Matthew 25:14-30
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, goodand faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Main Idea
YOU ARE TO BE FAITHFUL WITH WHAT YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN.
Outline
GOD HAS GIVEN YOU RESPONSIBILITY (VV14-18)
GOD WILL GIVE YOU A RESPONSE (VV19-30)
Discussion Questions
What differences do you see between the first two servants and the third?
What is the same about the master’s response to the five-talent and two-talent servants?
What reasons does the third servant give for his inaction?
What stands out to you about the contrast between verses 21–23 and verses 26–30?
GOD HAS GIVEN YOU RESPONSIBILITY (VV14-18)
The talents represent more than money. What are some “talents” (resources, relationships, abilities, opportunities, time, influence, spiritual gifts) God has entrusted to you?
Why is comparison dangerous when it comes to what God has given different people?
The master calls millions of dollars “a little.” What does that teach us about God’s perspective?
In what areas of your life are you actively investing what God has given you?
Where might you be burying something God entrusted to you?
GOD WILL GIVE YOU A RESPONSE (VV19-30)
What does it mean to “live in anticipation of the King’s return”?
Why do you think fear paralyzed the third servant?
What fears might keep believers today from stepping out in faithfulness?
What do you think it means to “enter into the joy of your master”?
If Christ returned today, what in your life would reflect faithful anticipation?
Pastor Ryan said, “Faith isn’t part of your life… faith is how we are to live.” What does that statement challenge in you?
Looking Forward
What is one practical way you be more faithful with what God has given you this upcoming week?
Prayer Focus
Pray for freedom from comparison and jealousy.
Pray for a softened heart toward God’s ownership of everything.
Pray for courage to stop burying what God has entrusted to you.
Pray for wisdom to recognize the specific responsibilities God has given you.
Pray for faith that responds to grace rather than fears failure.
Pray for a Kingdom mindset that sees money as “a little” in light of eternity.
Pray for joyful anticipation of Christ’s return.
Pray for wholehearted surrender in every compartment of life.
Pray for Peace Church to be marked by faithfulness, not fear.
Pray for gratitude for the Gospel that fuels obedience.