLED WHAT WAS ENTRUSTED:
1. He was called wicked because he mischaracterized the master.
– Mischaracterizing God will lead to missed kingdom opportunities.
2. He was called lazy because he buried his bag.
– Inaction means people are left unserved, needs go unmet, and the message of Jesus is unshared.
Luke 10:30-37 (NLT)
30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
3. He was called useless because he returned the bag.
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
– Stewardship requires taking a step.
Reflection:
What is one step you can take this week to steward what God has given you?
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: Inaction is the biggest risk. Stewardship requires a step.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Matthew 25:24-30. The servant with one bag mischaracterized the master as “harsh” and “demanding.” In what ways have you seen mischaracterizations of God shape your responses to Him or to your Kingdom opportunities?
▶ Pastor Matt said, “People may not step out of their comfort zone to use their time, talents, and resources because they’re afraid they may fail, or be criticized.” Share a time when you chose to step out of your comfort zone to serve others. How did you see the Lord’s faithfulness in that situation?
▶ Read Psalm 90:12. “Regret is a heavy burden.” Is there a missed opportunity you’ve been holding onto with regret? What is one way the Lord can redeem that missed opportunity, even if it’s not exactly how you imagined it?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
Share some ways that you might be proactive in responding to an opportunity to serve, speak, or act using what God has given to you this week. Commit to not missing a Kingdom opportunity.
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Pray that we would see God as a loving and redemptive Father. Ask Him to give us the courage and boldness to step out in action, using our talents and gifts to honor Him.