Speaker: Senior Pastor

    Title: Principles of Kingdom Living

    Scriptures: Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27

Introduction

    The story of a nobleman about to be made King (Luke 19:12)

    ; The nobleman called his servants and gave resources to do business. To work,

    serve and become successful.

    ; He told them to be occupied till he returns (Luke 19:13)

    The story told by Jesus was about Himself as He was near Jerusalem and the people thought the Kingdom of God would come immediately (Luke 19:11)

    ; Jesus has given us gifts through the Holy Spirit and also natural gifting and talents.

    ; Jesus is coming back.

    ; As believers, we are to be faithful and to occupy till He comes.

THE NOBLEMAN CALLED HIS SERVANTS

    There is no ethnic or status distinction in the Kingdom of God but we are not all equal.

    ; In the Kingdom, we are all servants but not equal. God determines this.

     (1 Corinthians 12:18, 27-31)

    Our responsibilities differ

     Our functions differ

     Our expectations differ

     Our rewards differ.

    ; The nobleman received and commended them alike (Matthew 25:21-23)

    ; Followers or servants of the Kingdom live victorious, joyful and fulfilled lives.

    They live with meaning and purpose.

    ; How does one serve? (Romans 12, c.f. Romans 12:10-11, Galatians 5:15)

     Insecure people cannot serve.

     Petty people cannot serve.

     Selfish people cannot serve.

     Arrogant, high-minded people cannot serve

     Slaves to sin and pleasure of this world cannot serve.

     (c.f. Matthew 20:26 & 27)

ALL THE SERVANTS RECEIVED GIFTS FROM THE MASTER

    Servants should not be idle and useless like the one in the story.

    ; He did not live like the prodigal son by wasting what he had ; He did nothing. He had the potential but did realise it.

    ; His penalty – Matthew 25:26-30

     - He lost what he had (V.28)

     - He lost his soul (V.30)

     (c.f. Matthew 19:16)

    Failure in trying is acceptable

    Failure to try is not.

    Faith without works is dead.

     Jesus cursed a barren fig tree(Matthew 21:19)

EVERY SERVANT RECEIVED A GIFT BUT WAS NOT EQUAL

    ; The gifts were given according to his ability. God determines as He pleases (Matthew 25:15,

    1 Corinthians 12:18)

    ; No two persons are alike, with differing gifts, looks and place in life as God determines (2

    Corinthians 10:12)

    ; You must BE and DO what God has made and given you.

SUCCESS IS EXPECTED

    (Luke 12:48)

; Success is expected according to the gifting

    ; Don’t applaud the gift, it is given.

    ; Applaud what is done with the gift.

THE SERVANT WITH ONE TALENT

    He buried the talent because:

    ; He did not appreciate and trust his master (Luke 19:21)

     - God does not ask that we explain Him or understand or protect Him but he say, trust in

    the Lord

     with all your heart.

     - Believe when you pray.

     - If we can explain God, then He is too small to be worshipped. ; He was afraid to fail

     - The greatest tragedy in life is not failing but quitting. ; Every talent is important

     The one talent servant was severely punished (Matthew 25:30)

No one is without value in the Kingdom.

    Every member in the body is vital.

    Heaven rejoices over one soul.

    c.f. The parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, the prodigal son.

Conclusion

    ; God said Noah was just and perfect in his generations (Genesis 6:9)

     Noah did not fail to try – God helped him,

    ; God said Abraham was His friend

     (James 2:23)

    ; God said David was a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22)