The Parable of the Unworthy Servant
Suppose one of
you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the
servant when he comes in from the field, "Come along now and sit down to
eat?" Would he not rather say, "Prepare my supper, get yourself ready
and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink?"
Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also,
when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are
unworthy servants; we have done only our duty." -- Luke
17:7-10
We need to have a correct view of God's
claims upon us, as well as the spirit in which we should meet these claims.
Through an overabundance of pride, we can err in our duty, either out of
ignorance or due to our manner in which we performed it. God doesn't require
meritorious service from us in order for us to be accepted by him, but he does
require the obedient homage of all who are accepted of him. The sacrifice of Christ alone is the basis for our acceptance, the evidence
of it, and the fruits of practical godliness.
The nature of the service that God
requires of us
- Doing the master's work
- God requires that we do his bidding
- As revealed in his word
- According to our abilities
- Obedience of love
- Love, not fear
- Affection, not servile
- Spiritual
- Whole
- Respect for all his commandments
- Obeying all of his will
- Consistent
- Habitual
- Perseverance
- Unto death
The support expected of God
- God gives us the ability to perform the service he
requires of us
- God provides daily food for the souls of those in his
service
- Bread of life
- Waters of salvation
- Service to God brings satisfaction and peace
- Future and eternal glory
God grants us independence in our service
to him
- No man can go beyond God's claims to his obedience
- Body
- Soul
- Spirit
- God rewards may extend beyond that earned
- Forever in debt to God
- God is never in debt to man
- God expects us to serve him
- No special thanks are appropriate
Application of the parable
- Humility is required of everyone
- Whatever we do, do for the glory of God
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