How can we avoid losing what we have, as warned in Matthew 25:29? Matthew 25:29—A Sharply Worded Reality “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” Recognize the Trust We Already Hold • Life, time, abilities, relationships, material goods, and the gospel itself are all God-given “talents” (Matthew 25:14-15). • 1 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us we received everything; nothing is ultimately self-made. • Seeing resources as a stewardship, not personal property, keeps us alert to use them for the Master. Invest Rather Than Bury • The productive servants “traded” with their talents (Matthew 25:16-17). They risked effort for growth. • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Ask, “Where can this gift bear fruit for Christ?” then act—teach, give, serve, encourage, disciple. Serve the Master, Not Our Fears • The third servant blamed fear: “I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.” (Matthew 25:25) • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Faith steps forward; fear freezes and eventually forfeits. Practice Everyday Faithfulness • Luke 16:10—“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Daily obedience—honest work, disciplined devotions, integrity in small choices—prepares us for greater entrustments. Stay Connected to the Source • John 15:4-5—abiding in Christ produces fruit; apart from Him we “can do nothing.” • Regular prayer, Scripture intake, and fellowship keep the spiritual supply line open so what we have is continually replenished. Guard Against Spiritual Drift • Hebrews 2:1—“We must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away.” • Drift begins quietly: neglected worship, unconfessed sin, misplaced priorities. Vigilant self-examination prevents loss. Live with Eternity in View • Colossians 3:23-24—work heartily “as for the Lord… knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward.” • The servants were called to “settle accounts” (Matthew 25:19). Keeping Judgment Day in mind motivates wise use now. Summary Takeaways • Everything we possess is a divine trust. • Use it actively for God’s purposes; unused gifts shrivel. • Faith, not fear, must direct our stewardship. • Consistent, small acts of obedience safeguard against eventual loss. • Abiding in Christ supplies the strength to persevere. • An eternal perspective turns today’s resources into tomorrow’s reward. |
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