God’s Work

TEXT: Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Peter 4:10-11

In this parable a master distributes talents to his servants according to their abilities, to be put to profitable use. Expressions such as, “using his talents well,” are probably derived from the figurative use of the word talents. In this lesson we will draw a parallel between the monetary talents mentioned in the parable and the talents or abilities God entrusts to us. We will find that those who choose to use their talents in God’s work are rewarded by Him, while those who are unfaithful and careless with their talents will not only miss the blessings in store for them, but will suffer eternal loss.

QUESTIONS

1. In dealing with this parable a number of facts are presented:
   How many talents did each servant receive?
   Why did they receive different amounts?
   From whom did the servants receive their talents?
   For what purpose were they given?
   When the lord of those servants returned, how many talents did each have?
2. Even though this parable was given in reference to monetary talents, in what way could it be similar to, or have a spiritual parallel to a Christian’s experience?
3. Make a list of talents or abilities that you believe can be used in the work of the Lord.
4. In the Biblical parable, it is apparent that the servants did more than just put their talents out to the exchangers, or to gain interest. How do you suppose the servants increased their talents?
5. How can our God-given talents be improved? Give an example.
6. Put yourself in the place of an office manager: There is a job to be done and you must decide which worker should be given the job. What would you base your decision on? Which of these criteria could be applied to the receiving of spiritual abilities and talents?
7. What is required of us in order to receive a reward for the use of our talents? What are the results if we do not use them?
8. How does one qualify to have his talents used in the work of the Lord?
9. How does a person show by his life that he is consecrated and faithfully pursuing the course the Lord has laid out for him? What are some of the ways the Lord’s work is benefited when this is done?