Matthew...Chapter 25
Introduction. . .
Friends ... we are running out of time and soon it will become too late for us to invest in our eternal future.
Many believe their religious qualifications have already been covered ... that their eternal future rewards have been secured
... but what if they are not really ready at all?
... but what if they are not really ready at all?
Are we certain that we are accurately interpreting Scripture?
For example ... are we really convinced that the Parable of the Talents is actually about "good works" and monetary donations?
... Our interpretation regarding this passage can make a huge difference in our destiny.
... Our interpretation regarding this passage can make a huge difference in our destiny.
Consider ... for a moment ... that our believing ... a popular false interpretation of this parable ... could greatly benefit someone else
... providing free labor ... bringing dollars into their coffers ... and a very tragic ending for us.
... providing free labor ... bringing dollars into their coffers ... and a very tragic ending for us.
The common mistake people often make ... involves the notion
... that we are not personally going to be held accountable for the way we interpret Scripture
... but this is not so.
... that we are not personally going to be held accountable for the way we interpret Scripture
... but this is not so.
By entrusting our interpretations to the written and preached opinions of men
... we actually become guilty of by-passing the Holy Spirit and obeying men rather than God.
... we actually become guilty of by-passing the Holy Spirit and obeying men rather than God.
While reading and listening to others bring forth the Word of God ... is acceptable ... even valuable in some cases
... if we are not measuring every word of man ... up to God's Word ... under the Preeminent Authority of the Holy Spirit
... we become guilty of idolatry
... as we will discover in the Scriptures that follow ... and found evidenced ... in this Parable of the Talents.
... if we are not measuring every word of man ... up to God's Word ... under the Preeminent Authority of the Holy Spirit
... we become guilty of idolatry
... as we will discover in the Scriptures that follow ... and found evidenced ... in this Parable of the Talents.
What if we actually gave Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God ... and the Holy Written Word of God ... rightful Preeminence in this interpretation of the Word of God ... from the beginning
... instead of assuming ... that we already know the interpretation ... because we have already heard it somewhere else?
... instead of assuming ... that we already know the interpretation ... because we have already heard it somewhere else?
Is it possible ... that we could discover ... we have been misled ... by opinions of men?
... if so ... do not dispair ... not all is lost.
... if so ... do not dispair ... not all is lost.
Like the man (in chapter 20 of Matthew) ... who was only able to work for one last hour of the day
... It is possible ...
we could still multiply our "talent" and claim our eternal reward by harvesting some pure fruit of the Spirit [G2590] by quickly changing our priority and focus even now.
... It is possible ...
we could still multiply our "talent" and claim our eternal reward by harvesting some pure fruit of the Spirit [G2590] by quickly changing our priority and focus even now.
It would take some humility ... but ... yes ... according to the Word of God ... it could still be accomplished ... as long as Jesus tarries a little longer ... just long enough to read what is here ... repent from putting trust in opinions of men
... and ...
change focus of submission ... to the Preeminence of Jesus Christ and the Holy Written Word of God.
... and ...
change focus of submission ... to the Preeminence of Jesus Christ and the Holy Written Word of God.
There aren't any coincidences in the Word of God ... so it isn't any coincidence ... that the Parable of the Talents follows The Parable of the Ten Virgins.
It is specifically there ... to provide a "double witness"... to the Ten Virgins' need ... of "buying" ... investing in oil ... before it becomes too late.
It is specifically there ... to provide a "double witness"... to the Ten Virgins' need ... of "buying" ... investing in oil ... before it becomes too late.
To whom much time is given ... much time is required.
...and...
To whom little time is given ... little time is required.
[See link below to the post "Preparing the Bride...Ten Virgins" for more in-depth study regarding this topic.]
...Man from
...a Far Country
kingdom of heaven
is as
a man travelling
into a far country,
who called
his own servants,
and delivered
unto them
his goods.
v.14
Not everyone receives the same portion.
This valuable thing ... this Word of God ... is only given according to "ability"... predisposition (of heart) to receive it ...
However ... regardless the amount ... God intends that it be invested and multiplied.
...Trading Talents
"Then he
that had received
"His lord said
unto him,
"His lord said unto him,
"His lord answered
"Thou oughtest therefore
"Take therefore
"For unto every one
"And cast ye
Let's not follow the crowd this time ... by looking at this "man" from a far country ... like just any ordinary man visiting servants ... but instead ... let's look at him from the perspective of the Preeminence of Christ ... and see Him as thee "Man," Jesus Christ.
Verse 14 begins the parable ... telling us that this is about the kingdom of heaven
... which "is as"... or ..."is just like"... or "is a picture of" the kingdom of heaven.
... which "is as"... or ..."is just like"... or "is a picture of" the kingdom of heaven.
If this is a picture of God's kingdom ... then this account must follow that picture
... by identifying the "man" as Jesus ... traveling into a "far country" ... as Jesus "came to earth."
... by identifying the "man" as Jesus ... traveling into a "far country" ... as Jesus "came to earth."
...Delivered "Goods"
...More Precious
...Than Gold
Jesus has ... further "called" His servants and has brought His "goods" to them (to use).
We can easily identify Jesus as the One who "calls" "servants"
... but what are the "goods"... which He is bringing?
... but what are the "goods"... which He is bringing?
#5224 in the Greek ... tells us that "goods" are the valuable thing He came to give us.
While there are many valuable things we could suppose "goods" represent ... such as ... faith ... eternal life ... even Himself ... or ... yes ... even literal money or abilities as well
... this specific thing must also refer to something that can be
invested ... multiplied ... and then given back to the Lord.
While there are many valuable things we could suppose "goods" represent ... such as ... faith ... eternal life ... even Himself ... or ... yes ... even literal money or abilities as well
... this specific thing must also refer to something that can be
invested ... multiplied ... and then given back to the Lord.
So what is the most valuable thing Jesus has brought us? Is it not Himself in the form of His Word that can be invested in our life ... as well as the lives of others ... to provide faith
required to secure eternal life
... as well as instruction to live a wise and spiritually profitable life ... while we reside here on this earth?
required to secure eternal life
... as well as instruction to live a wise and spiritually profitable life ... while we reside here on this earth?
When we compare this application to the Parable of the Ten Virgins ... the identity of Jesus becomes obviously apparent.
"Talents:
[G5007]
= in Israel
= gold/silver Money
= Money = Time
= Time = Life
= Life invested
...in God's Word
[G5007]
= in Israel
= gold/silver Money
= Money = Time
= Time = Life
= Life invested
...in God's Word
"And unto one
he gave five talents,
to another two,
and
to another one;
to every man
according to
according to
his several ability;
and straightway
took his journey.
v.15
Not everyone receives the same portion.
This valuable thing ... this Word of God ... is only given according to "ability"... predisposition (of heart) to receive it ...
However ... regardless the amount ... God intends that it be invested and multiplied.
...Trading Talents
"Then he
that had received
the five talents went
and traded
with the same,
[5 talents]
and made them
other five talents.
v.16
The man who received five "talents"/Words of God ... went and put them through a "trading" process to make five more "talents"/Words of God.
What sort of process is involved in "trading?"
"Trading" in Greek is #2038 ... meaning "work at"..."work out"... and #2041 ... meaning "labor over."
This is referring to "work"
... but not humanitarian "good works."
... but not humanitarian "good works."
(Humanitarian works are covered in the account of the Good Samaritan ... which addresses Spirit-led works God ... specifically ... calls His servants to do ... and does not actually apply in this case ... as we will see.)
Besides The Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Ten Virgins
... can we find this specific type of "trading" process ... described further or found anywhere else in the Word of God? ... Yes!
... can we find this specific type of "trading" process ... described further or found anywhere else in the Word of God? ... Yes!
It is detailed in...
2 Tim.2:14-17:
2 Tim.2:14-17:
"Of these things
put them in remembrance,
charging them
before the Lord
before the Lord
that they strive not
about words
to NO PROFIT,
to NO PROFIT,
but to the subverting
of the hearers.
Study
to shew thyself
to shew thyself
approved unto God,
a workman
that needeth not
to be ashamed,
rightly dividing
the word of truth.
But shun profane
and vain babblings:
for they will increase
unto more ungodliness.
And their word
will eat
as doth a canker:
as doth a canker:
of whom is
Hymenaeus and Philetus;"
-2 Tim. 2:14-17
While we are cautioned not to strive about words to "no profit"
... elsewhere in the Scriptures ... we are commanded to "contend for the faith" (which comes to us via the Word ... see Jude 1:3.)
Therefore concluding ... that "striving" and "contending" is permissible if the Words being used are in harmony with God's Word (not worthless words).
... elsewhere in the Scriptures ... we are commanded to "contend for the faith" (which comes to us via the Word ... see Jude 1:3.)
Therefore concluding ... that "striving" and "contending" is permissible if the Words being used are in harmony with God's Word (not worthless words).
Not only does God's Word describe His "rightly dividing"and"trading" process ... in the above passage ... but gives us a warning as well
... regarding those who bring forth the Word ... but not "rightly" divided ... a profane ... adulterated ... minimized ... watered-down ... mixed up Word ... mixed with opinions of men ... a Word that is no longer pure
... but worthless ... vain word that cannot be "traded" with other Words found in the totality of the Word of God ... in order to interpret the Word by the Word ... as the Holy Spirit leads ... and applies ... to bring productive spiritual results
... but ...
a word that actually subtly eats away at God's Truth like gangrene or cancer.
... regarding those who bring forth the Word ... but not "rightly" divided ... a profane ... adulterated ... minimized ... watered-down ... mixed up Word ... mixed with opinions of men ... a Word that is no longer pure
... but worthless ... vain word that cannot be "traded" with other Words found in the totality of the Word of God ... in order to interpret the Word by the Word ... as the Holy Spirit leads ... and applies ... to bring productive spiritual results
... but ...
a word that actually subtly eats away at God's Truth like gangrene or cancer.
To "rightly divide" the Word ... one must personally ... spend large portions of time laboring over it
... letting the Spirit of God draw from it ... "trading" one Word with another ... letting one Word of God define another
... as personal and doctrinal applications are being discovered
... as well as ... various definitions of each Word ... are being multiplied.
... letting the Spirit of God draw from it ... "trading" one Word with another ... letting one Word of God define another
... as personal and doctrinal applications are being discovered
... as well as ... various definitions of each Word ... are being multiplied.
God writes in spiritual code ... that which can only be explained ... and taught in detail ... by His Holy Spirit ... Who interprets for those that genuinely seek God ... and are willing to submit to Him and the Authority of His Holy Word.
Those who do not have the Spirit of God are not equipped to "rightly divide" the Word of God ... but must depend on others for an explanation regarding what they think God has said.
In the process of relying on opinions of others and their various writings throughout history .... much error has been mixed in and propagated.
The common false interpretation of this parable ... which we are refuting here ... is just one of many examples.
The common false interpretation of this parable ... which we are refuting here ... is just one of many examples.
Furthermore ... true fellowship among believers can only occur when each believer invests the time it takes to rightly divide God's Word for himself ... so all believers can ... ultimately ... become united in the same Truth.
"And likewise he that
had received two,
had received two,
he also gained
other two."
other two."
v.17
Granted ... this process requires a lot of time ... however ... when we eliminate worldly socialization, movies, spectator sports, self-determined "good works," computer games, time invested in triva ... and intellectual persuits
... we suddenly discover that God has actually provided all the time we really need to multiply our "talents"
... that valuable portion of the Word of God we have personally been given ... and we are able to watch it grow even larger ... than we could have ever imagined.
... we suddenly discover that God has actually provided all the time we really need to multiply our "talents"
... that valuable portion of the Word of God we have personally been given ... and we are able to watch it grow even larger ... than we could have ever imagined.
...Hiding
...Treasure
"But he that had
received one
received one
went and digged
in the earth,
in the earth,
and hid
his lord's money.
v.18
This verse does not say that this servant was given one talent ... It says he "received" one.
Perhaps one talent is all the servant agreed to take
... perhaps he was not really submitted to the task
... didn't really appreciate the opportunity he was being offered.
Perhaps one talent is all the servant agreed to take
... perhaps he was not really submitted to the task
... didn't really appreciate the opportunity he was being offered.
Why did he receive only one talent?
Maybe he was reluctant from the beginning to take responsibility
... or ...
maybe one talent is all He was offered because the Lord already knew that this servant did not really see the value of this opportunity.
... or ...
maybe one talent is all He was offered because the Lord already knew that this servant did not really see the value of this opportunity.
Whatever the case ... the servant took the least responsibility and ... likewise ... the least opportunity.
This servant did something else very suspicious
... He didn't just bury it to keep it safe.
The Scripture tells us that he "hid...the money."
... He didn't just bury it to keep it safe.
The Scripture tells us that he "hid...the money."
By "hiding" the money ... instead of telling us that he just "buried" it ... we can conclude that the servant had no intention of going back to the valuable thing he had been given
... to do anything whatsoever ... to invest it in any way.
He kept it ... but didn't really want to be associated with it
... or make it a part of his life
... or be seen with it in his possession.
... to do anything whatsoever ... to invest it in any way.
He kept it ... but didn't really want to be associated with it
... or make it a part of his life
... or be seen with it in his possession.
...Reckoning
...Rapture
"After a long time
the lord
of those servants
cometh,
and
reckoneth
with them.
v.19
Here is where this parable begins to obviously synch with the Parable of the Ten Virgins forming a very unexpected connection to it
... through a Word search ... revealing another picture of the Rapture.
... through a Word search ... revealing another picture of the Rapture.
Verse 19 tells us that "After a long time"... the lord/Lord ... came to:
"reckoneth with"
[G4868]
= to settle accounts
= to settle accounts
[G142]
= take up together
= take up together
= raise upwards
= elevate .. lift up
= raise from
...ground/earth
...ground/earth
= draw up a fish
= carry off
= take by force
= take from the living
= take from the living
= take away
So what happened??
The Lord gave His servants "talents"
... Words of God to "trade"... increase by investing time and work ... to multiply ... then after a long period of time ... after an "appointed time"
... He returned to "reckon with"... settle accounts with ... take up by force ... raise from the earth ... take away ... RAPTURE.
... Words of God to "trade"... increase by investing time and work ... to multiply ... then after a long period of time ... after an "appointed time"
... He returned to "reckon with"... settle accounts with ... take up by force ... raise from the earth ... take away ... RAPTURE.
Then
...what Happened?
...what Happened?
...Rewards From
...Water of the Word
...Water of the Word
"And so he that
had received
five talents
came and brought
other five talents,
saying, Lord,
thou deliveredst
unto me five talents:
behold,
I have gained
beside them
beside them
five talents more.
v.20
The Word of God is drawing our attention to His desire for every one of His servants to be involved in investing and multiplying His Word because it is thee Source of faith and eternal life
... which is His Preeminent concern for mankind
... and the whole reason He came to Earth ... in the first place ... to suffer ... and die.
The Word of God is drawing our attention to His desire for every one of His servants to be involved in investing and multiplying His Word because it is thee Source of faith and eternal life
... which is His Preeminent concern for mankind
... and the whole reason He came to Earth ... in the first place ... to suffer ... and die.
Without a correct understanding of the totality of the Word of God
... we have nothing to offer others ... nothing to provide the faith required to secure eternal life
... because "faith comes by hearing...the Word of God."
... we have nothing to offer others ... nothing to provide the faith required to secure eternal life
... because "faith comes by hearing...the Word of God."
"His lord said
unto him,
Well done,
thou good
and
faithful
servant:
and
faithful
servant:
thou hast been
faithful
faithful
over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into
the joy of thy lord.
v.21
It definitely requires "faith" to be "faithful" in accomplishing this mission of "rightly dividing" His Word ... this "talent"... which has been put into our hand ... expected to take root ... and be multiplied in our heart.
Without this faith and faithfulness ... we have no idea ... no Holy Spirit inspiration or instruction regarding exactly how we are to specifically accomplish the task He has specifically called us to do.
Verse 21 ... gives us a peek regarding the type of reward that awaits servants that have "rightly divided" and faithfully applied His Word ... first of all ... faithful servants will "enter into" His "joy."
This is a type of joy only the Word of God can provide ... a very unique type of "joy
...unspeakable and full of glory."
"He also
This is a type of joy only the Word of God can provide ... a very unique type of "joy
...unspeakable and full of glory."
"He also
that had received
two talents
came and said, Lord,
thou deliveredst unto me
two talents:
behold, I have gained
two other talents
beside them.
v.22
This second servant only has the ability to receive two talents thereby ..."rightly dividing" less of the Word of God.
We are not told the reason he only received two talents to invest
... Perhaps he was given talents late in his life and that is all He could "rightly divide" with the time he had left
... or maybe the Lord's return was in the near future and time was running out.
... Perhaps he was given talents late in his life and that is all He could "rightly divide" with the time he had left
... or maybe the Lord's return was in the near future and time was running out.
"His lord said unto him,
Well done,
good and faithful servant;
thou hast been faithful
over a few things,
I will make thee ruler
over many things:
enter thou into
the joy of thy lord.
v.23
In any case ... this faithful servant did the best he could with what he was able to receive and was also rewarded for his faithfulness.
Note the type of identical rewards given to faithful servants in both verses 21 and 23:
(1)..shared a relationship of joy with the Lord.
(2)..received a Position of Authority in the Lord's kingdom.
The relationship of joy is experienced by all servants that are engaged in "rightly dividing" "talents"/Word of God.
The other reward ... the position of authority ... granted in the kingdom ... Also depends on faithfulness to personally invest ..."rightly divide" the Word of God.
We cannot look at this conclusion ... without also considering the other very common detour ... men of the world have taken ... off the narrow road ... when they have been deceived into following the words .... opinions .... and systems of theology ... of other men ... instead of the Pure ... unadulterated Word of the Living God.
Nevertheless ... God makes it clear that His servants' positions of authority ... in the end ... are going to be determined by how they faithfully "rightly divide" and multiply His precious Word in their lifetime ... however long that may be.
In Revelation 22:7+9 ... Jesus gives a warning ... and reminder that a blessing is only coming to those who "keep" the sayings and prophecy (Word of God) found in the Book of Revelation ... then warns and reminds again in Rev. 22:12-14:
"And, behold, I come quickly;
and my reward is with me,
to give every man
according as
his work SHALL be
v.12
"work shall be"
[G2071]
= in the future
= in the future
= will be
Ultimately ... in the end ... the positions of authority ... in God's kingdom ... granted to faithful servants will be determined by how faithfully they "keep" the Word of God.
Those who have incorrectly interpreted the Parable of the Talents to mean that "talents" are human abilities ... money ... or ... self-appointed ... religious organization-appointed ..."church"-appointed "good works"... will be very disappointed in the end to discover that their efforts only qualify as "filthy rags" in God's eyes. (Study the Words "filthy rags" in the Holy Bible to verify.)
How do we know whether our works qualify?
(1)..We personally
..."rightly divide" and multiply the Word until we receive personal direction from the Holy Spirit ... verified through the totality of the Word and understand in our heart ... the specific works ... in which ... God has called us to be engaged.
..."rightly divide" and multiply the Word until we receive personal direction from the Holy Spirit ... verified through the totality of the Word and understand in our heart ... the specific works ... in which ... God has called us to be engaged.
(2)..Then we continue to "rightly divide" as we walk in harmony with Christ ... through the Holy Spirit which teaches us everything we need to know from the Word of God ... to do His will and ultimately receive all He desires to give us in the end.
In order to "keep" the Word of God ... one must invest the time and effort to "work" in the Word ... "rightly dividing" and multiplying the Word ... so one knows how to specifically "keep" the Word.
Jesus is telling us that ... how we handle His Word ... "rightly dividing" and multiplying it in the beginning ... will ultimately determine our position of authority in the kingdom in the end.
We know this because the "Beginning and the End" is who He is ... it is His nature to establish His kingdom to operate in this infinite manner ... using one beginning to end ... with another beginning to end ... in perpetual motion ... to accomplish His will.
. . .And right after He describes how positions of authority will be determined in the future ... He reveals His character and this aspect of His nature ... by declaring:
"I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning
and
the end,
and
the end,
the first and the last.
v.13
Blessed are they
that do
his
commandments,
his
commandments,
that they may have
right to
the tree of life,
the tree of life,
and
may enter in
may enter in
through the gates
into the city.
v.14
-Rev. 22
How on Earth ... is anyone ever going to be able to "do His commandments" (keep His Word) ... if they do not invest the time ... work ... energy ... and whole-hearted devotion it takes ... to "rightly divide" and multiply His Word?
Next ... we discover what happens to those who fail to fulfill the Lord's requirements:
"Then he
which had received
which had received
the one talent
came and said,
Lord,
Lord,
I knew thee
that thou art
an hard man,
an hard man,
reaping where
thou hast not sown,
and gathering
where
where
thou hast not strawed:
v.24
This "servant" is making a lot of false assumptions and presumptions about the Lord ... besides false accusations ... beginning with the words: "I knew thee."
It very quickly becomes obvious that this obnoxious fellow does not know the Lord at all. In this one verse he manages to accuse the Lord of being:
"hard"
[G4642]
"hard"
[G4642]
= fierce .. offensive
= difficult to please
= difficult to please
...expecting something for nothing
...stealing what does not rightfully belong to Him
"And I was afraid,
and went and hid
thy talent in the earth:
lo, there
thou hast
that is thine.
that is thine.
v.25
Next the so-called "servant"... who is really not conducting himself as a servant at all ... blames the Lord ... for his own irresponsibility and disregard for the precious "talent"/Word of God the Lord ... provided ... and graciously ... intended to use ... to bless this ungrateful man.
The ungrateful man says it is the Lord's fault ... because the Lord is so fierce ... unreasonable ... and greedy that it made the man so "afraid" ... that he just had to go and hide the "talent" ... Word of God.
..."So here you go, Lord ... I 'kept' it for you ... Now you can have it back."
..."So here you go, Lord ... I 'kept' it for you ... Now you can have it back."
"His lord answered
and said unto him,
Thou wicked
and
slothful servant,
thou knewest
that I reap where
I sowed not,
and gather where
I have not strawed:
I have not strawed:
v.26
Of course ... the Lord is able to see exactly what is wrong with the man's heart ... he is wicked and lazy.
Maybe the Lord allowed His servants to work the fields ... sowing ... and harvesting ... BUT ... the twisted ... false picture of the Lord ... this wicked servant was presenting ... was only sealing his fate ... and could not change the mounting evidence against him.
The merciful and gracious Lord had even provided another option that he could have used to fulfill the Lord's requirements ... which the wicked servant also refused to utilize.
This servant could have given his "talent" to someone else to invest ... but instead ... he buried it ... making it impossible for anyone else to benefit by it either.
"Thou oughtest therefore
to have put my money
to the exchangers,
and
then at my coming
then at my coming
I should have received
mine own with usury.
v.27
If someone else could have "rightly divided" and multiplied the "talent"... Word of God ... the Word could have still gone forth and brought in an harvest of souls ... but ... it was taken out of circulation ... therefore no one could benefit.
"Take therefore
the talent from him,
and give it unto him
which hath
ten talents.
v.28
If those the Lord has called and graciously given the Word of God ... do not ... "rightly divide" and multiply it ... the Lord will give their potential portion to others who do see the value ... have the desire ... and are submitted to the instruction of the Holy Spirit ... so they know how to "rightly divide" and multiply it.
"For unto every one
that hath
shall be given,
shall be given,
and
he shall have
abundance:
he shall have
abundance:
but
from him
from him
that hath not
shall be taken away
even that
which he hath.
which he hath.
v.29
Those who refuse to invest time and effort "rightly dividing" and multiplying the precious Word of God ... will eventually lose the ability to do so.
Those who do not use it ... will lose it ... and in the end the Lord will say:
"And cast ye
the unprofitable servant
into outer darkness:
there shall be
weeping and gnashing
of teeth.
v.30
Outer darkness ... is the ultimate destination of wicked servants.
. . .And who are the wicked servants?
. . .Wicked servants are those who are the "fearful and unbelieving" ones left behind ... "afraid" to be seen with that valuable "talent" that can be "rightly divided" and multiplied ... to bring many into a joyful relationship in the presence of the Lord
... this most valuable ... precious Word of God ... that determines our positions of authority in the eternal kingdom of Heaven.
... this most valuable ... precious Word of God ... that determines our positions of authority in the eternal kingdom of Heaven.
♡♡♡
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