MEMORY VERSE: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man Cometh” Matthew 25:13.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 25:13-30.
INTRODUCTION
We have, in the previous lesson, discovered that ‘the pound’ mentioned in Jesus’ parable represents heavenly resources bestowed upon God’s children for the sake of the kingdom’s business. The version of the parable in Luke 19:11-27 uses the term ‘pound’ while Matthew 25:14-30 calls it ‘talents.’ The Master’s expectation for all believers remains the same and it’s to, ‘occupy till He returns profitably with the resources He has given to us.’ It is important to note that God knows our abilities as His children and distributes His resources accordingly Matthew 25:14- 15. Let us consider the other two options available to every recipient of the *pound or talent’ aside spending it.
OUTLINE
- KEEPING ‘GOD’S POUND’
- INVESTING ‘GOD’S POUND’.
- KEEPING ‘GOD’S POUND’
There are people like the servant with one pound who out of fear will not make use of their talents or opportunities Luke 19:20-21. They have a very negative outlook to things and are very pessimistic,’what if it does not work out’ Numbers 13:31-33; Proverbs 26:13. They are reluctant or hesitant to take any risk for the kingdom like Jonah who was sent to go and invest his pounds and save the people of Nineveh from destruction, rather he chose to go in the opposite direction Jonah 1:1-3. Many of us are not sensitive enough to discover that some of the storms that prayer and fasting has not been able to resolve may just be because of God trying to draw our attention to how and where He wants us to spend the pound we have kept or buried.”
Are you a ‘hoarder of God’s pound?’ The consequence of this wrong attitude of deliberate inaction is very grave as expressed in Luke 19:24-27.
2. INVESTING ‘GOD’S POUND’.
To invest ‘God’s pound’ means that you roll up your sleeves and get to work doing business with the ‘pound’ to make profits for the Master 1 Corinthians 12:7; John 15:16. The allegorical question here is “ How do people do business to make profit?”
i. Determination to do business Ezra 7:10; 2 Chronicles 2:1; Genesis 11:4-6. Determination is a soul of business.
ii. Diligence Proverbs 22:29. The opposite of diligence is idleness, laziness or slothfulness which leads to poverty Proverbs 6:6-11. Diligence is an antidote to failing and falling 2 Peter 1:10.
iii. Focus on your divine call (the assignment for which the Master gave you the ‘pound’) and avoid distractions Hebrews 12:1-2.
iv. Re-invest the profit back. Make disciples Matthew 28:19 and mentor others to be effective every aspect of the kingdom business 2 Timothy 2:2;1 John 1:1-3.
v. Patience and long-suffering Hebrews 12:1, 10:36; Galatians 4:19 Patience produces good fruits Luke 8:15. You must learn to endure suffering while doing kingdom business so that the labour will not be in vain Romans 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:58
vi. Pray for the business to grow. Praying for souls to abide and grow in the faith is vitally important in kingdom business Colossians 1:9-13; 2 Peter 3:17-18
vii. Sponsor soul winning activities Romans 16:3 such as crusades, church planting, feeding the poor, and other Church Social Responsibilities:Mark 10:21; Philippians 4:15-16.
CONCLUSION
The time to invest your ‘pound’ is now. Jesus will surely come back to reward everyone accordingly Revelation 22:12. Occupy till He comes.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Revelation 22:12.
Mon: 2 Timothy 2:2.
Tues: Colossians 1:9-13
Wed: Philippians 4:15-16.
Thurs: Hebrews 12:1.
Fri. Genesis 11:4-6
Sat: Matthew 25:14-15