A Godly Servant

Scripture often refers to the Lords followers as servants. We are to live for God and serve His purposes, not our own. Lets read Luke 12:35-48 for characteristics of a faithful servant. Godly servants 1. Serve consistently rather than haphazardly. As humans, we will never be perfect this side of heaven. However, time after time, faithful servants demonstrate willingness to do the Masters will. Their commitment to working for Him doesnt evaporate when obedience is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or costly. In verse 37, the master is girded. He had tucked his robes into his belt, a common practice for travelling or serving. Adam Clarkes commentary mentions that the host of a banquet often waited on his guests, even for a wedding feast.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man. In verse 40, what does He say His followers will not expect?

The New John Gill Exposition of the New Testament says that the second watch was from 9:00 to 12:00 at night, which would be early to return from a wedding. A more typical time would be during the third watch, from 12:00 to 3:00 in the morning.

If Christ were to return tonight, do you think He would be pleased with how you are currently serving Him? Why or why not?

If you suspect He would not be pleased, what do you think is hindering your obedience?

2. Handle their time, talents, and treasure in a trustworthy manner. Everything that a believer has belongs to the Lord. Like a faithful servant, we each should try to use possessions, gifts, and other resources in ways that honor God and expand His kingdom.

Who is the target audience for this parable (vv. 41-46)?

In verse 42, the faithful servant oversees his fellow workers and cares for their practical needs.

According to 1 John 4:7-8, what connection is there between a persons relationship with God and his or her treatment of others?

Evaluate your interactions over the last 24 hours. Would you pass the test that 1 John 4 describes?

3. Dont indulge the flesh. God wants His people to enjoy life and His blessings. First Timothy 6:17 says we are to fix [our] hope on . . . God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Our pleasure can honor the Father, as a joyful Christian is a wonderful advertisement for the gospel. However, any pleasure we seek must be one that God permits.

What behaviors indicate that the unrighteous servant is not exercising self-control (Luke 12:45)?

The wicked servant begins to hope that the master wont return at all. As a result, he gives himself over to his passions. Beating the other servants represents tormenting the faithful followers of Christ. John Gill wrote that when those who profess faith turn apostate, they not only fall into a lifestyle of drunkenness and debauchery but are often the most violent persecutors of sincere believers.

Galatians 6:7-9 speaks of those who give in to the flesh (sinful desires). What are some common ways that believers indulge their unrighteous yearnings?

Sometimes a blessing becomes sinful when we overindulge in it. For instance, theres nothing wrong with enjoying a delicious meal. But eating to excess is gluttony (Prov. 23:21). Can you identify an area of your lifea hobby, pastime, or even a taskthat tends to get out of control in this way?

4. Can expect specific consequences based on the quality of their service. Although God often rewards our faithfulness here on earth, He doesnt want us to count on temporal rewards for our good deeds. Such a focus can make us prideful and rob us of the simple joy of obedience. However, Jesus did encourage His followers to work for and anticipate eternal rewards for faithful service.

According to Colossians 3:23, what should motivate us to do our best, no matter what job we have?

In this studys focal passage and in the parable of the talents, what is the reward for those who faithfully handle what God has entrusted to them (Luke 12:48; Matt. 25:21, 29)?

What form will our service take in eternity (Rev. 5:9-10)? How does this make you feel?

How are the unrighteous servants punished in these two parables (Luke 12:46-48; Matt. 25:2630)?

Luke 12:26 says that the immoral slave is assigned a place with the unbelievers. According to Adam Clarke, this word is better translated as the unfaithful. These are people who had head knowledge of Gods Word but failed to apply it properly and therefore missed out on transformation and blessing.

Think of at least one specific action you could take to improve your application of the spiritual revelation God has granted to you.

Note: Luke 12 and Matthew 25 may seem to indicate that salvation is somehow dependent on good deeds. But these passages must be read in light of the many other scriptures that indicate salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:28; 5:1).

Conclusion: At all times, faithful servants of God should be ready for the Lords return. Others may not recognize our work or honor us for serving. But if we genuinely seek to do the Lords will, we can confidently expect heavenly rewards for our obedience. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to Your service. Give me a humble heart that will delight in pleasing You. Help me be increasingly sensitive to Your voice so that I may be a more faithful servant. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Copyright 2011 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.

Print Page 36 comments Add A Comment\(Log in or create an account\)

April 09, 2011 12:13 PM by

i am so full of this word i have just read today, god is telling me my time is running out.i have been out of order with him,im a minister who has been call to do his will.but i have been doing wrong things off and on,he has been forgiving me.i dont want to live like this anymore i want to be right with him so when he comes back he can say well done.im supose to be speaking and preaching the word of god to the lost,iv been afraid to,can you pray for me please thank you so much. <="" div="">

April 05, 2011 01:35 AM by

Thank you very much for your beautiful massage and sujestion. I will pray for your ministry. Please pray for my family. Thank you. <="" div="">

February 09, 2011 08:38 PM by

Soli Deo Gloria!!! It's help me a lot to be humble,faithful and dependent to the wisdom and sovereignty of God into my life. <="" div="">

January 27, 2011 02:32 PM by

It has been a long time that I have been able to log on to these bible studies since I have not had a computer. I so look forward to the studies to expand my devotions and to share. <="" div="">

January 15, 2011 10:50 PM by

Thank you so much.... I learned a lot in this bible studies. I also feel what is happening in my life.. GOD bless you.. <="" div="">

January 12, 2011 08:53 PM by

Dear Dr. Charles Stanley, Thank you for bieng obiedent to the Lord. Also for listening to his will,and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in these special teachings. I feellike God is speaking to me with these sermons on my daily routine,and when I need a word from the Lord he gives it to me through your bible studies. So thank you for bieng a mighty servant for the Lord. <="" div="">

January 12, 2011 03:40 AM by

Its very inspirational to my ministry and family......god bless your Dr Stanly. Thanks. Fiji Islands. <="" div="">

December 19, 2010 07:38 PM by

love it..may God Bless u I thank God for filling with the wisdom and knomledge of his word,so you can share the teachings with us.. <="" div="">

December 17, 2010 12:11 PM by

Dear Dr. Stanley you are a blessing to many and God will continue to bless you mightly. Each time I read any of your message, the Spirit of God keeps on encouraging me to read more and more, I'm really becoming a strong person in Christ becasue of you. May Almight God bless and expland your knowledge for your good work. Thanks Eric <="" div="">

December 16, 2010 04:29 PM by SuperUser Account

Someone wrote: "I am not much when it becomes to studying the bible I have been watching you for a while now & I,m learning some of your studies I do have a question for you. When I listen to you why doe,s the devil fight me so much harder during the week? Thank you so much" The short answer is that you are encountering spiritual warfare. Satan does not want you

to grow in your faith, so he attacks you on weeks you have learned from Dr. Stanley. We'd like to help more. Please contact us by clicking on "contact us" at the top of the page and filling out the form. God bless you. The In Touch Team <="" div="">

December 13, 2010 05:24 AM by

thank you for the Bible studies,,its really help me a lot.it gives strength to my spiritual life.More Power and God bless!! <="" div="">

December 01, 2010 06:55 AM by

This was wonderful and a real eye opener to learning the character of a true christian servent. All glory to God, thank you <="" div="">

November 29, 2010 06:03 AM by

Dr. Stanley, Thank you so much for this web site. I start each morning listening to the devotionals and either listening to a sermon or reading your bible study. My life has changed so much since doing this. It always helps me with my prayers each morning and the time I spend with God. Also, I send the devotional each morning to my siblings in prayer that they will spend time with God and receive Christ as their savior. Thank you so much for giving your life to Christ and being His servant. You have blessed countless others by your obedience and love for Him.

<="" div="">

November 28, 2010 05:44 PM by

This the first time that I am on this bible study and I plan to study all of the articles that are offered. May God's blessings be with you. Thankyou. <="" div="">

November 26, 2010 08:44 PM by

may god bless you more abundantly in wisdom and in heallth so that many people will be touched and accept jesus christ to be their savior and refuge. God Bless Us <="" div="">

November 25, 2010 01:42 PM by

HI DR STANLEY I PRAY YOU & YOUR FAMILY HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING THANK YOU FOR YOU CONTINED WORK THRU TV & OTHER SOURCES YOU TRULY MAKE SENSE OF THE STUDIES OF WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO BE A CATHOLIC I LOVE THE TV SERMONS GOD BLESS YOU <="" div="">

November 24, 2010 09:03 PM by

I am not much when it becomes to studying the bible I have been watching you for a while now & I,m learning some of your studies I do have a question for you. When I listen to you why doe,s the devil fight me so much harder during the week? Thank you so much <="" div="">

November 23, 2010 07:34 PM by Miss Wanda

I always enjoy studying and learning more about God's word. It will help me grow as a christian....Thank you so much, and continue to be bless in the Lord. <="" div="">

November 22, 2010 06:12 AM by

The teaching are blessing sto me and my church, thanks. <="" div="">

November 21, 2010 07:07 AM by

It was a very good bible study and i enjoyed and was enrich with the subject. God bless. Puerto Rico. <="" div="">

November 21, 2010 04:40 AM by

A very powerful message, your bible studies are really anointed by God. It helps me grow spiritually everyday. Thank you and God bless! <="" div="">

July 13, 2010 05:20 PM by

I enjoy your bible studies, you make it so easy to understand the fact that you also have the links to the bible verse for us to read our self is also blessing. Thank you so much God Bless you <="" div="">

July 08, 2010 01:49 AM by

nice