How can we overcome fear to faithfully serve God with our talents? Recognizing Fear’s Grip – Luke 19:20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth.’” • The servant’s own words confess the reason for hiding the gift: fear of losing it, fear of the master, fear of taking a risk. • Fear always buries potential. It convinces us that inaction is safer than obedience. The High Cost of Hidden Talents • Unused gifts bless no one, dishonor the Giver, and rob us of future reward (Luke 19:22-24). • Jesus highlights accountability: every steward must give an answer for what was entrusted. • Holding back “just in case” signals distrust in God’s character and promises. Truth That Drives Out Fear • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…” • Psalm 27:1 – “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Romans 8:15 – “You did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.” When we rehearse these truths, fear’s voice shrinks and confidence in God grows. Seeing the Master Correctly Luke 19:21 shows the frightened servant calling the master “austere.” • Misjudging God as harsh breeds hiding, not serving. • Matthew 11:29 reveals Christ as “gentle and humble in heart.” • James 1:17 reminds us every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Knowing His goodness frees us to risk obediently. Identifying the Talents He Placed in You • Natural abilities (music, management, craftsmanship). • Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Opportunities, resources, relationships unique to your life. 1 Peter 4:10 commands, “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” Inventory what God has already supplied; that is your “mina.” Practical Steps to Replace Fear with Faithful Action 1. Start small: invest one talent in one person today—teach a verse, bake a meal, make a call. 2. Stay in the Word daily; faith grows by hearing (Romans 10:17). 3. Pray specifically for courage, then act immediately before doubts return. 4. Invite accountability—share your plan with a mature believer. 5. Celebrate every evidence of God’s help; gratitude fuels further courage. 6. Repeat. Consistent obedience turns former fears into new reflexes of faith. Strengthened by the Spirit, Not Self-Effort Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.” Rely on the Spirit’s power; He supplies boldness (Acts 4:31), wisdom (John 14:26), and perseverance (Galatians 5:22-23). Looking Ahead to Joyful Reward Luke 19:17 – “Well done, good servant! … Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.” • Faithful service now multiplies eternal impact and future responsibility. • Fear forfeits that joy; faith secures it. Encouragement for the Journey Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to run with endurance, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Keep your gaze on Him, and every buried gift will surface for His glory and others’ good. |
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