Part 6 Parable series, The Faithful Servant
Luke 12:22-26, 35-48
Getting saved from the penalties of our sins is just the first step in one’s Christian journey. Much work is still needed. The first step is purely God’s divine work but the second step, getting ready for Christ’s return, is a partnership work between the Holy Spirit and the Christian. It is his/her responsibility to live as if Jesus is returning anytime soon. The Holy Spirit counsels us through the Word but He requires us to act. What are some of the biblical things we need to do to get ready for Christ’s eventual return?
1. Start focusing on the King and His work.
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!... 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12: 22-26
“31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:32-34
Focus on things with eternal value.
Live to please God.
Depend on His promises.
Don’t pre-occupy your minds with amassing earthly treasures and worldly pleasures.
2. Be ready at all times.
“35 Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.” Luke 12:35-37
Jesus will come again.
No one knows the exact time of His return.
Hope for His return encourages us to live for Him.
Wait in anticipation, be vigilant, come prepared.
3. Examine your own life.
45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:41-48
Professors or possessors of faith.
“16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” Titus 1:16
Bad fruit or good fruit.
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them… 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 7:15-20
Judgement or rewarded.
“will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them…” He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers…”vv.37, 46
A challenge to:
Devote your life to Jesus.
Focused on things that will honor God.
Serve God faithfully.