Use It or Lose It

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Use It or Lose It

Welcome to Pathway Church! Whether you’re here in person, at the Moon campus, Classic venue, or online, I’m Jeff, one of the pastors, and it’s a joy to dive into God’s Word with you today. We’re in our Generous series, emphasizing the “us” part—growing in generosity as individuals and as a church. Inspired by a trip to Salzburg, Austria, and a lesson from rancid Mozart chocolate, we’ll explore how to use what God gives us or lose the opportunity. Let’s dig into Matthew 25.

A Lesson from Salzburg and Stale Chocolate

Years ago, my family visited Salzburg, Austria—home of Mozart, the Alps, and The Sound of Music. We enjoyed Mozart concerts, Alpine views, and a quirky bike tour with The Sound of Music songs blasting. We also savored Mozart chocolate balls, bringing some home to save for later. But after a decade in the pantry, they turned rancid. Use it or lose it! This lesson applies not just to chocolate but to the talents God entrusts to us.

The Generous Series: Reflecting Jesus’ Heart

This series calls us to mirror Jesus’ generous, selfless heart. Generosity leads to joy and fulfillment. Today, Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:14-30 teaches us three key principles about handling what He gives us. Whether you have much or little, the call is the same—use it for His glory.

1. The Ownership Issue: Whose Is It Really?

Generosity starts with understanding ownership. In Matthew 25:14, a man entrusts his servants with talents—huge sums (up to $7 million today). The servants don’t own it; they’re stewards. Yet, like a woman who thought a man ate her Oreos (only to find her own bag untouched), we often claim ownership of our resources. John Ortberg’s story highlights this confusion. God owns it all—our life, abilities, and money. Acknowledging this transforms how we handle our finances, freeing us to steward for His purposes. One day, Jesus will ask what we did with His gifts.

2. The Investment Principle: Act with Urgency

The parable shows two servants investing their talents, doubling them with urgency (Matthew 25:16-18). The five-talent servant and two-talent servant earn equal commendation—“well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21)—because it’s not about the amount but the heart. The one-talent servant buries his, fearing loss, hiding it like money under mattresses or in freezers. Surveys show we hide cash, but God calls us to invest in His kingdom now. It’s about obedience, not perfect returns. Holding back out of fear secures failure, not success. Trust and act—don’t bury your talent.

3. The Abundant Reward: Blessings for Faithfulness

Faithful stewards receive abundant reward. The master says, “You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). This includes eternal life and immediate blessings to keep investing in God’s work. God doesn’t need our money—He could drop millions in the parking lot—but He uses us to change our hearts and bless others. The one-talent servant faces consequences (Matthew 25:26-29), losing even what he had. God rewards abundance for kingdom purposes, not selfish indulgence. All of us—five-talent, two-talent, or one-talent—have something to offer. Don’t sit on the sidelines.

A Challenge to Step In

I challenge you to test God with generosity. If you haven’t jumped in, start tithing or giving faithfully. If you do, ask for the next step. Last week, we saw God say, “Test me” (likely Malachi 3:10). I’ve never heard anyone regret it—only stories of provision. Let’s experience the fullness God promises and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to Your purposes. Soften our hearts against greed, helping us see Your ownership and generosity. May we use what You’ve given, trusting Your blessing. Lead us to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Generous
Sermon Title: Use It or Lose It
Date: Jan 19, 2025

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Matthew 25:14-30

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