"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…

   a. Illustrating the importance of forgiveness in "The Unmerciful

      Servant" – Mt 18:21-35 

   b. Condemning the mercenary spirit of service in "The Laborers In

      The Vineyard" – Mt 20:1-16 

   c. Stressing the need for faithful and fruitful service in "The

      Talents" – Mt 25:14-30 
2. Once again He uses the master-servant motif…

   a. As He tells the parable known as "The Unprofitable Servants"

      – Lk 17:7-10 

   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 (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
   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 – Lk 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 – Lk 17:8 

         c. 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…

         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 – Lk 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 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"

         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"

(1 Co 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. Ti 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!
   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." – Lk 17:10 

         b. "…keeping the commandments of God is what matters." –

            1 Co 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." –

            1 Jn 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

      – Mt 7:21 

   b. We must observe all that Christ commanded – Mt 28:20 

   c. Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey Him – He 5:9 

   d. When He comes again, those who did not obey His gospel will be

      punished with everlasting destruction – 2 Th 1:7-9; cf. 1 Pe 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 how wonderful 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?

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