Read Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
I. The Parable of the Talents
a. Passage (Matthew 25:14-30)
- This parable was given to answer the Disciples' question of when the second coming would be. Jesus has been telling them to be ready all the time because they would not know when this will happen. In this parable, a man going on a journey gave three of his servants 5, 2, and 1 talents (money) respectively according to their abilities. The first two used it wisely and doubled their talents while the last one dug a hole and hid it. When the master came back, he collected the talents and praised the first two for growing what they were given. The master was not impressed with the last one, took his 1 talent and gave it to the first one.
b. Reflection
- We do not know when judgment day comes. Till that day, we have to stay alert, live a righteous life, and trust in the Lord, our savior. God had showered us with many blessings and talents. We need to utilize these for the glory of His kingdom. We need to be like the first two and share God's blessings to others. We need to be involve in His ministry, to make disciples, and spread the Gospel. Let us not be afraid and hide our God-given talents. If it is not used for his glory, God will take it away from us and give it to those who follow Him. It does not matter how big or small our talents are. What matters most is how we use what we have to serve, worship, and glorify God.
II. In the World not of the World
a. Passage (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
- Paul wrote to the Corinth Church about the unrighteousness that is happening within the church. He told the church not to associate themselves with those who commit sexual immorality and at the same time,
b. Reflection
- As Christians, we tend to look at "other" people on the way they live their "unrighteous" life. We tend to judge others on how they commit sin and do not follow God's way. We are reminded not to disassociate ourselves from the unbelievers but instead, minister to them, share verses, and show them love so they might see God's love within ourselves. Let us be the light of this world and be a living testimony of God's promises and plans so they might see the change God made in us, repent of their sins, and build a relationship with the Father. Instead, Paul told us to look at our brothers and sisters within our Church. We have so-called followers of Christ, who claims to be Christians, but continuously commit sin. We are told to distance ourselves from them for they bring darkness to the Church and instead of bringing people closer to God, they are distorting the image of all followers and putting Jesus' crucifixion in vain.
III. Proverbs for Today/ 10:26
As Vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him
IV. Old Testament Reading
Numbers 4-5 and Psalms 48:1-14
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