GIFTS and TALENTs, are they

the same?

“The life of Christ was an ever-widening,shoreless influence, an influence that bound Him to God and to the whole human family. Through Christ, God has invested man with an influence that makes it impossible for him to live to himself. Individually we are connected with our fellow men, a part of God’s great whole, and we stand under mutual obligations. No man can be independent of his fellow men; for the well-being of each affects others. It is God’s purpose that each shall feel himself necessary to others’ welfare, and seek to promote their happiness.”

Christ Object Lessons, Pg. 339.2

Today our discussion is centered on GIFTS and TALENTS, are they the same. We are going to look at the meaning, the scripture and spirit of prophecy in regards to it. This education is to help us as a church to grow towards the excellency of the faith and develop characters fit for Jesus’ return. We are to prepare before He comes, not when He comes.

Gift mean:(a) A thing given willingly to someone without payment.

(b) A natural ability or talent.

Talent mean:

(a) Natural aptitude or skill.

(b) A marked innate ability, as for artistic accomplishment.

(c) Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality.

Spirit of prophecy identifies something on talent.

“Wherever we are, we should watch for opportunities of speaking to others of the Saviour. If we follow Christ’s example in doing good,hearts will open to us as they did to Him. Not abruptly, but with tact born of divine love, we can tell them of Him who is the “Chiefest among ten thousand” and the One “altogether lovely.” Song of Solomon 5:10, 16. This is the very highest work in which we can employ the talent of speech. It was given to us that we might present Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour.”

Christ Object Lessons, Pg. 339.1

Ps.71:15,16[15] My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.[16] I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

1Cor.2:4,5[4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:[5] That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Col.4:6[6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

TiT.2:7,8[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Jam.1:19,20[19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:[20] For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

“But Christ sanctions no lavish or careless use of means. His lesson in economy, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost,” is for all His followers. (John 6:12.) He who realizes that his money is a talent from God will use it economically, and will feel it a duty to save that he may give.“Christ Object Lessons, Pg. 352.2

“Many who are teachers of the truth cease to be students, digging, ever digging for truth as for hidden treasures.Their minds reach a common, low standard; but they do not seek to become men of influence, not for the sake of selfish ambition, but for Christ’s sake, that they may reveal the power of the truth upon the intellect. It is no sin to appreciate literary talent, if it is not idolized; but no one is to strive for vain glory to exalt self. When this is the case, there is an absence of the wisdom that cometh from above, which is first pure,then peaceable, easy to be entreated,full of love and of good fruits.”

Christian Education, Pg. 53.1

Let’s examine the talentsGod gave humanity and how it was put to use.

Mt. 25:14-29 [14] For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [15] And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.[16] Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

Mt. 25:14-29 [17] And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.[18] But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.[19] After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.[20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.[21] His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mt. 25:14-29 [22] He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord,thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.[23] His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.[24] Then he which had received the one talent came and said,Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:[25] And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth:lo, there thou hast that is thine.

Mt. 25:14-29 [26] His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:[27] Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.[28] Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.[29] For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

“God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected. Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you cannot overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.”

Christ Object Lessons, Pg. 331.1, 2

“Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little,because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach. Such will obtain a reward proportionate to their works…

…Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set.Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you. Fate has not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need remain helpless and in uncertainty. Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.

Christ Object Lessons, Pg. 331.3, 4

“But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble,all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected…Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life.The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you cannot overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart,and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.”

Christ Object Lessons, Pg. 331.1,2

“To every man God has entrusted talents for wise improvement. If rightly used,these talents will reflect glory to the Giver. But the most precious gifts of God may be perverted, and thus become a curse rather than a blessing....”

Our High Calling, Pg. 218.2

Rom.12:3[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Phil.4:8[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Brethren

Let Us Pray!