I. The Story -

A. The giving of talents - Matthew 25:14-18
1. Given according to ability -
2. Given to be used -

B. The settling of accounts - Matthew 25:19-28
1. The faithful servants - Matthew 25:19-23
a. From servant to ruler -
b. Given even greater responsibility -
c. Joy in faithful service - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
2. The unfaithful servant - Matthew 25:24-28

II. The Application - Matthew 25:29-30

A. Righteousness has it’s reward and wickedness has it’s consequences - 2 Corinthians 5:9-10

B. The one talent servant did not understand the Master or how He worked - 2 Corinthians 8:10-12

C. God owns it all; we are simply stewards - Psalm 50:12b, 1 Corinthians 4:2

D. God rewards those who are faithful to Him - Hebrews 11:6