101 Parable of the Slaves

This passage is often referred to as the parable of the talents. But how should the word "talent" be understood?

5 reasons why "gifts/abilities" are the wrong interpretation:

1. Spiritual gifts are ruled out because the wicked servant received one.
2. Talents are the property of the master, not inherent in the slave.
3. talents were given according to the slaves "several abilities."
4. Servants doubled their talent, a clear reference to the master's wealth.
5. Wicked servant was stripped of his and it was given to another, something that clearly doesn't not happen with gifts/abilities.

4 reasons talents should be understood as kingdom responsibilities/duties. They are:

1. Sovereignly distributed
2. proportionally different
3. personally distinct
4. Noble work

Therefore, we must ask the question, What is God's will for me?
Romans 12:1-2
1Thessalonians 5:16-18
1Thessalonians 4:3-7
Hebrews 13:20-21
Ephesians 5:15-21
Proverbs 3:5-6
Micah 6:8

As Jesus's slaves, what should our attitude be?

Humility - that he would choose such a one as me to be his servant.

Joy - that God enables me to faithful service and that He delights in me serving him.

Summary: God puts us exactly where he wants us. God expects us to serve Him exactly where we are. God has equipped us or is preparing us to serve Him exactly where we are.

The issue is not stewardship with our resources, but faithfulness in our life's situations.