April 27, 2025
Sound Stewardship #
Matthew 25:14-19, 30
Introduction
I want to deal with the verse 30 right at the onset, so we are not pondering how this is going to end up. This is a parable, that I full hearted believe is for our time right now.
First this is a parable about stewardship or servant-ship, not salvation, or sonship. Let’s revisit a very important verse that is foundational to the doctrine of salvation:
Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Our Salvation is clearly not based upon our works! This unprofitable servant was condemned based on his lack of works. Therefore I conclude that this servant was never saved. He in some form, was included with the servants, but was not saved, never had been. We should not therefore be surprised when God says,
Matt. 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I. The Responsibility of Stewards #
A. The Possessions (Matt 25:14) #
1. Physical possessions #
Deut 8:11-18, 17-18***
2. Spiritual Possessions #
1Cor. 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
3. You may possess them, they are not yours! #
B. The Proportions (Matt 25:15) #
1. Abilities “according to his several ability” #
2. Be careful of comparing #
2Cor. 10:12 ¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
C. The Profit (Matt 25:16-17) #
- Matt 25:20 – “I have gained beside them five talents more.”
- Matt 25:22 – “I have gained two other talents beside them.”
D. The Passing of time (Matt 25:19) #
- “long time” it has been almost 2000 years since Jesus rose from the dead! That is a long time.
II. The Reckoning of Stewards (Matt 25:19) #
A. The Praising 21, 23 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” #
B. The Promotion 21, 23 “I will make thee ruler over many things” #
C. The Pleasure 21, 23 “enter into the joy of thy lord.” #
1. Reckoning of the saved: #
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
2. Heaven bound #
Revelation 21:1-5
III. The Reluctant Servant (Matt 25:24-25) #
A. Attitude! (24-25) #
B. Answer (26-27) #
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I am treating this man in this passage as a lost man.
- God does entrust possessions to lost people, who have no desire to use them for God, like him.