KINGDOM

PRIORITIES
THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

SEPTEMBER 2023 CAMACOP DIVISION OF MISSIONS | PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM

 THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
THE MISSIONS OF STEWARDSHIP | MATTHEW 25:14-30

I. INTRODUCTION
(Matthew 25:14-30)
In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts his servants with different
amounts of talents before embarking on a journey. To one servant, he gives five talents,
to another two talents, and to the third servant, one talent. The master expects his
servants to use these talents wisely and multiply them during his absence.
The first two servants, who received five and two talents respectively, wasted no time in
putting their gifts to work. They diligently invested and managed their talents, and as a
result, they doubled the amounts entrusted to them. When the master returned, he
commended their faithfulness, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have
been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." (Matthew 25:21)
However, the third servant, who received one talent, chose a different path. Driven by
fear and insecurity, he buried his talent in the ground, ensuring its safety but preventing
any growth. When the master returned, this servant returned the talent exactly as it was
given, offering no increase or return. The master, disappointed by his lack of faith and
initiative, rebuked him, saying, "You wicked and lazy servant!" (Matthew 25:26)

See the importance of missions and stewardship in the Christian faith

However, when we think of the parable in this way we are being misled by the modern
meaning of the word, talent. To us the word means ability-a natural gift which we
possess. But, then, this is not the meaning of talent in biblical times. The disciples
thought of this word as a definite amount of money.
The talent was a specific weight of silver, worth about a thousand dollars. Though it was
a definite amount of money in the story the Lord told, yet it represents something other
than money in our lives.
The major question before us is: What has the Lord given to us to invest, which
corresponds with the talents given to the servants in the parable?
We should treat this parable autobiographically. We must see that it is intended for us.
To each one, the Lord has distributed one or more talents. We are either trading with it
or burying it in the ground. As we read the parable we must face that central issue.
The Parable of the Talents, provides valuable insights into the responsibility and
KINDDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023

stewardship of God's gifts in the context of missions.

And finally a word of caution, attempts to identify the talents with spiritual gifts, the
law, natural endowments, the gospel, or whatever else, lead to a narrowing of the
parable with which Jesus would have been uncomfortable. Perhaps he chose the talent or
mina symbolism because of its capacity for varied application.

II. THE CONTEXT

This parable is used by Jesus to illustrate God’s expectations for our stewardship of His
gifts and resources that he bestows upon us.
In Matthew’s parable the talents are distributed according to the master’s evaluation of
his servants’ capacities. Therefore, the parable lays intrinsic emphasis on the principle
“to whom much is given, from him much shall be required.”
 THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
THE MISSIONS OF STEWARDSHIP | MATTHEW 25:14-30

CHARACTER REPRESENTATION
1. The Master represents God
2. The Servants represents believers or followers of Christ
3. The Talents represents God's gifts and resources He bestows upon us

CHALLENGE
1. This Parable challenges us to be faithful and fruitful stewards of the gifts God has given
us. Each one of us has a unique role to play in advancing His Kingdom. Let us not bury
our talents out of fear or complacency, but rather, let us step forward with courage,
trusting in God's provision and guidance.

III. LESSONS FOR MISSIONS

1. We must acknowledge that God has uniquely gifted each one of us. It may vary, but they
are equally valuable in His sight. It is our responsibility to identify and appreciate the
gifts bestowed upon us.
2. Just as the master entrusted his servants with talents, God has entrusted us with various
resources, skills, and opportunities. We are called to be faithful stewards, using these
gifts wisely and purposefully for His Kingdom. In line with missions the fulfilment of the
Great commission.
3. The third servant's fear paralyzed him, preventing him from taking any action. We must
not allow fear to hinder us from using our talents. Instead, let us step out in faith,
trusting that God will guide and bless our efforts. Remember His promise is to be with us
to the ends of the world, to the end of our life and until the end of the world
4. The parable teaches us that fruitful stewardship involves actively using our talents to
serve others. By investing our time, energy, and resources in God's work, we can
multiply the impact of our talents and bring glory to His name.

IV. APPLICATION TO MODERN MISSIONS

A. Share stories of successful missions endeavors within CAMACOP.
Bro Jessie started a ministry about five years ago in Zamboanga city amongst our
brothers. He started with no visible support just obedience to the call of God. He gave his
all to this ministry. Today it is growing movement amongst out brothers in several
barangays in Zamboanga City including some islands in the vicinity.
KINDDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023

B. It is important to support the missions work and our missionaries by praying for them (we
provide prayer requests on our Facebook page daily) and giving financially for missions.
Praise God last 2022 61% of our churches gave to missions. Can we make that 80% this
year.
C. There are many ways your church can get involved in missions
1. Respond to the call for you to go and be a missionary.
2. Invite our missionaries on home assignment to speak and challenge your church. We
also have retired and former missionaries who are just waiting to be invited to speak in
your church.
 THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
THE MISSIONS OF STEWARDSHIP | MATTHEW 25:14-30

3. Visit our missionaries here and abroad. We have a Moksha Center in Davao city that
you can visit. The Moksha center is reaching the more than 6,000 students coming from
India who are studying in two medical schools in Davao city. Contact the Division of
Missions (DM) for details.
4. Write and encourage our missionaries in the field. You can also send them gifts this
Christmas and a token of our appreciation for the sacrifices they are making. Contact the DM
for more information.
5. Drop regularly your offerings and pledges (if you made one) whenever the offertory is
collected. Make sure you indicate that this offering is for Missions. Watch this video and
share it.

V. Consequences of Unfaithfulness
There are consequences if we are unfaithful to the calling God entrusted to us.
The basic purpose of life is growth, increase, gains. To fail in this purpose is to be
fundamentally unprofitable. All life grows, and if it does not, it has then ceased to live and is
no longer worth keeping.

VI. Conclusion
As we conclude, let us remember that the Parable of the Talents challenges us to be faithful
and fruitful stewards of the gifts God has given us. Each one of us has a unique role to play in
advancing His Kingdom. Let us not bury our talents out of fear or complacency, but rather,
let us step forward with courage, trusting in God's provision and guidance. May we hear the
master's words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and strive to hear them echo in our
lives. Amen.

Remember to personalize this sermon to your congregation's specific needs and context. Feel
free to add relevant scriptures, anecdotes, and examples to make the message more relatable
and impactful.
KINDDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023
 WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
SERMON Rev. Roland Don Dulaca EDITOR Ms. Albina L. Cristobal TRANSLATOR LM Milcah G. Gerada
FRONT COVER ARTIST Ptr. Joerel R. Candido GRAPHICS & LAYOUT LM Nielrose S. Candido