530. MAT 25:14; MAT 25:30. THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

Mat_25:14; Mat_25:30. The Parable of the Talents

"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey," &c.’97Mat_25:14, Mat_25:30.

In this extended parable we have presented to us in full, the doctrine of human responsibility, and the connection between the condition of the present and the condition of the future. These subjects are among the essentials of religion. They deserve our solemn consideration, and are adapted to produce those impressions which are favorable to our highest and eternal interests. We shall not attempt any explanation of the drapery of the parable, but make use of it to illustrate the important propositions we shall place before you. Observe,

I. That God commits certain talents to his creatures: Mat_25:14. Of the most important of these we may mention,

1. Life. The time and circumstances of cur being.

2. Reason. The power to judge between right and wrong, that which can apprehend causes and effects, duties and their obligations.

3. Influence. Power arising from our rank, or station, or knowledge.

4. Wealth. For of money the wise man saith, it answereth all things. The instrumentality by which all benevolent machinery is established and continued.

5. Religious privileges. The word. The preached gospel. Sabbaths. Ordinances. Graces. Providences, &c. &c.

II. That variety both in character and number distinguishes the talents God confers: Mat_25:15.’97To some he gave five, to others two, and to another one. We see this,

1. In the nature of the talents conferred. In one case in addition to the ordinary blessings and privileges of life, there is given profound learning,’97to another commanding eloquence,’97to a third great energy,’97to a fourth the spirit of enterprise, &c. One has wealth, another useful parts, a third influence, &c. There is as great a difference between the talents of men as between one and five.

2. In the capability for using them. "To every man according to his several ability," Mat_25:15. God suits the talents bestowed to the characteristics of the mind, the sphere occupied, and the mental or physical ability possessed. With the talents conferred, there is ability to use them ever given.

III. That God will require an exact account of the employment of our talents.

1. This is the great doctrine of revelation. It meets us in every part of the sacred volume, Ecc_11:13-14. To this also conscience responds. This is essential to accountability.

2. God will do this at the day of judgment. "After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh," &c. "Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world," &c. Act_17:31.

3. This account will be demanded from every one. None too great to evade,’97none too small to escape. Every man of every grade, and color, and condition, and age, and tongue. The dead, small and great, will stand before the throne.

IV. That men will be judged according to the talents bestowed.

1. Improvement will be expected from each. For this the talents were given. And to this every one must answer. Have they been laid out actively and conscientiously, according to the ability and opportunities given?

2. The improvement expected will be proportionate.

(1.) To the number of talents. Where much is given, &c.

(2.) To the time of possession.

(3.) To the favorable circumstances under which they have been enjoyed. Fidelity in the use, and consequent thereon, an increase of the talents will be the test. For in all cases faithful use increases the talents given. He who hath been diligent and active, and conscientious, increases the talents bestowed. Daily, more to him is given.

V. God will reward his faithful servants according to the improvement made. See this fully borne out in Luke’s version of this parable: chap. Luk_19:16, &c. The man who had gained ton talents, had rule given him over ten cities. The man who had gained five, over five cities. There can be no doubt as to there being degrees of glory among the beatified. "As one star differeth," &c. Besides, faithfulness in God’s service, and usefulness to our fellowmen, increases our capacity for bliss. And the capacity in every case will be the rule of the glory conferred. In all cases the reward,

1. Will be rich and distinguished. Worthy of God to give. Such as his greatness and all-sufficiency can bestow. He hath called as to his "eternal kingdom and glory."

2. Will be satisfying. Soul filled with intellectual, holy enjoyment. "Joy of our Lord," Mat_25:23, &c.

3. It will be eternal. "Fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore," &c. These shall enter into life eternal.

VI. God will punish the unfaithful and slothful with his severe displeasure. He will,

1. Overthrow his sophistry. He excuses himself on the ground of his fear and dread, Mat_25:25. On that very ground Christ shows he should have been concerned anxiously, to improve his talent, Mat_25:26.

2. He will expose him to public shame. The examination is public. Angels are present. The whole human family are present. Before all he will convict and condemn him. The assembled world shall hear the charge, "Thou wicked and slothful servant."

3. He will consign him to a state of misery. His portion and crown are given to another, Mat_25:28. He is then seized by the administrators of divine justice, and cast into outer darkness, &c. Mat_25:30. His doom is one of intense misery and despair.

Learn,

1. The importance of faithful constancy and diligence in the service of God. God says to each Christian, "Occupy till I come." Be faithful, &c.

2. Exemption from flagrant sins will not save us. There must be fruitfulness, &c.

3. The ruined individual was a servant, not a rebel, nor enemy. Oh, reflect and tremble.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS