What Did You Do With What I Gave You?

What Did You Do With What I Gave You? — Rev. Dr. Jim Master

In this message, Rev. Dr. Jim Master explores the powerful teaching of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30, challenging believers to examine how they are using what God has entrusted to them.

We often find ourselves wishing God had given us different abilities, greater intelligence, a better physique, athleticism, or other qualities we see in others. This can lead to comparison, dissatisfaction, and overlooking the gifts and opportunities God has already placed in our hands. Through this teaching, Rev. Dr. Jim Master reminds us that what God has given us is less important to Him than what we do with it.

The message begins by examining the meaning of the parable and the significance of the talents entrusted to the servants. The master distributes his wealth according to each servant's ability, giving five talents to one, two to another, and one to the third. Each servant is given a responsibility to manage what belongs to the master, not simply for personal benefit, but according to the master's interests.

A central focus of this teaching is stewardship, faithfulness, and accountability. The servants who received five and two talents put their resources to work and doubled what had been entrusted to them. When the master returned to settle accounts, both received the same commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Their reward was not based on how much they originally received, but on their faithfulness with what they had been given.

The message then examines the servant who received one talent but chose to bury it in the ground. Rather than taking responsibility, he makes excuses and admits that fear influenced his decision. Rev. Dr. Jim Master highlights the danger of having the wrong attitude toward God, failing to recognise His authority, and neglecting the responsibility that comes with what He has entrusted to us.

Drawing from Matthew 25:19–30, the sermon explores the reality of standing before God and giving an account of our lives. It also considers the relationship between faith, works, salvation, and rewards, emphasising that while salvation is by grace through faith, believers are still accountable for how they live and what they do with God's gifts.

Through the teaching on the unprofitable servant and the words of James 2:26, the message challenges listeners to consider whether their faith is reflected in their actions. True faith is not merely something we profess; it should influence how we respond to God, recognise His lordship, and faithfully fulfil our responsibilities.

Ultimately, this sermon is a call to stop comparing ourselves with others, overcome fear and excuses, and become faithful stewards of everything God has placed in our hands.

What has God entrusted to you, and what will you be able to show Him when He returns? Join Rev. Dr. Jim Master as he explores the importance of faithfulness, responsibility, and living with the awareness that one day we will give an account to God for what we have been given.