NOT FOR PROFIT?
*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*NOT FOR PROFIT?*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Luke 17: 7-10
v7.*But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?*
v8 *And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?*
v9 *Doth, he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.*
v10 *So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.*
*Insighr and Highlight.*
God is already profitable. Whatever we do can neither increase nor reduce Him. He is not a prisoner of what He chooses to do for us in return for what we do.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
Jesus teaches us several things concerning this parable:
This parable points to Christ as sovereign, the children of men in positions as masters and workers under authority.
Today, we will look at some of the fundamentals of the lessons Jesus is teaching us.
Firstly, what is our motive when we serve, and what do we hope to gain?
Secondly, we are to be careful of personal claims for merit in return for what we have done.
Thirdly, God has varying ways to commend what we do. He has various ways that may suggest how He rewards service, gifts, and talents.
Fourthly, God owes no one and should not be in anyone's debt book of owing him/her gratitude.
We must know that *".....for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee…"*, 1 Chron 29:14-16
Sixthly, doing the will of God must be our ultimate.
Seventh, we must not see ourselves, when we have done everything that we have been assigned and commanded to do and say, ‘We are unworthy servants undeserving of praise or a reward, because we have merely done what we ought to do and regret we have not gone beyond our obligation.
Do you see yourself unprofitable when God has not seen you as such?
Remember, any personal claim you have on the ground of your merit will fail. Only God has the final say to rewards.
*Remorse corner.*
Our service to God is like a servant to a master. As a servant, can not place a heavy burden upon a master so also, we can not 'bind' God by what we do.
*Call to Word action.*
Matthew 10:24 *The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
When we work for God, we must not arrogate or ascribe glory to ourselves.
It is the prerogative of God.
*Prayer.*
Lord, when l have done what l am commanded to do, help me not to arrogate myself on account of what l have done, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day.
God bless you.