OCCUPY TILL HE COMES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 25:14-30
Key Verse: “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.” (Matthew 25:21 KJV)
Supporting Texts: Luke 19:13; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 5:15-16; 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:11
Description: Believers are called to remain actively engaged in God's work, faithfully using their gifts, opportunities, and resources until Christ returns.
INTRODUCTION
One of the greatest mistakes believers can make when thinking about the return of Christ is becoming passive. Some people become so focused on the Lord's coming that they neglect their present responsibilities. However, Jesus consistently taught that readiness for His return includes faithful service, diligent stewardship, and productive kingdom living. While believers are called to watch and pray, they are also called to work and serve faithfully until He comes.
Matthew 25 presents the Parable of the Talents, where a master entrusted resources to his servants before departing on a journey. The servants were expected to use those resources wisely and productively during his absence. Upon his return, he rewarded those who had faithfully multiplied what they received and condemned the servant who buried his talent. This parable reveals that God expects His people to be active participants in His kingdom work while awaiting Christ's return.
The phrase "Occupy till I come" reflects the biblical principle that believers should be fully engaged in fulfilling God's purposes. Whether through ministry, business, family responsibilities, evangelism, leadership, or acts of service, every Christian has a divine assignment. Rather than waiting idly for Christ's return, we are called to labour faithfully, maximize opportunities, and advance God's kingdom until He appears.
1. GOD HAS ENTRUSTED EVERY BELIEVER WITH AN ASSIGNMENT
No believer is without purpose or responsibility in God's kingdom.
a) Every Believer Has Received Something from God (Matthew 25:15)
The master gave talents to each servant according to his ability, demonstrating that everyone receives a divine trust.
b) Gifts and Abilities Are Given by God (Romans 12:6)
Our talents, skills, and opportunities are gifts from God to be used for His glory.
c) Every Assignment Has Eternal Significance (Colossians 3:23)
Even seemingly ordinary responsibilities can become acts of worship when done for God.
d) We Are Stewards, Not Owners (1 Peter 4:10)
Everything entrusted to us belongs to God and must be managed according to His will.
Biblical Example: Moses received the assignment of leading Israel out of Egypt and faithfully pursued God's purpose despite many challenges (Exodus 3:10-12).
2. OCCUPYING REQUIRES DILIGENCE AND PRODUCTIVITY
God expects believers to actively use what He has entrusted to them.
a) Faithfulness Requires Action (Matthew 25:16-17)
The faithful servants immediately put their talents to work rather than leaving them unused.
b) Opportunities Must Be Maximized (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Wise believers recognize and redeem every opportunity for kingdom impact.
c) Growth Is Expected (John 15:8)
God desires believers to produce spiritual fruit and increase in effectiveness.
d) Kingdom Service Requires Commitment (Romans 12:11)
Believers should serve God with enthusiasm, diligence, and perseverance.
Biblical Example: Nehemiah diligently organized the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls despite opposition and obstacles (Nehemiah 4:6).
3. FEAR AND COMPLACENCY HINDER KINGDOM PROGRESS
The unfaithful servant lost his opportunity because he allowed fear and inactivity to control him.
a) Fear Leads to Inaction (Matthew 25:25)
Fear of failure can prevent believers from fulfilling their God-given purpose.
b) Excuses Cannot Replace Obedience (Matthew 25:24-25)
God expects faithful action rather than endless justification.
c) Spiritual Complacency Is Dangerous (Revelation 3:15-16)
A passive attitude toward God's work weakens spiritual effectiveness.
d) Neglected Gifts Produce No Fruit (2 Timothy 1:6)
God-given abilities must be developed and exercised regularly.
Biblical Example: Jonah initially resisted God's assignment because of fear and reluctance, delaying God's work through him (Jonah 1:1-3).
4. OCCUPYING INVOLVES ADVANCING GOD'S KINGDOM
Believers are called to contribute actively to God's purposes on earth.
a) Preach the Gospel Faithfully (Mark 16:15)
The Great Commission remains a primary responsibility of every believer.
b) Disciple Others Intentionally (Matthew 28:19-20)
Kingdom work includes helping others grow in their faith.
c) Serve Through Love and Compassion (Galatians 5:13)
Practical acts of service demonstrate God's love to the world.
d) Influence Society for God's Glory (Matthew 5:16)
Believers are called to shine as lights in their communities and workplaces.
Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul tirelessly preached the gospel, planted churches, and discipled believers throughout his ministry (Acts 20:24).
5. OCCUPYING REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE
Kingdom service often involves challenges, delays, and opposition.
a) Do Not Grow Weary (Galatians 6:9)
Believers must continue serving faithfully even when results seem slow.
b) Opposition Is Inevitable (2 Timothy 3:12)
Those who serve God faithfully will often encounter resistance.
c) God's Grace Sustains Us (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The Lord provides strength for every assignment He gives.
d) The Reward Is Worth the Effort (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Labour done for the Lord is never wasted.
Biblical Example: Noah faithfully built the ark over many years despite widespread unbelief and ridicule (Genesis 6:22).
6. CHRIST WILL REWARD FAITHFUL SERVICE
The Lord's return will bring evaluation, accountability, and reward.
a) The Master Will Return (Matthew 25:19)
Christ will come again and review the stewardship of His servants.
b) Faithfulness Will Be Recognized (Matthew 25:21)
God notices and rewards faithful service, even when others do not.
c) Greater Responsibility Awaits the Faithful (Matthew 25:21)
Those who are faithful in little things will be entrusted with greater things.
d) Eternal Joy Is the Ultimate Reward (Matthew 25:21)
The greatest reward is entering into the joy and approval of the Lord.
Biblical Example: Paul finished his race faithfully and looked forward to receiving the crown of righteousness from the Lord (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
CONCLUSION
The message of Matthew 25 is clear: believers are not called to sit idle while waiting for Christ's return. We are called to occupy, labour, serve, and faithfully manage everything God has entrusted to us. Whether our gifts seem large or small, God expects us to use them diligently for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
As we anticipate the coming of the Lord, let us reject fear, complacency, and laziness. Instead, let us commit ourselves to faithful stewardship, productive service, and unwavering devotion. When Christ returns, may He find us busy fulfilling His purpose and hear us say, "Lord, I have occupied faithfully," and may we hear Him respond, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to faithfully occupy until Christ returns in Jesus name.
2. Lord, reveal and activate every gift You have placed within me in Jesus name.
3. Father, deliver me from fear and spiritual complacency in Jesus name.
4. Lord, help me to maximize every opportunity for kingdom service in Jesus name.
5. Father, make me diligent and productive in all You have assigned to me in Jesus name.
6. Lord, strengthen me to persevere through every challenge in Jesus name.
7. Father, let my life produce lasting fruit for Your glory in Jesus name.
8. Lord, help me to influence others positively for Your kingdom in Jesus name.
9. Father, prepare me to give a good account of my stewardship in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let me receive Your commendation when You return in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall faithfully fulfil every divine assignment entrusted to you.
2. Every gift and talent within you shall be activated for God's glory.
3. You shall not be hindered by fear, doubt, or complacency.
4. The Lord shall make you fruitful and productive in every area of life.
5. You shall maximize every opportunity God places before you.
6. Your labour in the kingdom of God shall not be in vain.
7. You shall persevere through every challenge and opposition.
8. The favour of God shall rest upon your work and service.
9. You shall finish your race with joy and faithfulness.
10. You shall hear the Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and enter into His everlasting joy, in Jesus' name. Amen.
