A Tale of Two Servants Part 2
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Observing the behavior and outcome of two vastly different servants while the return of their Master is delayed-- focusing on the wicked servant.
Text: Luke 12:45-48
Date: 01/14/2024, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 133
Description:
Luke's melding of the themes of servanthood and the Second Coming continues in a poignant tale of two very different servants. One is faithful and dutifully carries out the tasks his master expects of him-- even when the master is away. The other takes the opportunity of the master's absence to indulge in egregiously sinful behavior. We will carefully analyze the behavior of the two servants, as well as the master's reward for the faithful servant and the punishment for the wicked one. We will apply this distinction to individual Christians as well as the church as a whole, as we wait for our Master's return at His Second Coming. As was the case with the last parable Jesus told of the ever ready and watchful servant, we will learn the great value of living a life that our Lord will be pleased with as we consider this tale of two servants. This message will focus on the attributes and behavior of the wicked servant, and the inevitability of punishment at the Master's return.
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I. Introduction, Mark 1:15.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 12:45-48.
A. Context
1. The parable of the rich fool, Luke 12:19.
2. The parable of the Kingdom-servant.
3. The parable of the faithful servant.
B. Two parables on servanthood.
1. A parable for "us or for all?", vs. 41,42.
2. The wicked servant, vs. 45-46.
a. A sharp distinction, vs. 45.
i. The irrationality of the wicked servant, vs. 45a.
1) References of irrationality.
a) Like the religious leaders, Luke 12:1, 11:39-40.
b) Like the rich fool, Luke 12:19.
2) The faulty reasoning.
a) The example of the Exodus, Ex. 32:1.
b) An eschatological delay.
ii. The debauchery of the wicked servant, vs. 45b.
1) Mistreating his fellow servants, Matt. 20:25-26, Ezek. 34:10.
2) Dereliction of duty, Ex. 32:6, Luke 12:19, 1Cor. 15:32.
iii. A sharp comparison.
b. The punishment of the wicked servant, vs. 46.
i. The unexpected return.
1) Faulty reasoning exposed.
a) The example of the thief in the night.
b) The example of Belshazzar of Babylon, Dan. 5:25, 30.
c) The eschatological application.
2) The relationship confirmed, 1Cor. 7:22-23.
3) The eschatological setting, Matt. 24:27.
4) The essence of New Testament eschatology, Matt. 25:31-32.
ii. The harsh punishment.
1) He will be "cut to pieces", 1Sam. 15:33, Heb. 11:37.
2) He will be put with the unbelievers, Luke 12:5,9,10.
3. The flip side of revelation, vs. 47-48a.
a. Punishment for the negligent servant, vs. 47.
i. The nature of the transgression.
ii. The nature of the punishment.
1) A lesser physical punishment, 2Cor. 11:24.
2) A lesser eternal punishment, Lev. 26:28; Num. 15:22–31; Ps. 19:12, 13; Amos 3:2; Matt. 10:15; 11:22, 24; Luke 10:12–14; 23:34; Acts 3:17; 1 Tim. 1:13.
b. Punishment for the ignorant servant, vs. 48a.
i. The nature of the transgression.
ii. The nature of the punishment, Rom. 7:7-8, John 15:22, Rom. 6:23.
4. Formula for reward or punishment, vs. 48b.
a. How it relates to church leaders, James 3:1, 17.
b. How it relates to others, Rom. 1:19-20.
III. Application
A. To the unbelieving world.
B. To our church, 2Cor. 5:10.
IV. Conclusion
