After attempting to understand the Parable of the Lamp, we turn to the various passages in which it is recorded. There, we seek to understand the contextual usage of the parable and its applications. We are reminded that we are to let our light shine before men, hear the word of God with faith, and receive the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can obey these exhortations by the illuminating, empowering work of the Holy Spirit.

This parable was spoken by Jesus to confront Simon, the Pharisee, with his self-righteousness brought about by his lack of sin's conviction. Therefore, in this sermon we look at the context, purpose, and point of the parable and then from it and its context review the marks of true conviction of sin.

Paul in this passage asserts the right of God his sovereignty by asking about the Creator-creature distinction, by using an illustration of the potter with his clay, by explaining to his audience God purposes, and by verifying these truths with Scripture.

We in this sermon consider the problem that occasioned this parable, the point of it, and the practice that is engendered from it. Jesus' teaching herein gives us the opportunity to evaluate whether we have succumbed to the danger of prideful insulation and self-righteous elitism, to be reminded of the gospel welcome we have received from God, and to have our churched be places for outcasts and sinners.

Paul in this passage answers the first objection to God's sovereign prerogative in election and reprobation: God is unjust or unfair or unloving. He answers be asserting and illustrating that in it is not unjust showing mercy in election and not unjust hardening in reprobation. We in this sermon answer the question why God is not unjust and seek to apply these truths.

Jesus in the Parable of the Talents is expanding upon a point made in the previous parable, the one about the ten virgins. He explains in the Parable of the Talents the motivations that drive our readiness for the return of Christ by being about the master's business. To receive this motivation we orient ourselves to this parable, contrast the one who has and the one who has not, and receive the helps for motivation offered: stewardship; faithfulness; provisions; judgment; and eternal destiny.

We consider in this sermon the doctrine of election. According to Paul God's choosing of some for salvation is individualistic, unconditional, gracious, effectual, and biblical. This doctrine is helpful for us as it exalts God, humbles us, gives us security, and is the basis of our own graciousness to others.