Being Good while Being Faithful

Being Good while Being Faithful
Matthew 25:14-23

Faithfulness is completing assignments with competence.

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew wrote, "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' "The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” Matt 25:14-23 (NIV)

Here are a couple of Jesus’ parables that reflect faithfulness

In Matthew 24:45-46, the story begins with the words Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?" (NIV)

In Matthew 25:14-23, the first two people are commended as "good and faithful" servants in vv.21 and 23.
"Good and faithful" does not apply to a general thought of goodness. Here faithful defines goodness and points to the attitude of the servant. He is good because he is faithful. He is not faithful as a result of being good. This is the basis of the approval of every servant. Being good does not result in competence, but faithfulness demonstrates competence.

What does it mean to be a faithful servant?
1. Understanding God’s call.
In Matthew 24 the assignment is to feed the family.
2. Patience and faithfulness go together.
Faithfulness demonstrates personal consistency.
3. Completion of the task is obedience.
Obeying God-given assignments.
4. They do their work with competence.
There is personal life investment.
5. Diligence in light of discouragement.
The coming of their master is delayed but the workers remained focused on appointed

objectives.