A Call to AccountabilityMatthew 25:14-30

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.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.

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.

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.30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth

I. Introduction

• We all love the freedoms enumerated and protected by our Constitution and should be grateful for the liberties we have as Filipinos

• However, along with our wonderful rights come important responsibilities. As believers, we are accountable to God not only for the course of this country, but for the path we take in our lives.

• Therefore, we must live in a manner that not only glorifies the Father and edifies others but also preserves and protects the sacred values we hold dear.

II. Our liberty in Christ does not give us the right to indulge in sin

A. Parents should talk daily to their children about the things of the Lord

Deut. 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

B. Though our sins have been forgiven, we will still face consequences for the choices we make (Matt. 25:14-30). This can be seen vividly through Jesus' parable of the talents. The Lord gives us gifts, skills, resources, and talents, and we are responsible to use them in ways that honor Him. If we fail to do so, we forfeit our rewards in heaven

III. What is accountability?

• Accountability means we are answerable to others, and we should accept this responsibility as a gift from God.

• Not only does it provide a system of checks and balances that protect us from harm, but it also gives us unique opportunities to share our lives with others and encourage them.

IV. What biblical examples do we have concerning accountability?

A. Adam and Eve—Genesis 3:8-19

B. Samuel and Saul—1 Samuel 13:8-14

C. Nathan and David—2 Samuel 12:1-14

D. Jesus and Peter—Matthew 16:21-23

V. Why is accountability important for our lives?

A. Knowing that someone will ask about our conduct motivates us to do our best and encourages us to be good stewards of our time, talents, and resources.

B. When we're answerable to others, we are positioned for promotion. As those in authority review our work, they realize our potential.

C. Accountability inspires and protects us and those we're closest to, which makes our relationships even stronger.

D. We must regularly face the truth about our attitudes and actions, and examine whether we are staying in the center of God's will.

E. Being responsible to the Lord and others challenges us to maintain high standards, godly convictions, a transparent heart, and a trustworthy character

VI. Why do people resist accountability?

A. Rebelliousness

B. Slothfulness

C. Fear of loss

D. Untrustworthiness

E. Pride

VII. What happens without accountability?

A. We cannot do our best.

B. Our resources may be wasted.

C. Spiritual growth will be hampered.

D. There will be divisions in our most important relationships.

E. We will miss opportunities, privileges, promotions, and rewards.

F. Others may feel free to take advantage of us.

VIII. Conclusion

• Accountability is absolutely necessary in every aspect of our life, starting with relationships in our family and among fellow believers.

• However, we must also hold others in society responsible for what they do, whether they are in the church, the schools, or the government.

• These are serious days for our nation and world, and as believers, we are charged with defending the faith and proclaiming the gospel of salvation—the only true path to freedom from sin and death. We know the truth, so we cannot keep silent about it.

• Rather, we're accountable to declare the truth as passionately, effectively, and fearlessly as we can.