Text: Luke 17:7-10
Most of the “Christian” religious world is under the heavy influence of Calvinism. They believe in unconditional election and that salvation is by grace “alone.” Therefore, they object when we teach that obedience is necessary. They charge us with believing that we can “earn” our salvation. Yet this is not the case. Our text is helpful in showing the connection between the grace of God and obedience to Christ.
Nature of Slavery
- Different ways in which someone might become a slave in ancient times – some were citizens of conquered nations; some sold themselves into slavery to pay off a debt; some sold themselves into slavery because of poverty; some were born into slavery
- How we are slaves to Christ – we were in debt because of sin (Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4); we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19); we are now the slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18)
Our Job Is to Work
- Being a slave necessarily involves obedience to one’s master (Romans 6:16) – we work until the master says we are done (Luke 17:7-8); as slaves of Christ, He expects us to faithfully serve Him until death (Revelation 14:13; cf. Hebrews 4:9-11)
- What is necessary for our service? (Luke 17:8)
- We must prepare to serve – prepare for action (1 Peter 1:13); understand our master’s will (Ephesians 5:17)
- We must clothe ourselves properly – clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27); put on the new man (Colossians 3:9-10)
- We must serve according to the master’s will – do all in His name (Colossians 3:17)
Fulfilling Our Obligation
- The slave does not receive thanks from an earthly master – he has not “earned” anything; he has simply carried out the master’s commands
- We must not think our service to Christ “earns” us anything – salvation is a “free gift” (Romans 6:23); what we deserve (have earned) is death; this is true for all of us (Romans 3:23)
- But we must be doing what we ought to do – obedience is expected of God’s people (Hebrews 5:9; Matthew 28:20); we are saved by grace, but we must DO God’s will (Ephesians 2:8-10)
We Have a Better Master
- Earthly masters – give no thanks; even good/fair masters treat slaves as slaves; obedience is expected, not worthy of praise
- The Lord as our master – we are treated and rewarded differently; we are brethren (Hebrews 2:11); we are children of God (1 John 3:1; Galatians 4:7); we share in the inheritance (Colossians 1:12)
Conclusion
- The Lord has a reward in heaven prepared for us
- This is nothing we have earned – we are saved by grace
- Yet we are still His slaves – expected to obey Him in all things
