Friday: Further Thought – Matthew 24 and 25
Further Thought: “The man who received the one talent ‘went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.’”
“It was the one with the smallest gift who left his talent unimproved. In this is given a warning to all who feel that the smallness of their endowments excuses them from service for Christ.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
If they could do some great thing, how gladly would they undertake it; but because they can serve only in little things, they think themselves justified in doing nothing. In this they err. The Lord in His distribution of gifts is testing character. The man who neglected to improve his talent proved himself an unfaithful servant. Had he received five talents, he would have buried them as he buried the one. His misuse of the one talent showed that he despised the gifts of heaven”.
“‘He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.’ Luke 16:10. The importance of the little things is often underrated because they are small; but they supply much of the actual discipline of life. There are really no nonessentials in the Christian’s life. Our character building will be full of peril while we underrate the importance of the little things.” — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons , pp. 355, 356.
Discussion Questions:
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Lets relax in the arms of Jesus who wants to prepare us in character for what's to come. Blessings my brothers and sisters.
We need to be covered by God's mercy. By ourselves we gain nothing but death! However, God is able to fulfill what is missing in us. We must but look for Him with all our hearts, and good deeds He will make come out of us. To do good is good! We are not saved by it, but being by God's side this can be natural! He has prepared for us the way in which we can be a blessing where we are right now! Let us be happy, because He is faithful and wonderful! We must not fear Jesus' second coming, because if we are trying our best He can finish what He started in our hearts once! This crazy world must get to an end. There is too much suffering and pain! God may restore all inside and outside of us. Come back soon , Jesus!
Any and all attempts to make this present world ideal will fail until every individual is holy as God is holy. One sin can ruin paradise.
Obedience to God is faith being exercised. This doesn't apply to feigned obedience. Only the exercise of faith will strengthen faith.
To avoid being deceived as the foolish virgins were, one must examine themselves in comparison to Christ. Taking His yoke and abiding in Him is our only hope for avoiding deception. There is no substitute for this in avoiding deception.
Only those who have been spiritually and intellectually settled into the truth will not be overcome by the general deception of the world in the last events. For this we must labor daily without fail. To be as ease even briefly could be fatal to our faith. The saints are shown as persevering and diligent in their service to the Lord.
Take home point from this lesson study
Matthew 24
Begins with the disciples excited about the temple.
Reply of Jesus shocks the disciples.
Do Not be Decevied
The disciples come privately to interview Jesus on the end of world events.
Jesus begins with the statement, “Watch out that no one deceives you.”
Why?
Deception has an element of truth in it which can only be discerned by the spiritually minded person.
Jesus before ending the prophecy mentions
24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Do not be surprised, end time will test your faith.
Revelation 14:12
12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
Faithfulness of God’s people will be tested.
Matthew 25
Ten virgins – My interpretation
I have waited on the return of the Lord while waiting I have been laid to rest (dead).
Now I hear the coming of the groom, I am awakened from my sleep (resurrected)
When I went to sleep if I did not prepare myself to meet the Lord when I am called to meet the Lord, I will not be ready to meet the Lord.
Be always ready to meet the Lord.
Talents – Called to work for the Lord until He returns
Don’t underestimate the talents given by God. He has distributed them according to the ability and need.
When you’re not working, you’re hurting yourself and others.
Example: A family with an artistic child can minister to an artistic family (not limited to that family). Families going through life trials can help strengthen each other.
Our life experiences paves the way for us to minister unto each other.
My testimony is the greatest evidence of God working in and through my life.
God has created me with unique personality, ability, passion, Spiritual gift and experiences; no other person can fill that void.
There is work to be done while we are waiting for the Lord's to return.
When He comes, may we be found in Him.
Amen
The parable of “the ten virgins” and “the man who received the one talent” is a perfect example for us to see that belief alone will not save us. The five virgins believe in God and was partially prepared for his coming. They too was keeping watch with the righteous .The man who got the one talent also believe in God and his mighty power. The two classes are similarly in that they both believed in God but did not know God and his characteristic. They did not surrender themselves to the Holy Spirit to transform their character. They lack faith. They had a form of godliness. God requires total surrender and our wiliness to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into vessels that can be employed for him. Let us all take heed lest we be found in the same position (saying and doing much in the name of the Lord, having believe but yet not prepared)