The Parable of the Talents

This Sunday we are going to explore the parable of the talents. This parable is found in Matthew 25:14-30 and is a perfect topic as we continue our Neighbor Series for the month of July. As you reflect on this parable you will quickly come to the issue of the spiritual gifts and talents that God gives to each person that follows Christ. I believe the talents in this parable point us to a healthy understanding of the grace-gifts that God gives to the church. Unfortunately many Christians are left asking the question ‘what are my gifts?’

This question is often paralyzing to believers who have no idea how they are able to serve Christ. Many often feel unworthy to enjoy the privilege of serving. We are told that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to every believer to the benefit of the common good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7). In addition these gifts are given according to the will of the Holy Spirit — NOT according to the choice of the believer (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Although people might be anxious about knowing what their gift is, the important thing is to simply seek to serve the Lord in the context of the local church. Here are some thoughts about developing fruit through the use of your “grace-gift.”

1. Spiritual gifts will be given only after you have trusted Christ for salvation; it is not a natural ability, but a supernatural enabling to be fruitful in the service of Christ within the church.
   
   
2. You will be able to exercise your spiritual gift with minimum effort to the result of maximum benefit and edification to the body. Service is invigorating instead of draining when you are using your spiritual gift.
   
   
3. Your spiritual gift will always focus on how to edify others; it will not be focused on making you look “spiritual."
   
   
4. Your spiritual gift will be used best within the context of the church — it is purposed by God to build up the Body of Christ.
   
   
5. Your spiritual gift will cause you to have joy — a sense of great contentment in serving the Lord.
   
   
6. Your spiritual gift will often be more obvious to others than it is to you; others will begin to comment on how fruitful your ministry is when you are serving through your spiritual gift. If you cannot pinpoint or define with precision your gift, don’t fret over it; keep on serving until you have a desire and see where the fruitfulness is most evident.

​Pastor Billy