"THE PARABLES OF JESUS"

The Unprofitable Servants (Lk 17:7-10)

INTRODUCTION
  1. Jesus often used the master-servant relationship in His parables to teach His disciples important principles concerning their service to God...
    1. Illustrating the importance of forgiveness in "The Unmerciful Servant" - Mt 18:21-35
    2. Condemning the mercenary spirit of service in "The Laborers In The Vineyard" - Mt 20:1-16
    3. Stressing the need for faithful and fruitful service in "The Talents" - Mt 25:14-30
  2. Once again He uses the master-service motif...
    1. As He tells the parable known as "The Unprofitable Servants" - Lk 17:7-10
    2. 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...]

  1. THE PARABLE ITSELF
    1. THE CONTEXT...
      1. It may appear this parable is disconnected to what preceded it
      2. But in describing the power of faith (Lk 17:5-6), 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
    2. THE DETAILS...
      1. Jesus challenges His apostles to consider how they would act toward a servant
        1. As master, none of them would be expected to invite the servant to sit down and eat with him - Lk 17:7
        2. As master, any one of them would expect the servant to prepare his meal and serve him, eating only after he is done - Lk 17:8
        3. As master, none of them would likely thank the servant for doing what has been commanded of him - Lk 17:9
      2. So they are to view themselves in regards to what they do as servants...
        1. When they have done that which they were commanded, they should view themselves as "unprofitable" servants - Lk 17:10a
        2. That is, they have simply done their duty as servants, doing nothing worthy of merit - Lk 17:10b
    3. THE MEANING...
      1. Be careful not to conclude that the parable presents the proper attitude of the "master"
        1. Jesus is depicting the normal expectation of a master to make His point
        2. In Lk 12:35-37, He describes what He Himself will do as Master
      2. Instead, this parable is illustrating the proper attitude of the "servant"
        1. When all that is commanded is done, we have not earned or merited anything
        2. We have simply done that which is our duty as servants
        3. 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...]

  2. THE PARABLE APPLIED
    1. 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 3:4-5; Ep 2:4-9
      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!
    2. IT STRESSES THE NEED FOR OBEDIENCE...
      1. While we cannot earn or merit our reward, obedience is still essential!
        1. "We have done that which was our duty to do." - Lk 17:10
        2. "...keeping the commandments of God is what matters." -1Co 7:19b
        3. "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...
        1. Especially when it is pointed out that they are not keeping a particular command
        2. But legalism involves the idea that one earns or merits salvation by their obedience
        3. If we believe that obedience earns our salvation, then we are truly legalists
        4. 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:
    1. Only those who do the Father's will enter the kingdom of heaven - Mt 7:21
    2. We must observe all that Christ commanded - Mt 28:20
    3. Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey Him - He 5:9
    4. When He comes again, those who did not obey His gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction - 2Th 1:7-9; cf. 1Pe 4:17
  2. But it's primary lesson is to remind us that no matter how much we do for the Lord...
    1. We are still "unprofitable servants"
    2. 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." (Mt 25:21)

Are you a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, doing that which is your duty to do?