Are You Investing What God Has Given You for His Kingdom? 1. The Parable of the Talents and the Unexpected Return (Matthew 25:14-30) •The master (Jesus) departs – Jesus ascends to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). •He entrusts talents (gifts, responsibilities) to his servants – Believers are stewards of God’s gifts (1 Corinthians 4:2). •The servants work or neglect their duties while he’s away – Believers are called to serve until He returns (Luke 19:13). •The master returns unexpectedly and settles accounts – The rapture and the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). •Faithful servants are rewarded with greater responsibility – Believers will rule with Christ in the Millennium (Revelation 20:6). •The unfaithful servant is cast out – Possibly representing false converts or those with no fruit (Matthew 7:21-23). 2. The Rapture and the Judgment Seat of Christ After the rapture, believers appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat) to receive rewards for their faithfulness. Key Scriptures: •Romans 14:10-12 – “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” •2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” •1 Corinthians 3:12-15 – Rewards (gold, silver, precious stones) vs. loss (wood, hay, straw). •Luke 19:17 – “Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.” At this judgment, believers are not condemned (Romans 8:1), but their works are tested for reward. 3. The Millennial Kingdom Rewards Faithful believers will receive various rewards when Jesus returns to establish His Millennial reign. A. Positions of Authority in the Kingdom •Luke 19:17, 19 – Ruling over cities based on faithfulness. •Revelation 2:26-27 – “The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.” •Revelation 20:6 – “They will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” B. Crowns as Eternal Rewards The New Testament describes five crowns believers can receive: 1.The Crown of Righteousness – For those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). 2.The Crown of Life – For enduring trials and persecution (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10). 3.The Crown of Glory – For faithful shepherds and leaders (1 Peter 5:4). 4.The Crown of Rejoicing – For soul-winners (1 Thessalonians 2:19). 5.The Incorruptible Crown – For self-discipline and endurance (1 Corinthians 9:25). C. Special Fellowship and Responsibilities •Revelation 3:21 – “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne.” •Matthew 25:23 – “You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” 4. Let’s review •The Parable of the Talents is a type of the rapture, the Bema Seat judgment, and rewards in the Millennial Kingdom. •Faithful believers will rule with Christ, receive crowns, and have eternal rewards. •Unfaithful servants (possibly false believers) lose rewards and face judgment. This parable teaches watchfulness, stewardship, and accountability