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The Unprofitable Servants (Luk_17:7 - Luk_17:10)
INTRODUCTION
1. Jesus often used the master-servant relationship in His parables to
teach His disciples important principles concerning their service to
God...
a. Illustrating the importance of forgiveness in "The Unmerciful
Servant" - Mat_18:21 - Mat_18:35
b. Condemning the mercenary spirit of service in "The Laborers In
The Vineyard" - Mat_20:1 - Mat_20:16
c. Stressing the need for faithful and fruitful service in "The
Talents" - Mat_25:14 - Mat_25:30
2. Once again He uses the master-service motif...
a. As He tells the parable known as "The Unprofitable Servants"
- Luk_17:7 - Luk_17:10
b. In which He demonstrates an important attitude to be found in His
disciples
[As we study this parable, it might be well to ask ourselves: "What
should be our attitude about the service we render to God?" With that
question in mind, let's first consider...]
I. THE PARABLE ITSELF
A. THE CONTEXT...
1. It may appear this parable is disconnected to what preceded it
2. But in describing the power of faith (Luk_17:5 - Luk_17:6), it would be
easy for the disciples to fall into a snare of pride
3. This parable would certainly help keep things in proper
perspective
B. THE DETAILS...
1. Jesus challenges His apostles to consider how they would act
toward a servant
a. As master, none of them would be expected to invite the
servant to sit down and eat with him - Luk_17:7
b. As master, any one of them would expect the servant to
prepare his meal and serve him, eating only after he is
done - Luk_17:8
c. As master, none of them would likely thank the servant for
doing what has been commanded of him - Luk_17:9
2. So they are to view themselves in regards to what they do as
servants...
a. When they have done that which they were commanded, they
should view themselves as "unprofitable" servants - Lk
17:10a
b. That is, they have simply done their duty as servants,
doing nothing worthy of merit - Luk_17:10b
C. THE MEANING...
1. Be careful not to conclude that the parable presents the
proper attitude of the "master"
a. Jesus is depicting the normal expectation of a master to
make His point
b. In Luk_12:35 - Luk_12:37, He describes what He Himself will do as
Master
2. Instead, this parable is illustrating the proper attitude of
the "servant"
a. When all that is commanded is done, we have not earned or
merited anything
b. We have simply done that which is our duty as servants
c. Whatever reward we might receive is due to grace, not
merit!
[This parable is therefore illustrating the attitude we should have
toward our own service to God. Since we were "bought at a price" (1Co_6:20), we are truly servants and should have the proper attitude of
servitude. With this explanation, here are some thoughts related to...]
II. THE PARABLE APPLIED
A. IT REMOVES ANY IDEA OF EARNING OUR SALVATION...
1. Keeping God's commandments are important (see below), but they
do not merit or earn our salvation - cf. Tit_3:4 - Tit_3:5; Eph_2:4 - Eph_2:9
2. After everything we do, we are still "unprofitable servants"
- cf. Isa_64:6
3. Whatever reward we receive is one of grace, not merit!
B. IT STRESSES THE NEED FOR OBEDIENCE...
1. While we cannot earn or merit our reward, obedience is still
essential!
a. "We have done that which was our duty to do." - Luk_17:10
b. "...keeping the commandments of God is what matters." -
1Co_7:19b
c. "He who says 'I know Him,' and does not keep His
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him." -
1Jn_2:4
2. Many people tend to equate obedience with legalism...
a. Especially when it is pointed out that they are not keeping
a particular command
b. But legalism involves the idea that one earns or merits
salvation by their obedience
c. If we believe that obedience earns our salvation, then we
are truly legalists
d. But if we obey God out of love and duty, we are simply
being faithful servants!
CONCLUSION
1. This parable reminds us of the need for obedience, as do other
passages:
a. Only those who do the Father's will enter the kingdom of heaven
- Mat_7:21
b. We must observe all that Christ commanded - Mat_28:20
c. Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey Him - Heb_5:9
d. When He comes again, those who did not obey His gospel will be
punished with everlasting destruction - 2Th_1:7 - 2Th_1:9; cf. 1Pe_4:17
2. But it's primary lesson is to remind us that no matter how much we
do for the Lord...
a. We are still "unprofitable servants"
b. Whatever we have done was our duty as servants to begin with
3. Therefore, whatever reward we receive will be one of grace and not
merit; and what wonderful grace that will be, to hear the Lord say
at the end of time:
"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful
over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter
into the joy of your lord." (Mat_25:21)
Are you a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, doing that which
is your duty to do?