Margin for More - Part 2 [Notes]

In a culture that constantly pushes us to want more for ourselves, and where our lives are stretched to the max, there often seems to be nothing left to give to others, even when we want to. Join us for the "Margin for More" series, where we will explore how to break down the barriers to generosity and create margin to give more freely of our time, talents, and treasures.

Takeaway:  Live for the Master’s “well done.”

Gratitude > Stewardship > Generosity

 “How are we to live while we await Christ’s return?”

 For it is just like a man about to go on a journey.
– Matthew 25:14 (HCSB)

He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey.  
– Matthew 25:14-15 (HCSB)

Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. In the same way the man with two earned two more.  
– Matthew 25:16-17 (HCSB)

But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
– Matthew 25:18 (HCSB)

After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, "Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents." His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy." The man with two talents also approached. He said, "Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents."
His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.
– Matthew 25:19-23 (HCSB)

“Well done good and faithful servant.”

The man who had received one talent also approached and said, "Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours."
– Matthew 25:24-25 (HCSB)

His master replied to him, "You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned."
– Matthew 25:26-27 (HCSB)

The third servant, having received the one talent, reasoned that his master might not be coming back at all. If he did return someday, the servant could simply return the talent to his master without loss from any poor investment (v. 25). But if he failed to return, the servant wanted to be able to keep the talent for himself. He did not want to deposit the talent in a bank where it would be recorded that the talent belonged to the master (v. 27). His reasoning indicated he lacked faith in his master; he proved to be a worthless servant.
– Louis A. Barbieri Jr.

"So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
— Matthew 25:28-30 (HCSB)

Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (HCSB)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
– James 1:17 (HCSB)

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
– 1 Peter 4:10 (HCSB)

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
– 1 Timothy 4:13-16 (HCSB)

Time 
Talents
Treasure

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
– Matthew 6:33 (HCSB)

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
– Ephesians 3:1-3 (HCSB)

Who Is Like the Lord // 1,000 Names // I've Witnessed It // Trust in God

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