Friday, May 31, 2019

THE TALENT THAT IS "TAKEN AWAY"


                          
THE TALENT THAT IS “TAKEN” AWAY

        MATTHEW 25:29 

“...To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away...” (Matthew 25:29 NLT).

 “...Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver...” (Matthew 25:28 NLT).

“...To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them...” (Matthew 13:12 NLT).

“...To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them...” (Mark 13:12 NLT).

 “..So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them...” (Luke 8:18 NLT).

“...He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more...” (John 15:2 NLT).

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The REDEEMED are GIVEN gifts and talents EMPOWERED by the indwelling GIFT of the Holy Spirit. “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ (by depending upon Christ) which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). They CAN DO whatever they have been CALLED and GIFTED to DO!!

The redeemed can choose to trust in and DEPEND UPON the indwelling Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower them to use their gifts and talents. HOW? …Godworks in ...[them]... TO WILL and TO ACT  in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

“…God … equip[s the redeemed] ...with everything good for doing his will” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Now may … God  work [within the redeemed].... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The Father that dwelleth in ... [the redeemed] ... he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps ... [the redeemed]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “... [God’s indwelling] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“...Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate.  I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back...’” (Matthew 25:25-26 NLT).

The servant, with one talent, thought the multiplication of that ONE talent was solely dependent upon self-effort. He did NOT trust in and depend upon God’s POWER, nor did he cooperate with God’s WORD. “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ (by depending upon Christ) which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Apart from Me (GOD), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).   …Godworks in ...[them]... TO WILL and TO ACT  in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

it is God which worketh in [his servants]” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…NOT that [his servants]… are ADEQUATE IN [THEMSELVES]… to consider anything as coming from [themselves]… but [THEIR]… ADEQUACY IS FROM GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit)” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB). “…Now GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit) GIVES [his servants] many kinds of special abilities (gifts and talents) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The ... [indwelling]...Holy Spirit ... is the source of ... all ... [gifts and talents]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…There are different kinds of service to God …but it is the same GOD WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH ... [his servants]... who are his [to offer gifts and talents to]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…The Holy Spirit  displays [his OWN]... power THROUGH each [of his gifted and talented servants] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…It is the ... Holy Spirit who gives [his servants]... all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of [them] should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).…It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) who works IN ... [his servants]” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

“... the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it...’” (Matthew 25:26-27 NLT).

The Father  ... he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps ... [his servants]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “.. .[God’s indwelling] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

…TRUST in (and depend upon) the Lord with all thine heart (with all your gifts and talents); and lean not unto thine own understanding (lean not on your own worldly efforts, natural powers, or limitations). In all thy ways acknowledge him (acknowledge God, the indwelling Holy Spirit), and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “...Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ The Final Judgment...” (Matthew 25:30 NLT).  

 “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “… [God, the invisible Holy Spirit is]... GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…All he does (God, the Holy Spirit) is just and GOOD….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT). “...cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” (Matthew 25:30 KJV).

The unprofitable servant did not use his or her spiritual gifts and talents to advance the Kingdom of God, but instead chose to neglect and forfeit them based on natural conclusions, limited powers, or human wisdom. “...those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away...” (Matthew 25:29 NLT).  “...the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant!...” (Matthew 25:26 NLT).

The unprofitable servant made choices, upon earth, that resulted in their being rejected from God’s presence and casted into outer darkness where they would be banished from the Kingdom of heaven forever. “... ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate.  I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back...’” (Matthew 25:25-26 NLT). “...the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant!...” (Matthew 25:26 NLT). “...cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” (Matthew 25:30 KJV).

WHY? The unprofitable servant may not have made a profit, but he didn’t steal the money or misuse it either. It doesn’t SEEM like the servant was a bad person. He DID some things right, so why such harsh punishment? “... the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it...’” (Matthew 25:26-27 NLT).

This parable is NOT so much about DOING or NOT DOING as much as it is about TRUSTING and NOT TRUSTING. The unprofitable servant was given an USEFUL talent (gift). The REDEEMED are given a USEFUL talent (gift) too. “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy ... [spirit]…” (Acts 2:38 KJV).

“…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ (by trusting and depending upon Christ) which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

“….Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

 … [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…is there any thing too hard for me (God, the Holy Spirit)?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

 “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “…You are my helper…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

The unprofitable servant could and the redeemed CAN DO whatever they have been CALLED to DO with ONE TALENT (gift) or many. “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the (indwelling) Holy ... [spirit]…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the GIFT by trusting and depending upon him) which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Gift and the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…Jesus Christ (the gift) is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). … God  work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“...To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away...” (Matthew 25:29 NLT).

 “...To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them...” (Matthew 13:12 NLT).

 “..So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them...” (Luke 8:18 NLT).

The REDEEMED who neglect and forfeit the spiritual aspect (the indwelling Holy Spirit and Power) of their talents, like the unprofitable servant,  they will ultimately deprive themselves of the BLESSINGS and EMPOWERING abilities of God’s GRACE. “...To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away...” (Matthew 25:29 NLT). 

The redeemed, like the unprofitable servant, who neglect and forfeit, the offerings of God don’t actually have their talents “literally” taken away, but it is their CHOICES that have taken “them” away. Neglect is what “takes away” spiritual privileges, benefits, abilities, and blessings. “... But from those who do nothing (don’t trust in or depend upon God, but NEGLECTS their talent), even what little they have will be taken away...” (Matthew 25:29 NLT).

NON-USE of your God-given talents is LIKE not have them at all and thus they are “taken away” through your OWN neglect and voluntary forfeit. 

Those neglected talents won’t go to waste, but they will be given and awarded to the faithful servant who chooses to USE them, make them fruitful and multiply them for God’s glory. “...what little they have will be taken away...” (Matthew 25:29 NLT).   “...Then he ordered, ‘Take the money (talent, gift) from this servant, and give it to the [faithful] one ...” (Matthew 25:28 NLT).

So the OFFENSE, against God, is not about what the unprofitable DID or DID NOT do, but it is about what was NEGLECTED. “…As every ... [redeemed]...man (woman) hath received the gift…” (1 Peter 4:10 KJV). “…Neglect not the gift that is in thee…” (1 Timothy 4:14 KJV).

“...the FLESH  profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy ... [spirit]…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). … God  work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…Neglect not the gift that is in thee…” (1 Timothy 4:14 KJV). The unprofitable servant could NOT be justified by his actions and neither will the REDEEMED. They are justified by FAITH or by trusting in and depending upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“...the FLESH profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “... the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant ....why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest (profit) on it...’” (Matthew 25:26-27 NLT).

“...We know that a person is made right with God by faith (trust in and dependency upon) in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law (self-effort) ...no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law (self-effort)...” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

Therefore, “You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). The GIFT of the indwelling Holy Spirit is ALSO, “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous...” (Romans 5:19 KJV). “... We have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith (trust in and dependency upon) in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law (through self-effort)...” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). “...the FLESH profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  

“… if righteousness [could] come by the law (self-effort), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). However, “….not having a righteousness of my ownbut that which is through faith in Christ” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “...the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith…” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “…The Father (the Holy SPIRIT) that dwelleth in [you] he doeth the works (of righteousness)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...the FLESH profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  

“...Dear children, DON'T LET "ANYONE" DECEIVE YOU ABOUT THIS: When people do what is right (by faith), it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “...the FLESH profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).  “… [Also]... the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

It is … [the]...Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [his servants] …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [God’s people shall] serve as signs (witnesses of God’s indwelling POWER)... from the Lord…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT).  “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...When people do what is right (by faith), it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “...the FLESH profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).

 “…Neglect not the gift that is in thee…” (1 Timothy 4:14 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). … God  work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God was WELL aware of mankind’s inadequacies and so he GAVE them GIFTS.  “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [do what is pleasing to God] …but I don’t [allow myself to depend upon God’s indwelling Spirit]... Instead, I do what I hate ...I want to [ please God] … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’TWho will free me from this life that is dominated by [spiritual neglect]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ  …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…NOT that [his servants]… are ADEQUATE IN [THEMSELVES]… to consider anything as coming from [themselves]… but [THEIR]… ADEQUACY IS FROM GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit)” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB).

…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power…[and]... divine nature…[has been] …clearly seen …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).  “... So they have no excuse for not knowing God...” (Romans 1:20 NLT).

The unprofitable servant or the redeemed can NOT have excuses for NOT using their God-given talents (gifts). Using THE GIFT did NOT merely depend upon their own self-efforts, or their human abilities, or man-made opportunities, nor was it limited to human knowledge or wisdom. “... For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God...” (Romans 1:20 NLT).

The responsibility of the unprofitable servant was and the responsibility of the redeemed is in their DECISION to trust in and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit and God’s POWER. “...the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV).  “…We have this treasure (the indwelling GIFT) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

“... the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant .......’” (Matthew 25:26-27 NLT). “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “...the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV).

“...Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ The Final Judgment...” (Matthew 25:30 NLT).

The LACK of trust in and dependency upon God’s multitude of OFFERINGS and BLESSINGS is the result of a lifetime of missed opportunities, wasted spiritual talents (gifts), neglected covenant privileges, forfeited graces and favors, and blatant rebellion against God. “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “...the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV). “... So they have no excuse for not knowing God...” (Romans 1:20 NLT).

“…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).

The unprofitable servant said: “... ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate.  I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back...’” (Matthew 25:25-26 NLT). “...the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant!...” (Matthew 25:26 NLT). “...cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” (Matthew 25:30 KJV).

God GAVE his ALL!! . …God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son” (John 3:16 KJV).  God “spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

 “.. .[Jesus]... said, It is finished (I went ALL IN. I have provided the atoning sacrifice)” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  “… I [laid] down my life... [AS COMMANDED] ” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus “… give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “… I [laid] down my life... No one [took] it from me, but I [laid] it down of my own accord (my choice). ” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

“... [Jesus]... said, It is finished ” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… [HE WENT “ALL IN”] ...to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). ACCEPT the “...the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV). “... [you will]... have no excuse for not knowing God...” (Romans 1:20 NLT).

“...To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away...” (Matthew 25:29 NLT).

 “...He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more...” (John 15:2 NLT).

“... [you will]... have no excuse for not knowing God...” (Romans 1:20 NLT).  “...the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant!...” (Matthew 25:26 NLT). “...cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” (Matthew 25:30 KJV).

“…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “… [God, the invisible Holy Spirit is]... GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…All he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is just and GOOD….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

God “….is... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). SO “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV).

“..[BUT]...the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them to do (continue to do) evil.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV). …[And]...the wicked shall perish….” (Psalm 37:14, 15, & 21 KJV). “…EXCEPT ...[all mankind]... REPENT ... [they] ... shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

“... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practices sin is of the devil ... By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

“..God “….is... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). SO “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “…All he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is just and GOOD….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

“…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).  ...the people replied … We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “....[Their]... HEART[S are] ...fully set (determined) in them to (continue to do) evil.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

[Nonetheless]... thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “...  the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB). “...[Therefore]....cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” (Matthew 25:30 KJV).

“... [you will]... have no excuse for not knowing God...” (Romans 1:20 NLT).