181 – The Parable of the Talents and the Pounds

181 – The Parable of the Talents and the Pounds

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  THEOLOGY VI LESSON # 81
ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – THE PARABLES OF THE TALENTS AND THE POUNDS

Read: Mat. 25:14-19, Text: Lk. 19:11-27

INTRODUCTION:

1. These two parables are distinctly different parables, yet they convey the same message and deal with:

i. Subjection and obedience of true subjects.
ii. The return of Christ in His glory and power.

2. The parables of the fishnet and the virgins showed identity of citizens and admission.
3. The parables of the pounds and talents show individual judgment, according to works.
4. Incidentally, true identity and judgment according to works will always match. (Eph. 2:10)
5. All four of these parables are relevant to aspects of His kingdom at the time of His return.
6. This should turn our attention to eschatology, which is this portion of our study.

I. THE IDENTITY OF THE NOBLEMAN (LUKE 19:12)

1. It simply means a well or properly-born human being with property rights to a kingdom. (Rev. 5:4-5)
2. Of course, the Nobleman is used to symbolize Christ.

II. THE IDENTITY OF HIS SERVANTS (LUKE 19:13)

1. It is the opinion of many that we are Christ’s servants only by choice.
2. But men have responsibility toward God’s endowments whether they like it or not. (Ps. 100:1-3)
3. You are responsible to God for all that He has charged you with.

III. THE ATTITUDE OF THE MAJORITY OF HIS SERVANTS (LUKE 19:14)

1. “We will not have this man rule over us; we hate Him.”

III: As He went to the cross to make His departure, they answered Pilate, “Crucify Him.”

2. The world at large cries out from the depths of their souls, “We will have no king, but Caesar.”
3. Their heart’s cry is: We will not hear God’s law, be meek, be persecuted, seek first, deny ourselves, bear the cross.
4. Many of them have taken their lamps, but now they slumber and sleep unaware that their lamp has gone out.

IV. THE ACTION OF THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL (LUKE 19:15)

1. They gained “by trading.” They did business for the Lord.
2. Ability, and thus gain was different, but the action was the same. He was their Lord.
3. They were the good ground, prepared by God, the wheat, the treasure, the pearl, the wise, the children of the kingdom.
4. He saved us and placed us in a holy structure (His church) to labor for His kingdom.