Missionary
Work
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Servants,
Their Work and Talents
What has been given
to every man?
“It’s
like a man going away: He leaves his
house and puts his servants in
charge, each one with his
assigned task, and tells
the one at the door to keep
watch.”
Mark 13:34.
Besides work, what
else has been given to every man?
“To one he
gave five talents
of money, to another two talents, and
to another one talent, each
according to his ability.
Then he went on his journey.” Matthew
25:15.
What
are those called to whom this work is
committed?
“Again, it
will be like a man on a journey, who
called his servants and
entrusted his property to them.”
Verse 14.
Right
and Wrong Use of Talents
What use did the
servants make of their talents?
“The man who
received the five talents went at
once and put his money to work and gained
five more. So also, the
one with the two talents gained
two more. But the man who
received the one talent went off, dug
a hole in the ground and hid his
master’s money. Verses
16-18.
What
excuse did the one who hid his talent
make?
“So I
was afraid and went out
and hid your talent in the ground.
See, here is what belongs to
you.” Verse 25.
What
did his master say to him?
“His master
replied, ‘You wicked,
lazy servant! Verse
26.
What
did he say the servant should have
done with the talent?
“Well then,
you should have put the
money on deposit with the bankers,
so that when I returned I would have
received it back with interest.”
Verse 27.
What
is found to be a characteristic of
slothful persons?
“The sluggard
says, “There is a lion
outside!” or, “I will be
murdered in the streets!”
Proverbs 22:13.
Note – That is,
they see great obstacles before them,
and are always ready with excuses.
What was the fate
of the slothful servant?
“And throw
that worthless servant outside,
into the darkness,
where there will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth.” Matthew
25:30.
What
was said to the servant who improved
his talents?
“His master
replied, ‘Well done,
good and faithful servant!
You have been faithful over a few
things; I will put you in charge of
many things. Come and share
your master’s
happiness!’” Verse
21.
The
Joy of Service
Why did Christ
endure the cruel death on the cross?
“Let us fix our
eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfector of our faith, who for
the joy set before him endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and
sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
What
will bring to the Lord this
satisfaction and joy?
“After the
suffering of his soul, he will
see the light of life and be
satisfied by his knowledge my
righteous servants will justify many,
and he will bear their
iniquities.”
Isaiah 53:11.
What
did Paul set forth as his crown of
rejoicing?
“For what is our
hope, our joy, or the crown in which we
will glory in the presence of our
Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it
not you? Indeed, you are our glory
and joy.”
1 Thessalonians
2:19,20.
Since this joy comes
to Christ only through His
self-denial and suffering for others,
in what way must all others partake
of that joy?
“Here is a
trustworthy saying: If we died with
him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with
him. If we disown him, he will
also disown us.”
2 Timothy 2:11,12.
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