Pastor Brian’s Comment on Matthew 25:14-30

In worship bulletin today. Interesting. Alliance Bible Church

“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21-23

“Well done good and faithful servant”

Isn’t this what we all want to hear when we transition as Christians from earth to Heaven?

But isn’t it interesting that most Christians tend to think that this Bible quote refers to all the good we did while on earth for the poor, disadvantaged, all the Bible studies we attended and may even have led and all the good works we have done which God already prepared for us to do? (Ephesians 2:20) “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

As Believers, when can we expect to hear these words, “Well done good and faithful servant”?

As Edwin Lutzer states in his book, One Minute After You Die.
“What can we expect one minute after we die? While relatives sorrow on earth, you will find yourself in new surroundings which just now are beyond our imagination. Most probably, you will have seen angels who have been assigned the responsibility of escorting you to your destination.” And then we may/will hear the words we long for. “Well done good and faithful servant.”

On Our Journey.

We are all someplace in our journey of life and understanding the real meaning of this parable and now want to apply it as best as we can in our lives! So we too can hear our master say to us when we meet Him, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Practical Guidance and Biblical Principles

The words “Well done, good and faithful servant” from Matthew 25:21-23 are indeed a powerful and thought-provoking commendation, one that every believer hopes to hear from Jesus. It’s fascinating to reflect that these famous words originate in the context of financial stewardship—how the servants used the resources entrusted to them to grow their master’s assets for the good of the kingdom. This realization poses an important and personal question: How do we wisely invest the funds God has entrusted to us?

The Parable’s Context: Resources and Responsibility

In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus shares the Parable of the Talents, a story about a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of silver. Each servant is expected to use these resources wisely while the master is away. Two servants invest what they have and double the assets, earning the master’s praise upon his return. The third servant, however, buries his talent out of fear and disobedience, receiving a rebuke instead.

The central theme of this parable is accountability. Jesus emphasizes that the servants who received praise were those who actively multiplied what was entrusted to them, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of their master. This is a striking illustration of how we, as Christians, are called to manage the financial and material blessings God has given us—not with passivity or fear, but with the intention of advancing God’s kingdom.

Beyond Rituals and Service

How do we use God’s resources to further His kingdom? It’s true that the commendation “Well done, good and faithful servant” is not tied explicitly to the number of church activities we participate in, the committees we serve, or the ministries we lead. Instead, it challenges us to look deeply at how we steward what we’ve been given—our funds, time, talents, and opportunities—in ways that align with God’s purposes.

This shift in perspective does not diminish the value of studying Scripture or serving the church community. Rather, it underscores the importance of intentionanlity and fruitfulness in all areas of life, especially in how we manage our finances. The currency of stewardship, in this sense, is not merely spiritual dedication but tangible effort in leveraging God’s resources for impact.

Practical Steps for Faithful Stewardship

The question then arises: *How can we align our financial decisions with the principles of faithful stewardship?* Below are a few principles to help navigate this journey:

Seek God’s Guidance Through Prayer

Faithful financial stewardship begins with recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God. Spend time in prayer, asking for His wisdom in managing what He has entrusted to you. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding, promising that He will make our paths straight.

Recognize God as the Owner

Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” As stewards, we are caretakers of the resources God has entrusted to us. This mindset shifts the focus from ownership to accountability in how we allocate and invest our funds.

Invest in the Eternal

Jesus advises in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” This principle encourages us to direct our resources toward endeavors that have lasting, eternal significance, such as supporting ministries, aiding the needy, and advancing the gospel.

Multiplying Resources

Like the servants who doubled their talents, we can find ways to grow the resources entrusted to us. This might involve investing in ethical businesses, funding educational initiatives, or empowering others through economic opportunities. The goal isn’t merely financial growth but the creation of avenues that reflect God’s justice and love.

Living with Intentional Simplicity

Choosing to live simply and avoid material excess frees up resources that can be redirected to kingdom priorities. It’s a way to ensure that our lifestyle reflects our faith and values rather than succumbing to societal pressures for accumulation and extravagance.

An Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, the parable of the talents calls us to adopt an eternal perspective. What we have—whether little or much—has been given by God for a purpose. Our task is not merely to preserve these resources but to multiply them in ways that glorify Him. It’s a mindset that transcends fear and complacency, embracing boldness and trust in God’s provision.

When the time comes, and we stand before the Lord, hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” will be the culmination of a life lived with faithful stewardship—using all we’ve been given, including our finances, to reflect God’s love and advance His kingdom. By focusing on this responsibility, we align our hearts with God’s, ensuring that every resource entrusted to us serves His higher purpose.

Conclusion

The parable of the talents invites us into a deeper understanding of what it means to hear the words *“Well done, good and faithful servant.”* It challenges us to approach financial stewardship with intentionality, prayer, and wisdom, recognizing that our resources are tools for advancing God’s kingdom. As you navigate this journey, may you find joy in giving, confidence in wise investments, and peace in knowing that your faithfulness reflects the heart of the Master who entrusted you with much.

As we continue on our journey and reach life’s end, let us live so we can hear those cherished words one day: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What better commendation could we hope for than knowing that our resources were used to glorify God and expand His eternal kingdom?

Have you found peace with God?

What is God calling you to do?

Remember, you are special with a calling!

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