Summary

This sermon explores the parable of the talents (bags of gold) from Matthew 25, challenging the congregation to recognize that their abilities, gifts, and resources are not self-made but given by God for His kingdom purposes. The pastor emphasizes that while American culture promotes self-reliance and personal achievement, followers of Jesus must understand that 'we have because He gave.' The message calls believers to stop burying their God-given talents and instead invest them for kingdom advancement rather than personal gain. The pastor shares personal stories and practical applications, urging the congregation to shift from a mindset of 'my things' to 'His things' and to use their influence, beauty, success, and abilities to serve others and advance God's kingdom.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your truth, even when it challenges our thinking or steps on our toes. We pray that You would reveal to each of us how we can better use the gifts, talents, and resources You've given us for Your kingdom purposes. Give us the courage to examine our lives honestly and the wisdom to know how to move forward. We invite Your Holy Spirit to guide our discussion and help us grow closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one skill or talent you had as a child that you either still use today or wish you could use more often?

Key Verses

1. Matthew 25:14-30
2. 1 Corinthians 4:7
3. James 1:17

Questions

1. What are some of the gifts, talents, or resources that make you uniquely you? How do you typically think about where these came from?
2. The pastor mentioned that Americans often think of themselves as 'self-made.' How does this cultural mindset conflict with a biblical worldview about our gifts and abilities?
3. In the parable, two servants invested their talents while one buried his. What are some ways we might be 'burying' our God-given gifts instead of using them for His kingdom?
4. The pastor said, 'You are either using it for your kingdom or His kingdom.' How would you honestly assess which kingdom you're primarily serving with your gifts and resources?
5. What does it mean practically to use your specific talents and abilities 'for the kingdom' rather than just for personal benefit?
6. The pastor shared about Josh Adkins using his coaching abilities to pray with his team. What are some creative ways you could use your gifts to point others toward Jesus?
7. How does understanding that our gifts are from God change the way we should view success, failure, and comparison with others?
8. What fears or obstacles might prevent someone from fully investing their God-given talents for kingdom purposes? How can we overcome these?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific gift, talent, or resource God has given you and intentionally use it to serve someone else or advance God's kingdom. This could be as simple as using your encouragement gift to build someone up, your organizational skills to help someone in need, or your influence to invite someone to church. Take one concrete step to invest your 'bag of gold' for kingdom purposes rather than keeping it buried for yourself.

Key Takeaways

1. Our gifts, talents, and resources are not self-made but given by God for His kingdom purposes
2. We must shift from thinking 'my things' to recognizing 'His things' that He has entrusted to us
3. The choice is clear: we're either using our gifts for our kingdom or God's kingdom
4. God wants a return on His investment in us - He expects us to multiply what He's given us for kingdom advancement
5. True humility is not hiding our gifts but using them for the good of others rather than just ourselves

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection. We acknowledge that everything we have - our talents, our resources, our opportunities - all come from You. Forgive us for the times we've used Your gifts primarily for our own benefit rather than for Your kingdom. Help us to be faithful stewards who invest what You've given us to advance Your purposes and serve others. Give us courage to step out of our comfort zones and use our gifts boldly for Your glory. May we be found faithful when You return, hearing the words 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Transform our hearts and minds to think like kingdom citizens rather than self-made individuals. We commit to being part of a church that depopulates hell and advances Your kingdom. In Your precious name, Amen.