Great Expectations!
Matthew 25:14-30
1. The Master:
a. Has Expectations of His Servants Based Upon Their Capacity. (Matthew 25:15, 1 Corinthians 12:7)
1 Corinthians 12:7, A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.
b. Has Expectations of His Servants to Utilize The “Talents” Given Them. (Matthew 25:15, 19, 27, 1 Peter 4:10)
1 Peter 4:10, Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
c. Has Expectations of His Servants to Increase The “Talents” Given Them. (Matthew 25:21, 1 Peter 2:2)
1 Peter 2:2, Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that you may grow up into your salvation,…
2. The Servants:
a. Should have an Expectation of Personal Responsibility and Accountability. (Matthew 25:24-27)
b. Should have an Expectation of Loss if Unfaithful. (Matthew 25:28, 1 Samuel 15:10-11)
1 Samuel 15:10-11, Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned away from following me and has not carried out my instructions.” So Samuel became angry and cried out to the LORD all night.
c. Should have an Expectation of Increased Responsibility if Faithful. (Matthew 25:21b, 23)
d. Should have an Expectation of Shared Joy if Faithful. (Matthew 25:21c, Romans 8:16-17)
Romans 8:16-17, The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.