PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
Matthew  25:14-30

  I.  A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

 II. Principles of the parables of the talents.
      A.  Talents are given based on each servant's ability.
      B.  Talents are given as an opportunity to increase the
            Lord's kingdom.
      C.  Accepting talents means responsibility.

III. The response of the stewards.
     A.  The five talent man and the two talent man each
          gained 100% interest.
     B.  The one talent man hid his talent in the ground and
          gained nothing because he was afraid of the master.

IV. The response of the master.
      A.  The five talent man and the two talent man were
            blessed and given a reward.
      B.  The one talent man had the single talent given to
            him taken away and he was expelled from his
            Master's service.

 V.  Summary
      A.  God blesses us by our faithfulness not on our
            abilities.
      B.  God judges us on our abilities.
      C.  We cannot be fearful or afraid;  we must boldly use
           all our abilities in God's service.
     D.  We will be judged by what we do.