Matthew 25:14-30 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.… I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN MEN'S FAITHFULLY IMPROVING DIVINE BLESSINGS. 1. This implies their acknowledging that all their favours come from God. As long as men disregard the hand of the Giver, they will certainly despise His gifts. 2. A proper improvement of Divine favours implies a grateful sense of Divine goodness. The slothful servant did not thank his Master for the one talent. 3. A faithful improvement of Divine favours implies a cheerful and unreserved consecration of them to Him who gave them. 4. Faithfully improving Divine favours implies employing them in the service of God.. II. THAT THOSE WHO FAITHFULLY IMPROVE THE BLESSINGS WHICH GOD BESTOWS UPON THEM MAY REASONABLY EXPECT FURTHER MARKS OF HIS FAVOUR. 1. The faithful improvement of Divine favours affords the highest enjoyment of them. Men never enjoy their talents buried or abused. 2. The faithful improvement of Divine favours in time past prepares men for the reception of more and richer blessings in time to come. Masters bestow their best favours upon their best servants. 3. God has promised to reward past fidelity with future favours. 4. God's conduct confirms the declarations of His Word. He has in all ages bestowed peculiar advantages upon those who have improved the temporal and spiritual blessingsHe has given. 1. All the blessings we possess have been sent in mercy. 2. If God will reward only those who improve His favours in His service, then men are unwise and criminal in converting them to their own use. 3. Men ought to be more concerned to improve God's favours than to gain the possession of them. 4. Those who abuse God's favours have reason to expect that He will diminish them. (N. Emmons, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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