LESS IS MORE                                                                      EAST BAY FELLOWSHIP

(Series, #2)                                                                                                 August 13, 2006

EXCELLENCE – THE TRANSPORTATION TO MORE

TEXT: Matt. 25:14-25

INTRODUCTION

· In the kingdom of God excellence is not so much about the external things of life as it is about internal things of eternal life.  That’s why the pursuit of excellence is the transportation vehicle to more abundant life

1) UNDERSTANDING WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US

· Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.   James 1:17 (NIV)

· "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'   Matt 25:40 (NIV)

2) DEVELOPING WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US

· Developing what we’ve been given involves some form of re-investing, which always involves some risk.  There is no real development without risk.

3) ACCOUNTING FOR WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US

· “Try offering them to your governor! Would he be not wrong?  Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the LORD Almighty.   Mal 1:8 (NIV)

CONCLUSION

· Ask the right questions:

a. Am I doing what God designed me to do?

b. Am I doing everything I can to make what I do better?

c. Am I submitting my gifts to others so they can hold me accountable?