The central message of this sermon is that as followers of Jesus, we are called to be productive and faithful with the gifts, time, and energy God has given us while He is away, and we will be evaluated on our productivity when He returns. This concept of "occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13) captures the idea that our lives are a proving ground for our position in the future kingdom, where we will reign with Christ. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is not something we can earn or deserve, but rather a free gift from God, and once we have received this gift, we are called to live a life of good works, faithfulness, and diligence. Ultimately, the message advances the belief that our lives on earth are not just about personal piety, but about living out our faith in practical ways, using our gifts and resources for the glory of God. The takeaway is that faithful stewardship of our time, talents, and resources is crucial to our future role in the kingdom, and we must be productive and diligent in our use of these gifts while Jesus is away.