Note: We have created 5 Scripture Foundation Discussions — one for each translation principle: Understand, Draft, Check, Support, and Distribute. They help those you are training see that these are not just good translation principles — they are a reflection of Scriptural principles. You do not need to use these discussions; they are just ideas. If you would like to develop your own, we recommend reviewing Scripture Foundation Discussion Framework. You may be a very experienced Bible teacher and think, “I do not need help with this.” That may be true! However, if you want discussions that connect directly to the Bible translation process, this framework could be helpful.

Principle: What God gives us, He expects us to grow — including His Word in our language.

Why Matthew 25:14-30

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📖 Part 1: Trainer’s Preparation Guide

Read this section first to prepare yourself. Then use Part 2 to lead the discussion with your group.

Trainer’s Guide: Growing What God Gives

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Theme: Faithful Investment in Bible Translation

Trainer’s Note: The “Big Idea”

This session is about showing that supporting Bible translation is not optional extra work — it is faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to the community. The parable is not really about money. It is about faithfulness with whatever God gives.

• Preparation: Pray as a group. Ask God to show you what “talents” He has given your community for this translation work.
• Context: Explain that Jesus told this story right before He went to the cross. He was giving His followers their “assignment” for while He was away.
  • Trainer Tip: Ask the group: “If a leader in your village was leaving for a long journey and gave you something valuable to care for, how would you treat it?”
• Observation: Focus on the word “entrusted.”
  • Discussion: “The master chose each servant carefully. God has chosen your community carefully. What has He entrusted to you?”
• Meaning: The point is not the amount — it is the faithfulness. The two-talent servant received the same praise as the five-talent servant.
• Application:
  • Support Exercise: Have the group list all the ways their community currently supports the translation work (prayer, time, people, skills, finances, building space, technology, encouragement). Then ask: “What is one ‘talent’ we are burying? What would it look like to invest it?”
• 🔍 Word Watch: “Entrusted”
  • Goal: Help the trainers understand that Bible translation is caring for God’s property, not creating their own product.

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🎯 Trainer’s Checklist for Success

1. Avoid the Money Trap: This parable is often taught as being about money. Steer the discussion toward faithfulness with ALL of God’s gifts — including His Word and the tools to translate it.