Missionary Work

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.

What motive should prompt to soul-saving labor?

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14.

Ambassadors for Christ

Whom, does every faithful Christian worker represent?

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” Verse 20.

What does God do with the unfruitful members?

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:2.

Can one occupy a mere neutral position toward Christ?

“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.” Luke 11:23.

For what does the Lord tell us to pray?

“He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into the harvest field.”  Luke 10:2.

How are we cautioned against delaying the work?

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are rip for harvest.” John 4:35.

What promise is made to those who sow the gospel seed?

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5,6.

What promise is made to soul winners?

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

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