Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• When last looking at this passage (v35-40) - being ready for the return of Jesus Christ
• His people are to wait, watch, be vigilant and be ready for the coming of the Lord
• Great theological knowledge is no good if you are not living in the light of Christ's return
• Last time we considered the word "blessed" (v37-38)
• The master will serve them
• Today (v41-48)
• Some strong teaching
• Blessings and punishment - some graphic language
• We must be faithful to the word of God
• Considering the themes of rewards and punishment
• Rewards (v42-44)
• Punishment (v45-48)
• Today's criminal punishment - often light sentencing
• Rights vs entitlements
• The Bible speaks of privileges and responsibilities, of stewardship, accountability, rewards and punishment
• We must not think that good works equals a reward and a profligate life equals punishment
• The message of Christianity is that we have all sinned and all need the unmerited grace of God
• Yet we know that we must give an account of our life before God
• There will be rewards and punishments
• God is fair and just
• v41 - Peter asks if this parable is to the disciples (or even just the 12 apostles) or all people
• v22 - He was previously talking to His disciples
• Jesus does not give a yes or no - His response is nuanced
• v47 - More would be expected of the disciples that other people
• v47 - It applies to the Jews
• v44 - It applies to the Gentiles
• It applies to all people in different ways
• Overview
• The blessing of faithfulness
• The curse of abuse
• The degrees of punishment
• The requirements of privilege

The Blessing of Faithfulness

• v42-43
• Stewardship
• Luke 16:1-13, 19:12-27, Matt 25:14-30 - explanation
• Jesus often speaks of the master going away and entrusting his servants
• v42 - a picture of servants in the household
• If they do their duty they will receive privileges
• "Blessed" - examples
• Have you trusted solely in Jesus?
• Are you living for Him and not for self?
• Are you seeking first His Kingdom?
• Are you trusting in grace?
• Do you love the Master?
• Blessings:
• v32 - He will give us the kingdom
• The 12 apostles sitting on 12 thrones
• We will judge angels
• We will reign with Christ

The Curse of Abuse

• v45-46
• A big contrast
• Another wicked servant
• A cruel and abusive servant
• Who lives it up
• Who is this speaking about?
• A religious person - living a double life
• 11:39 - explanation
• v46 - appointed with the unbelievers
• He did not fear God - He was not a believer
• Not speaking about a believer - a child of God (who cannot lose their salvation)
• Examples
• Severe language
• Cut in two
• Assigned a portion with the unbelievers

The Degrees of Punishment

• v47-48
• Shocking language in the 21st century
• Who is Jesus speaking about?
• Believers or unbelievers - note it does not say 'apportioned with the unbelievers' (v46)
• Don't get too caught up in the exactitude of the language
• Ask if you know God's will and are you doing it?
• v47 - the Jew, v48 - the Gentiles
• v47 - those in the Church (who don't know God) and v48 - those outside the Church
• Jesus spoke about those having greater suffering in the judgment
• God is a just God
• Ask if you have come to Christ?
• Ask if you are following God's word?
• Example of Numbers 15
• What privilege have we had?
• Being brought up in a Christian home?
• Being taught the Bible?
• Sunday School?
• However, we are all responsible for the life we have been given - v48

The Requirements of Privilege

• v48
• To those who more is given - more will be required
• 1 Cor 4:2 - Stewards must be found faithful
• How will you respond?
• Are there sins that need to be confessed?
• Do you need to give your life to God?
• Oh that we all be faithful and wise stewards and take the warnings of God seriously