Luke 17: 1 – 10
Text: v. 10 “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do”.
Introduction:
Focus: To obey is a duty, not a service
Said repeatedly: “God’s Work is to be done by God’s children”
It could be demanding and overwhelming
Not by one or few but by all (esp. the redeemeds)
Each has a grace and a calling
But none can be idle
Remember always, it’s a privilege
Three thoughts to observe and note today in this passage and text:
1. The believer is a servant, and a servant is a slave who serves his Master.
2. The believer is to serve and obey the commandments of God until all the work is done.
3. The believer is to be humble in his service for the Lord.
From the passage: The Servant’s Duty:
He is to feed the cattle and plough the fields, then in the evenings he is to serve the household by feeding and waiting on tables. Ploughing and feeding are tough work, requiring a sound and disciplined body and spirit. They require endurance. Note that the servant works all day and all through the evening until all others have even gone to bed. He goes to bed after all others have retired, and he gets up before all others get up. The servant serves his Master.
Lesson For Us:
No matter what we do for Christ, it is our duty to do it. We are unworthy of the privilege to serve Him. We are to count ourselves “unworthy servants”. No man can claim he has done all he should. We all come short, no matter how much we do or how great the work. We think we do. There is no room for pride or arrogance or boasting. God commands perfection; therefore, He expects humility.
From the Scripture: Two things emanate
1. Our Duty:
As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. (John 9:4)
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Rom.12:11)
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)
Let us not become weary doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6: 9 -10)
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Heb. 6:11 -12)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Heb. 12:1)
2. Perfect Obedience and Humility
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Mat. 5:48)
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 18:4)
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke. 18:14)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Rom. 12:3)
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (I Pet. 5:5)
What Then Is Our Duty:
1. To love our fellow men
2. To share the gospel with all
3. To build the kingdom of God via the church
4. To be faithful church members
5. To be faithful, committed, sacrificial givers to Christ’s course via the church
6. To seek to do more as long as there is more to do
7. To keep being humble inspite of our usefulness.
Conclusion:
Are you, or will you be available to God as his servants (slaves)?
Will you lay yourself and substances at his disposal for His Kingdom’s sake?
Will you be willing to do more, despite all you are doing or you have done?
Will you seek and pray for more grace as Kingdom matters demand more of you?
Let’s just pray.