The Thing Beneath the Thing: Identity

"The Thing Beneath the Thing: Identity"

Title: Mine

Theme: Identity and stewardship
Core Truth: Selfishness begins the moment you believe it’s all on you.

INTRO
	•	This parable isn’t about money — it’s about identity.
	•	A talent = about 20 years’ wages.
	•	Burying money was culturally responsible and legally safe.
	•	The third servant wasn’t reckless — he was cautious.
	•	The issue wasn’t strategy. It was identity.



POINT 1 – Ownership Is an Identity Problem

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s…”
	•	Nothing originates with us.
	•	The shift from stewardship to ownership creates pressure.
	•	Ownership says: “If this fails, I fail.”
	•	Performance can become armor.
	•	Memorable Line:
“If what you have defines you, you will fear losing it more than you fear God.”
	•	Selfishness begins when you believe it’s all on you.



POINT 2 – Responses Are a Perspective Problem

Matthew 25:25 – “So I was afraid…”
	•	The servant’s perception of the master shaped his behavior.
	•	Fear distorts identity.
	•	The lie you believe about God determines the life you build for Him.
	•	Memorable Line:
“The lie you believe about God will determine the life you build for Him.”



POINT 3 – Assignments Are Capacity Problems

Matthew 25:15 – “To each according to his ability.”
	•	Ability = demonstrated trust.
	•	Comparison creates insecurity.
	•	Faithfulness > volume.
	•	Memorable Line:
“God doesn’t grade on volume. He evaluates on faithfulness.”