USE THE OPPORTUNITIES IN LIFE 03.02.2024 Luke 19:12-27. The Parable of the Talents 12 And he said, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive kingship and to return. 13 And he called ten of his servants, and gave them ten talents, and said to them, Put this to work, until I come. 14 But the citizens of that country hated him, and sent messengers after him, saying, We do not want this man to reign over us. 15 And when he had received the kingship, he returned, and called in the servants to whom he had received the money, and found out how much each of them had gained. 16 And the first came and said, Lord, your mina has gained ten talents. 17 And his master said to him, Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has gained five more. 19 And he said, 'You have authority over five cities.' 20 Another came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina, which I kept wrapped up in a napkin. 21 For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man, taking what you did not lay down and reaping what you did not sow.' 22 And his master said to him, 'You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. You knew that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why did you not put my money into the bank? When I came, I would have received back my own with interest.' 24 Then his master said to those standing by, 'Take away his mina and give it to him who has ten mina.' 25 They said to him, 'Sir, he already has ten mina. 26 And I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given; and to everyone who has, more will be given; and to everyone who has, more will be given. but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 27 As for those who oppose me and do not want me to rule over them, bring them here and behead them before me. The talent is an opportunity in life to take advantage of it for the benefit of the kingdom of God! 1. God gives each person opportunities in life! Let's review what opportunities God has given us? Give us the money to use as you wish. God believes, God gives, be conscious. He gives us family, friends, and relatives. He gives us the mission of salvation for everyone. Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus came near and said to his disciples: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. What opportunities have we missed to advance the kingdom of God? 2. How have we each taken advantage of opportunities? Ephesians 5:16. Redeem the time, because the days are evil. Colossians 4:5. Walk wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Matthew 6:18. …Your Father who is in secret sees; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Ecclesiastes 11:9. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Jeremiah 33:3. Call to me, and I will answer you; I will show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein – Opportunity often disguises itself as trouble. 3. The Lord will call to account Revelation 22:12. Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be. Opportunity to benefit God, to benefit His kingdom. 4. God's rewards and justice. Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14. Let us hear the conclusion of this theory: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.