Revelation 4:9-11 [KJV]
"And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne,
and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns
before the throne, saying,
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou
hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created."
Revelation 5:8-10 [KJV]
" And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty
elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and
golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to
God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and
nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Many people are of the opinion that these twenty-four elders are Christians. I do not hold this position. I believe that these twenty-four elders are in fact angels that are currently ruling over the earth. They are 2/3 of the full compliment that originally ruled under Satan before his rebellion.The remaining 1/3 followed Satan in his rebellion and their crowns are to be taken from them by Christ. I hold this position for several reasons.
1.) The first reason that I reject the view that these are Christians can best be explained by a quote from The Time of the End by Arlen Chitwood:
"Thus, with the introduction of crowns cast before God's throne in Rev. 4:10,11, only one group of individuals could possibly be in view (if one remains within context and keeps in mind the earth's government in both history and prophecy). These twenty-four elders can only represent angelic rulers (cf. Heb. 2:5). Angels alone will possess crowns in relation to the government of the earth at this time (as they do during the present time).
(Some bible students, on the basis of the pronouns used in Rev. 5:9, 10 - "us" and "we" [KJV] - have understood the twenty-four elders to represent redeemed men, not angels. However, the majority of the better Greek manuscripts render the pronouns in v. 10 as "them" and "they" [ref. ASV, NASB, NIV, Wuest, Weymouth], giving rise to the thought that the pronoun "us" in v. 9 is probably a scribal insertion, being spurious [ref. Alford, Lenski].
But the matter is really not left to manuscript evidence alone. That the pronouns "them" and "they" are correct is evident from the context. Not that the song in vv. 9, 10 is apparently sung not only by the "twenty-four elders" but also by the "four beasts ['living creatures']" as well. Then, other angels join them in vv. 11ff, with all the angels together voicing additional, related statements." p. 79 - 80.
Chitwood makes some really good points. He places emphasis on the context of the passage and its original language. These are very important in determining interpretation. I am convinced that all doctrinal
inconsistencies in Christianity could be alleviated with more faithful attention to these two pillars. Chitwood also brings to the attention of the reader the fact that in at least three popular versions of the Bible, the words are indeed translated "them" and "they".
Rev. 5: 8-10 [ASV]
" And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four
and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and
golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto
God with thy blood [men] of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and
nation,
and madest them [to be] unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth."
Rev. 5:8-10 [NASB]
"When He had taken the [fn]book,
the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before
the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense,
which are the prayers of the [fn]saints. And they [!] sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the [fn]book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
"You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."
Rev. 5: 8-10 [RSV]
"And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the
twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and
with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints;
and they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy art thou to take the scroll
and to open its seals, for thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom
men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth."
Rev. 5: 8-10 [ESV]
"And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the
twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and
golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and
to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed
people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."
Rev. 5: 8-10 [NIV]
"And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four
elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were
holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the
saints.
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open
its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased
men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Rev. 5: 8-10 [Darby Translation]
"And when it took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four
elders fell before the Lamb, having each a harp and golden bowls full
of incenses, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open its seals; because thou hast been slain, and hast redeemed to
God, by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and
nation,
and made them to our God kings and priests; and they shall reign over the earth."
2.) The second reason I reject the view that these twenty-four elders are Christians has to do with Chitwood's other major point,... context. When the scripture in Revelation is taken into context with the rest of scripture, it becomes clear that these can't be Christians. They can't be because that would mean Christians would be giving up the instrument given to them with which to rule. Kings bear crowns. In addition it is clearly stated angels are not to be the rulers of the world to come, but men are to be.
The final point I want to take up first.
Hebrews 2:1-11
"Therefore we (Christians) ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them
that heard [him];
God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art
mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with
glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under
him. But now we see not yet all things put under him"
It is important to note the words "recompence of reward."
Recompence of Reward - G3405 - misthapodosia - 1) payment of wages due, recompence.
It is found in only two other places in the Bible, both of which are found in Hebrews. In Hebrews 2, the wages are implied to be negative because of disobedience, while the other two indicate a positive reward for obedience.
Hebrews 10: 35-39
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
Patient endurance brings about glory, and honor. These are the things that kings receive.
Romans 2:6 - 7
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:"
The third place where misthapodosia is used is Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 11: 24 -27
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in
Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible."
By faithful works we are to be rewarded, just as Moses will be. This will only come through forsaking the world and its treasures and choosing to suffer with Christ. This kind of service is rewarded with crowns of rulership. That brings me to the other point, crowns. Kings bear crowns. Christians are offered various crowns to win through faithful service. The places that refer to this are found in the following verses:
1 Corinthians 9: 24 -27
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway."
2 Timothy 4: 6 -8
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also that love his appearing"
James 1:9 -12
"Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the
grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of
it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love him."
1 Peter 5: 1 - 4
"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory
that shall be revealed:
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight
[thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but
of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away"
Revelation 2: 8 - 11
"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and
[I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but
[are] the synagogue of Satan.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil
shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall
have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
Revelation3:7 - 13
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith
he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he
that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no
man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word,
and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are
Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and
worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try
them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he
shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and
the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh
down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
An honest reading of the verses in their context will lead to no other conclusion but that the twenty-four elders are not men, but they are angels. It will lead also to the conclusion that men are to be the rulers of the world to come, along with their Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Sixpence None The Richer
C.S. Lewis is one of the most profound Christian thinkers. Often his arguments seem simple, but with more thought they are found to be quite meaty.
"I think every one who has some vague belief in God, until he becomes a Christian, has the idea of an exam, or of a bargain in his mind. The first result of real Christianity is to blow that idea into bits. When they find it blown into bits, some people think this means that Christianity is a failure and give up. They seem to imagine that God is very simple-minded! In fact, of course, He knows all about this. One of the very things Christianity was designed to do was to blow this idea to bits. God has been waiting for the moment at which you discover that there is no question of earning a pass mark in this exam, or putting Him in your debt.
Then comes another discovery. Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment is given to you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already. So that when we talk of a man doing anything for God or giving anything to God, I will tell you what it is really like. It is like a small child going to its father and saying, "Daddy, give me sixpence to buy you a birthday present." Of course, the father does, and he is pleased with the child's present. It is all very nice and proper, but only an idiot would think that the father is sixpence to the good on the transaction. When a man has made these two discoveries God can really get to work. It is after this that real life begins. The man is awake now."
Mere Chrsitianity, C.S. Lewis
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." Acts 17:28
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]. " Romans 13: 10 - 14
"I think every one who has some vague belief in God, until he becomes a Christian, has the idea of an exam, or of a bargain in his mind. The first result of real Christianity is to blow that idea into bits. When they find it blown into bits, some people think this means that Christianity is a failure and give up. They seem to imagine that God is very simple-minded! In fact, of course, He knows all about this. One of the very things Christianity was designed to do was to blow this idea to bits. God has been waiting for the moment at which you discover that there is no question of earning a pass mark in this exam, or putting Him in your debt.
Then comes another discovery. Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment is given to you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already. So that when we talk of a man doing anything for God or giving anything to God, I will tell you what it is really like. It is like a small child going to its father and saying, "Daddy, give me sixpence to buy you a birthday present." Of course, the father does, and he is pleased with the child's present. It is all very nice and proper, but only an idiot would think that the father is sixpence to the good on the transaction. When a man has made these two discoveries God can really get to work. It is after this that real life begins. The man is awake now."
Mere Chrsitianity, C.S. Lewis
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." Acts 17:28
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]. " Romans 13: 10 - 14
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Random Quote from Blackstone
William Blackstone in his work Jesus is Coming has a quote that is worthy of note. Anyone who has frequented this blog knows that I am most decidedly Millennial in my thinking. I am also a literalist. Blackstone also adheres to this philosophy. In his chapter entitled "The Three Appearings" he has this to say:
"Jesus and the apostles and the prophets have given great prominence in the Scriptures to this inspiring theme (Christ's Second Coming). The Early Fathers and the Christian church, for the first two centuries of our era, found in it their chief source of hope and comfort. The belief that Jesus was coming in glory to reign with His saints on the earth, during the Millennium, was almost universal with them.
But in the third century there arose a school of interpreters, headed by Origen, who so "spiritualized" the Scriptures that they ceased to believe in any literal Millennium whatsoever. Their system of interpretation has been severely condemned by Martin Luther, Adam Clarke and other commentators.
When Constantine was converted and the Roman empire became nominally Christian, it appeared to many that the Millennium had come, and that they had the kingdom on earth. The church, hand in hand with the world, plunged into the dark ages, until awakened by the great reformers of the sixteenth century, who again began to proclaim the comforting hope and blessed promise of the coming of Christ. Since that time the subject- so long neglected- has been studied and preached with increasing interest. Indeed, in the last two centuries, it seems to have risen (with the doctrine of salvation by simple faith in a crucified Savior) into somewhat the same prominence which it occupied in the early church. God be praised for it!" (Blackstone p. 37 -38)
Mr. Blackstone is correct. He is not of the same denomination as I am, but the truth is the truth. Mr. Blackstone was a successful businessman and layman in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He lived from 1841 -1935. This work (Jesus is Coming) was first published in 1878. I recommend anyone to pick up a copy of this work.
"Jesus and the apostles and the prophets have given great prominence in the Scriptures to this inspiring theme (Christ's Second Coming). The Early Fathers and the Christian church, for the first two centuries of our era, found in it their chief source of hope and comfort. The belief that Jesus was coming in glory to reign with His saints on the earth, during the Millennium, was almost universal with them.
But in the third century there arose a school of interpreters, headed by Origen, who so "spiritualized" the Scriptures that they ceased to believe in any literal Millennium whatsoever. Their system of interpretation has been severely condemned by Martin Luther, Adam Clarke and other commentators.
When Constantine was converted and the Roman empire became nominally Christian, it appeared to many that the Millennium had come, and that they had the kingdom on earth. The church, hand in hand with the world, plunged into the dark ages, until awakened by the great reformers of the sixteenth century, who again began to proclaim the comforting hope and blessed promise of the coming of Christ. Since that time the subject- so long neglected- has been studied and preached with increasing interest. Indeed, in the last two centuries, it seems to have risen (with the doctrine of salvation by simple faith in a crucified Savior) into somewhat the same prominence which it occupied in the early church. God be praised for it!" (Blackstone p. 37 -38)
Mr. Blackstone is correct. He is not of the same denomination as I am, but the truth is the truth. Mr. Blackstone was a successful businessman and layman in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He lived from 1841 -1935. This work (Jesus is Coming) was first published in 1878. I recommend anyone to pick up a copy of this work.
Friday, March 9, 2012
What is the lesson of "The Parable of the Ten Servants (Pounds)"?
The parable of the ten servants, commonly known as the parable of the ten pounds, is a very clear illustration of our Lord's expectations of His servants. Our Lord expects us to turn a profit for Him. The common notion that it will be enough to just have "a cabin in the corner of glory" is the farthest thing from what is in the heart of our Savior for His servants. None of us should have this mindset. Our lives should be spent in service to our Lord, with a great expectation of sharing with Him in His "riches in glory."
The parable of the ten servants can be found in Luke 19:10-27. It can be broken down into four divisions:
1.) The introduction (v. 10 - 15)
2.) The minority who made a profit (v. 16 - 19)
3.) The example of one who knew his master and had no profit (v. 20 - 26)
4.) The majority who wouldn't have the master to be their lord (v. 27)
The Introduction (v. 10 - 15)
Luke 19:10-11
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."
Most people interpret the phrase "to seek and to save that which was lost," to mean that Jesus came to save lost people. I hope to clarify that this isn't the correct interpretation of this particular passage. It must be seen that the word "that" (not "who") is used. Jesus explains to them that He came to redeem that which the nation of Israel had lost. The nation of Israel had failed to fulfill their God-given mission of being His nation through which the rest of the world would be blessed - the nation through which God would govern the rest of the nations. Simply put, Jesus had come to redeem the kingdom. You can see this from what those listening to Jesus expected to immediately appear. They thought that the kingdom of God would appear very shortly. They failed to see the real chain of events that was to transpire, which included the cross and Christ's return to heaven, before the Kingdom was to be established.
In this context, Jesus gives them the parable.
Luke 19:12
"He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return."
Jesus immediately sets them straight in the parable. Jesus, of course, is represented by the nobleman. He makes it clear that the Kingdom would not immediately appear. It will only come after He returns.
Luke 19:13
"And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."
"his ten servants"
It is important to note this phrase. The number ten has special significance in scripture. According to the work Number in Scripture by E.W. Bullinger p. 243, the number ten is "one of the perfect numbers, and signifies the perfection of Divine order." Bullinger goes on to say, "it implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle is complete." All the servants are in mind.
"servant" - G1210 doulos - 1) slave, bondman, man of servile condition a) slave b) metaph. one who gives himself up to another's will, those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men c) devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests. 2) a servant, attendant
"occupy till I come"
"occupy" - G4229 pragmateuomai - 1) to be occupied in anything 2) to carry on business 3) to carry on business of a banker or a trader
Many commentators and pastors believe that the parable contrasts the saved and the unsaved. This cannot be the case, because our Lord does not entrust His goods to those who are incapable of rendering service to Him. The unsaved are dead in their sins and trespasses, and are incapable of doing business for the Lord. To interpret this parable as contrasting the saved with the unsaved is to deny the clear instruction of scripture that "salvation is by grace through faith." Doing business is doing work. Ask anyone who does this kind of work for a living and they will confirm this for you.
"I come" - This phrase is a statement of fact. The master is leaving the servants no doubt that he will return. Our Lord has made the same statement of fact to us. His return is undeniable.
Luke 19:14
"But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us."
"his citizens"
"citizens" - G4172 - polites - a citizen a) inhabitant of a city or country b) the association of another in citizenship (1) a fellow citizen, fellow countryman.
It is possible for a saved individual to hate their Lord, just as these citizens hated theirs. This hatred comes from loving the world. Consider the following:
"enmity" - G2189 - echthra - 1) enmity 2) cause of enmity
Romans 8:5- 8
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
Galatians 5: 19-21
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatredseditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
James 4:4
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
In each of the verses quoted above, the word in bold is the same word. If the verses are read in context with the rest of the book, it is easy to see that those who are being addressed, and the subjects of the address, are saved individuals. It is also important to note the final point in James that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God. This is very important to remember when we come to the end of this parable.
"We will not have this man to reign over us"
These fellow citizens didn't accept the nobleman as their lord. The same is true for many Christians. Many Christians will not have their true and rightful Lord to reign over them, and their lives. They would rather live for themselves. They would rather be friends with the world. They are content with Him being their Savior and nothing else.
Luke 19:15
"And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading."
This is such an important verse to understand because it contains the point of the whole parable. The nobleman has returned, as promised, and he calls his servants to himself. The exact same thing will happen upon the return of Jesus to this earth to deal with his church. All believers will be called before Him at His Judgement seat. And what will be the subject of this judgement? It will be the exact same thing as it was for those servants. Did they turn a profit for their master?
"had gained by trading" - G1281 -diapragmateuomai - 1) thoroughly, earnestly to undertake a business. 2) to undertake a business for sake of gain.
These servants were being judged as to whether or not they had worked for their master. The same will be said of Christians. Christians will not be judged as to whether or not they had believed on the Lord at the Judgement Seat, but as to whether or not they had served and gained a profit.
Romans 14: 9-12
"For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
The Minority Who Made a Profit (v. 16 - 19)
Luke 19:16
"Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds."
This servant was not just the first guy that the master ran across and began examining. He is first for a reason.
"first" - G4413 - protos - 1) first in time or place a) in any succession of things or persons 2) first in rank a) influence, honor b) chief c) principal 3) first, at the first.
This servant was the first because he was first in rank. He was to be honored because he had gained the most profit for his lord. He was first because of his faithful service. Christians who do the same will also hold a place of honor with our Lord. Consider the following verses when you think of being the first in the Kingdom of our Lord (Matthew 19:30, 20:16, Mark 9:35, 10:31, and Luke 13:30).
"hath gained" - G4333 - prosergazomai - 1) to work besides 2) by working or trading to make or gain besides.
Gain/ profit comes from work, not by faith alone. Again the parallel to the Christian is unmistakable.
Luke 19:17
"And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities."
"good" - G18 - agathos - 1) of good constitution, or nature, 2) useful, salutory, 3) good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, 4) excellent, distinguished, 5) upright, honourable
It is interesting how this nobleman describes this extremely profitable servant. He is good, and he is useful. For what? Service. He is pleasant, agreeable, excellent, and upright in his master's sight. He is joyful and happy. He is distinguished and honourable. He had chosen to put his master's concerns and matters before his own, and now he was to be honored for it. He had been last, but now he would be first. Oh, that we would all aspire to the same!
"faithful" - G4103 - pistos - 1) trusty, faithful a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust, c) that can be relied on
This servant had been trustworthy over a very little bit. Now, since he had been proven reliable, he could be given more. The exact same situation rests with Christians. If we will be faithful with the little that we have been given now, our reward in the Kingdom will be much more.
Luke 19:18 - 19
"And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities."
Then comes the second servant. This second servant also turns a profit for his lord, but not as much. The lesson here is that even among the faithful there is a difference made. There will be degrees of faithfulness and therefore degrees of reward. We will reap what we sow.
The Example of One Who Knew His Master and Had No Profit (v. 20 - 26)
Luke 19:20 - 21
"And another came, saying, Lord, behold, [here is] thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow."
"another" - G2087 - heteros - 1) the other, another, other a) to number 1) as opposed to some former person or thing 2) the other of two b) to quality 1) another: i.e. one not of the same nature, form, class, kind, different
Many Christians interpret this servant as being unsaved. I find that this simply cannot be the case. Just because he is described as having a different nature, or that he's from another class, doesn't mean that he is unsaved. There are two major divisions of Christianity: those who are faithful and those who are not. They are different, but they are still all Christians. We use this Greek word in English words like "heterosexual" and "heterozygous." The word "heterosexual" describes someone who is attracted to the opposite sex, but we wouldn't dare say that someone who is attracted to an animal is heterosexual. There are other words used for that. "Heterozygous" is used in genetics to describe a gene in an individual that codes for two different forms of the same trait, with the dominant one being expressed. An example of that is tall and short. Both genes code for the trait of height. They are of the same type of thing, as it were, but a different nature or form. "Heterogeneous" mixtures is another use of the word in English. It describes a mixture whose composition isn't uniform throughout, so that two samples from the same mixture don't have the same properties. The samples are from the same thing, but they have a different quality about them.
We go too far when we deny this servant his status. We also go too far when ones who have been truly saved by our Savior are classified as unsaved when they don't act like it. To do this is to say that the Lord's work isn't sufficient to save. To say this is to assert that we must also act saved to be saved. Salvation is by grace through faith, and nothing else.
Besides that, the focus of this parable isn't on salvation. It is on turning a profit for the Lord. This "other" servant didn't have the same work ethic as his fellows. This is because he wasn't motivated by love like they were.
Galatians 5:5 - 8
"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion [cometh] not of him that calleth you."
This one did no work, because he had no love for his master. In a similar fashion, Christians who do not love the Lord will not put their desires and ambitions aside for His. As a result, they will have no profit.
This servant did see value in his lord's pound because he hid it. He didn't want any harm to come to it, and he didn't want to lose it. Notice that he hid it in a napkin.
"napkin" - G4676 - soudarion - 1) a handkerchief, 2) a cloth for wiping perspiration from the face and for cleaning the nose and also used in swathing the head of a corpse.
He hid it in a napkin. A napkin that was supposed to be used to wipe away the sweat from his face that had accumulated through his labors for his master. A napkin that was supposed to be used to cover the head of his corpse. He was supposed to die to his own concerns and aspirations and live for his master. His napkin wasn't used for either of those purposes. It was used to prevent the pound from gaining and to cover it up instead. Christians can be guilty of the very same offense to their Lord, and it will be for exactly the same reason. Some will not love their Lord. They may still see the worth of what the Lord has entrusted to them, but that doesn't mean that they love their Lord. Even those who know their Lord are capable of this offense.
"For I feared thee because thou art an austere man,"
"feared" - G5399 - phobeo - 1) to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away) a) to put to flight, b) to fear, be afraid, 1) to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm, c) of those startled by strange sights or occurrences, d) of those struck with amazement 1) fear, be afraid of one 2) to fear (i.e. hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm) e) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience.
"austere" - G840 - austeros - 1) of mind and manners; harsh, rough, rigid
This servant had feared his lord because he knew that his lord's judgment would be rigid. There would be no looking over any detail, because there would be an exact rendering. There was to be no appeals court. His fear had made him hesitate to serve. While the man's assessment is correct, he had forgotten other aspects of his lord's character. His lord was also generous to his servants who would faithfully serve. Christians do the same. We often focus in on only one aspect of our Lord's character and forget the other aspects. To do so also impedes or prevents our service. He isn't just a God of grace and love, but He is also a God of justice and righteousness.
Hebrews 2:1 - 4
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? "
Hebrews 3:12 - 4:1
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end, While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.But with whom was he grieved forty years? [was it] not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
It is proper to fear God when we have a need to fear Him. Those who serve Him and have the "slate clean" with Him have no need to fear Him. It is like any good parent whose children have no need to fear them when they are obedient and everything is right between them, but when the children are disobedient and there are unconfessed wrongs, then there is a need to fear. Consider the following:
Jude 1:21 - 25
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
1 John 4: 15 - 19
"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us."
2 Corinthians 5:9 - 11
"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences."
In each of the verses quoted, "fear" is the exact word used in Luke 19, or a very closely related word in the case of "terror." So we have a progression. A Christian who hasn't kept himself in the love of God should be saved (delivered) from his error of not placing Christ as the Lord of his life through fear. Fear for the exact rendering he will receive at the Judgment Seat. But it shouldn't end there. That Christian should not stay in fear, he should mature toward love. This love will cast out the fear of a strict judgment, because he has nothing to fear. There is no "whipping" coming his way. There is a rewarding coming his way because he has begun to serve out of love. He has begun to be faithful.
Luke 19:22 - 23
"And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? "
"wicked servant" - G4190 - poneros - 1) full of labours, annoyances, hardships (a) pressed and harassed by labours, (b) bringing toils, annoyances, perils, of a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble 2) bad, of a bad nature or condition (a) in a physical sense; diseased or blind (b) in an ethical sense; evil, wicked, bad.
It is possible for the servants of God to be called wicked and to commit things that are wicked. Consider the following verses in their context.
James 4: 15 - 17
"For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.
This particular passage perfectly describes this servant. He KNEW to do good and did it not.
Hebrews 3: 12 - 14
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"
Again, this passage perfectly describes this servant. He was hardened. His heart was hard toward his Lord. He was not made a partaker with his master. Christians who do the same won't be either.
The highlighted word "evil" in each of the passages is the exact same word used in the parable for "wicked."
"Thou knewest"
The nobleman doesn't deny that he is any of the things that his servant said he was. In fact, he makes the point that the servant knew what kind of master he was. This servant was guilty of knowing his master and his expectations of him, and then failing to serve. This, to me, is the height of stupidity. Christians who know their master's will and fail to perform it will be guilty of the same level of stupidity.
Luke 19: 24 - 26
"And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him."
There are consequences for not serving in love. This servant lost what was given to him. This cannot be a description of loss of salvation, otherwise salvation isn't by grace through faith. He had failed to work by love. This loss is possible for the Christian as well. Consider the following:
1 Corinthians 3:15
"If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."
Another thing to consider is that profit doesn't come from just doing one's duty. Profit only comes when we serve out of love.
Luke 17: 7 -10
"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? 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? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 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."
Being rewarded in the Kingdom takes more than just doing one's duty as a Christian. It takes one serving out of love.
The Majority Who Wouldn't Have the Nobleman to be Their Lord
Luke 19:27
"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me."
"enemies" - G2190 - echthros - 1) hated, odious, hateful, 2) hostile, hating, and opposing another a) used of men as at enmity with God by their sin 1) opposing (God) in mind, 2) a man that is hostile 3) a certain enemy, 4) the hostile one, 5) the devil who is the most bitter enemy of the divine government.
The remaining seven servants are described as enemies of the nobleman. Doubtless, these were ones who not only did no loving service for their lord, but didn't even try to preserve what he had given to them. They were enemies because they opposed their master. Is it possible that Christians could be guilty of the same? Without a doubt.
Philippians 3:17 - 19
"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
James 4: 1 - 11
"From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
Hebrews 2:1 - 4
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? "
A Christian who minds earthly things is the enemy of God. He is a carnal Christian.
These servants were commanded to be brought forth to their master and then be slain in front of him. What could this mean for the Christian who has also treated his Lord in the same manner? The same fate rests on them. They will lose their life (soul) at the Judgment Seat of Christ. They will be sent to Outer Darkness.
2 Peter 2:1 - 2 and 12 -17
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. "
"But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever."
Romans 8:6 - 15
"For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
It is clear from this parable, that Jesus is trying to teach us that He is seeking profit from His servants. Profit only comes from work that is done out of love for our Master. Those who do it will be rewarded with positions of rulership in the Kingdom. Those who are fearful and do not turn a profit will suffer loss and be ruled over in the Kingdom. Those who reject Him as their Master and don't value what He has given them will lose their lives (soul) and be cast into Outer Darkness. Let's endeavor to be loving servants of our Lord.
The parable of the ten servants can be found in Luke 19:10-27. It can be broken down into four divisions:
1.) The introduction (v. 10 - 15)
2.) The minority who made a profit (v. 16 - 19)
3.) The example of one who knew his master and had no profit (v. 20 - 26)
4.) The majority who wouldn't have the master to be their lord (v. 27)
The Introduction (v. 10 - 15)
Luke 19:10-11
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."
Most people interpret the phrase "to seek and to save that which was lost," to mean that Jesus came to save lost people. I hope to clarify that this isn't the correct interpretation of this particular passage. It must be seen that the word "that" (not "who") is used. Jesus explains to them that He came to redeem that which the nation of Israel had lost. The nation of Israel had failed to fulfill their God-given mission of being His nation through which the rest of the world would be blessed - the nation through which God would govern the rest of the nations. Simply put, Jesus had come to redeem the kingdom. You can see this from what those listening to Jesus expected to immediately appear. They thought that the kingdom of God would appear very shortly. They failed to see the real chain of events that was to transpire, which included the cross and Christ's return to heaven, before the Kingdom was to be established.
In this context, Jesus gives them the parable.
Luke 19:12
"He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return."
Jesus immediately sets them straight in the parable. Jesus, of course, is represented by the nobleman. He makes it clear that the Kingdom would not immediately appear. It will only come after He returns.
Luke 19:13
"And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."
"his ten servants"
It is important to note this phrase. The number ten has special significance in scripture. According to the work Number in Scripture by E.W. Bullinger p. 243, the number ten is "one of the perfect numbers, and signifies the perfection of Divine order." Bullinger goes on to say, "it implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle is complete." All the servants are in mind.
"servant" - G1210 doulos - 1) slave, bondman, man of servile condition a) slave b) metaph. one who gives himself up to another's will, those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men c) devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests. 2) a servant, attendant
"occupy till I come"
"occupy" - G4229 pragmateuomai - 1) to be occupied in anything 2) to carry on business 3) to carry on business of a banker or a trader
Many commentators and pastors believe that the parable contrasts the saved and the unsaved. This cannot be the case, because our Lord does not entrust His goods to those who are incapable of rendering service to Him. The unsaved are dead in their sins and trespasses, and are incapable of doing business for the Lord. To interpret this parable as contrasting the saved with the unsaved is to deny the clear instruction of scripture that "salvation is by grace through faith." Doing business is doing work. Ask anyone who does this kind of work for a living and they will confirm this for you.
"I come" - This phrase is a statement of fact. The master is leaving the servants no doubt that he will return. Our Lord has made the same statement of fact to us. His return is undeniable.
Luke 19:14
"But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us."
"his citizens"
"citizens" - G4172 - polites - a citizen a) inhabitant of a city or country b) the association of another in citizenship (1) a fellow citizen, fellow countryman.
It is possible for a saved individual to hate their Lord, just as these citizens hated theirs. This hatred comes from loving the world. Consider the following:
"enmity" - G2189 - echthra - 1) enmity 2) cause of enmity
Romans 8:5- 8
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
Galatians 5: 19-21
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatredseditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
James 4:4
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
In each of the verses quoted above, the word in bold is the same word. If the verses are read in context with the rest of the book, it is easy to see that those who are being addressed, and the subjects of the address, are saved individuals. It is also important to note the final point in James that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God. This is very important to remember when we come to the end of this parable.
"We will not have this man to reign over us"
These fellow citizens didn't accept the nobleman as their lord. The same is true for many Christians. Many Christians will not have their true and rightful Lord to reign over them, and their lives. They would rather live for themselves. They would rather be friends with the world. They are content with Him being their Savior and nothing else.
Luke 19:15
"And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading."
This is such an important verse to understand because it contains the point of the whole parable. The nobleman has returned, as promised, and he calls his servants to himself. The exact same thing will happen upon the return of Jesus to this earth to deal with his church. All believers will be called before Him at His Judgement seat. And what will be the subject of this judgement? It will be the exact same thing as it was for those servants. Did they turn a profit for their master?
"had gained by trading" - G1281 -diapragmateuomai - 1) thoroughly, earnestly to undertake a business. 2) to undertake a business for sake of gain.
These servants were being judged as to whether or not they had worked for their master. The same will be said of Christians. Christians will not be judged as to whether or not they had believed on the Lord at the Judgement Seat, but as to whether or not they had served and gained a profit.
Romans 14: 9-12
"For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
The Minority Who Made a Profit (v. 16 - 19)
Luke 19:16
"Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds."
This servant was not just the first guy that the master ran across and began examining. He is first for a reason.
"first" - G4413 - protos - 1) first in time or place a) in any succession of things or persons 2) first in rank a) influence, honor b) chief c) principal 3) first, at the first.
This servant was the first because he was first in rank. He was to be honored because he had gained the most profit for his lord. He was first because of his faithful service. Christians who do the same will also hold a place of honor with our Lord. Consider the following verses when you think of being the first in the Kingdom of our Lord (Matthew 19:30, 20:16, Mark 9:35, 10:31, and Luke 13:30).
"hath gained" - G4333 - prosergazomai - 1) to work besides 2) by working or trading to make or gain besides.
Gain/ profit comes from work, not by faith alone. Again the parallel to the Christian is unmistakable.
Luke 19:17
"And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities."
"good" - G18 - agathos - 1) of good constitution, or nature, 2) useful, salutory, 3) good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, 4) excellent, distinguished, 5) upright, honourable
It is interesting how this nobleman describes this extremely profitable servant. He is good, and he is useful. For what? Service. He is pleasant, agreeable, excellent, and upright in his master's sight. He is joyful and happy. He is distinguished and honourable. He had chosen to put his master's concerns and matters before his own, and now he was to be honored for it. He had been last, but now he would be first. Oh, that we would all aspire to the same!
"faithful" - G4103 - pistos - 1) trusty, faithful a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust, c) that can be relied on
This servant had been trustworthy over a very little bit. Now, since he had been proven reliable, he could be given more. The exact same situation rests with Christians. If we will be faithful with the little that we have been given now, our reward in the Kingdom will be much more.
Luke 19:18 - 19
"And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities."
Then comes the second servant. This second servant also turns a profit for his lord, but not as much. The lesson here is that even among the faithful there is a difference made. There will be degrees of faithfulness and therefore degrees of reward. We will reap what we sow.
The Example of One Who Knew His Master and Had No Profit (v. 20 - 26)
Luke 19:20 - 21
"And another came, saying, Lord, behold, [here is] thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow."
"another" - G2087 - heteros - 1) the other, another, other a) to number 1) as opposed to some former person or thing 2) the other of two b) to quality 1) another: i.e. one not of the same nature, form, class, kind, different
Many Christians interpret this servant as being unsaved. I find that this simply cannot be the case. Just because he is described as having a different nature, or that he's from another class, doesn't mean that he is unsaved. There are two major divisions of Christianity: those who are faithful and those who are not. They are different, but they are still all Christians. We use this Greek word in English words like "heterosexual" and "heterozygous." The word "heterosexual" describes someone who is attracted to the opposite sex, but we wouldn't dare say that someone who is attracted to an animal is heterosexual. There are other words used for that. "Heterozygous" is used in genetics to describe a gene in an individual that codes for two different forms of the same trait, with the dominant one being expressed. An example of that is tall and short. Both genes code for the trait of height. They are of the same type of thing, as it were, but a different nature or form. "Heterogeneous" mixtures is another use of the word in English. It describes a mixture whose composition isn't uniform throughout, so that two samples from the same mixture don't have the same properties. The samples are from the same thing, but they have a different quality about them.
We go too far when we deny this servant his status. We also go too far when ones who have been truly saved by our Savior are classified as unsaved when they don't act like it. To do this is to say that the Lord's work isn't sufficient to save. To say this is to assert that we must also act saved to be saved. Salvation is by grace through faith, and nothing else.
Besides that, the focus of this parable isn't on salvation. It is on turning a profit for the Lord. This "other" servant didn't have the same work ethic as his fellows. This is because he wasn't motivated by love like they were.
Galatians 5:5 - 8
"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion [cometh] not of him that calleth you."
This one did no work, because he had no love for his master. In a similar fashion, Christians who do not love the Lord will not put their desires and ambitions aside for His. As a result, they will have no profit.
This servant did see value in his lord's pound because he hid it. He didn't want any harm to come to it, and he didn't want to lose it. Notice that he hid it in a napkin.
"napkin" - G4676 - soudarion - 1) a handkerchief, 2) a cloth for wiping perspiration from the face and for cleaning the nose and also used in swathing the head of a corpse.
He hid it in a napkin. A napkin that was supposed to be used to wipe away the sweat from his face that had accumulated through his labors for his master. A napkin that was supposed to be used to cover the head of his corpse. He was supposed to die to his own concerns and aspirations and live for his master. His napkin wasn't used for either of those purposes. It was used to prevent the pound from gaining and to cover it up instead. Christians can be guilty of the very same offense to their Lord, and it will be for exactly the same reason. Some will not love their Lord. They may still see the worth of what the Lord has entrusted to them, but that doesn't mean that they love their Lord. Even those who know their Lord are capable of this offense.
"For I feared thee because thou art an austere man,"
"feared" - G5399 - phobeo - 1) to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away) a) to put to flight, b) to fear, be afraid, 1) to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm, c) of those startled by strange sights or occurrences, d) of those struck with amazement 1) fear, be afraid of one 2) to fear (i.e. hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm) e) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience.
"austere" - G840 - austeros - 1) of mind and manners; harsh, rough, rigid
This servant had feared his lord because he knew that his lord's judgment would be rigid. There would be no looking over any detail, because there would be an exact rendering. There was to be no appeals court. His fear had made him hesitate to serve. While the man's assessment is correct, he had forgotten other aspects of his lord's character. His lord was also generous to his servants who would faithfully serve. Christians do the same. We often focus in on only one aspect of our Lord's character and forget the other aspects. To do so also impedes or prevents our service. He isn't just a God of grace and love, but He is also a God of justice and righteousness.
Hebrews 2:1 - 4
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? "
Hebrews 3:12 - 4:1
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end, While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.But with whom was he grieved forty years? [was it] not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
It is proper to fear God when we have a need to fear Him. Those who serve Him and have the "slate clean" with Him have no need to fear Him. It is like any good parent whose children have no need to fear them when they are obedient and everything is right between them, but when the children are disobedient and there are unconfessed wrongs, then there is a need to fear. Consider the following:
Jude 1:21 - 25
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
1 John 4: 15 - 19
"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us."
2 Corinthians 5:9 - 11
"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences."
In each of the verses quoted, "fear" is the exact word used in Luke 19, or a very closely related word in the case of "terror." So we have a progression. A Christian who hasn't kept himself in the love of God should be saved (delivered) from his error of not placing Christ as the Lord of his life through fear. Fear for the exact rendering he will receive at the Judgment Seat. But it shouldn't end there. That Christian should not stay in fear, he should mature toward love. This love will cast out the fear of a strict judgment, because he has nothing to fear. There is no "whipping" coming his way. There is a rewarding coming his way because he has begun to serve out of love. He has begun to be faithful.
Luke 19:22 - 23
"And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? "
"wicked servant" - G4190 - poneros - 1) full of labours, annoyances, hardships (a) pressed and harassed by labours, (b) bringing toils, annoyances, perils, of a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble 2) bad, of a bad nature or condition (a) in a physical sense; diseased or blind (b) in an ethical sense; evil, wicked, bad.
It is possible for the servants of God to be called wicked and to commit things that are wicked. Consider the following verses in their context.
James 4: 15 - 17
"For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.
This particular passage perfectly describes this servant. He KNEW to do good and did it not.
Hebrews 3: 12 - 14
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"
Again, this passage perfectly describes this servant. He was hardened. His heart was hard toward his Lord. He was not made a partaker with his master. Christians who do the same won't be either.
The highlighted word "evil" in each of the passages is the exact same word used in the parable for "wicked."
"Thou knewest"
The nobleman doesn't deny that he is any of the things that his servant said he was. In fact, he makes the point that the servant knew what kind of master he was. This servant was guilty of knowing his master and his expectations of him, and then failing to serve. This, to me, is the height of stupidity. Christians who know their master's will and fail to perform it will be guilty of the same level of stupidity.
Luke 19: 24 - 26
"And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him."
There are consequences for not serving in love. This servant lost what was given to him. This cannot be a description of loss of salvation, otherwise salvation isn't by grace through faith. He had failed to work by love. This loss is possible for the Christian as well. Consider the following:
1 Corinthians 3:15
"If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."
Another thing to consider is that profit doesn't come from just doing one's duty. Profit only comes when we serve out of love.
Luke 17: 7 -10
"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? 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? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 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."
Being rewarded in the Kingdom takes more than just doing one's duty as a Christian. It takes one serving out of love.
The Majority Who Wouldn't Have the Nobleman to be Their Lord
Luke 19:27
"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me."
"enemies" - G2190 - echthros - 1) hated, odious, hateful, 2) hostile, hating, and opposing another a) used of men as at enmity with God by their sin 1) opposing (God) in mind, 2) a man that is hostile 3) a certain enemy, 4) the hostile one, 5) the devil who is the most bitter enemy of the divine government.
The remaining seven servants are described as enemies of the nobleman. Doubtless, these were ones who not only did no loving service for their lord, but didn't even try to preserve what he had given to them. They were enemies because they opposed their master. Is it possible that Christians could be guilty of the same? Without a doubt.
Philippians 3:17 - 19
"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
James 4: 1 - 11
"From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
Hebrews 2:1 - 4
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? "
A Christian who minds earthly things is the enemy of God. He is a carnal Christian.
These servants were commanded to be brought forth to their master and then be slain in front of him. What could this mean for the Christian who has also treated his Lord in the same manner? The same fate rests on them. They will lose their life (soul) at the Judgment Seat of Christ. They will be sent to Outer Darkness.
2 Peter 2:1 - 2 and 12 -17
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. "
"But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever."
Romans 8:6 - 15
"For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
It is clear from this parable, that Jesus is trying to teach us that He is seeking profit from His servants. Profit only comes from work that is done out of love for our Master. Those who do it will be rewarded with positions of rulership in the Kingdom. Those who are fearful and do not turn a profit will suffer loss and be ruled over in the Kingdom. Those who reject Him as their Master and don't value what He has given them will lose their lives (soul) and be cast into Outer Darkness. Let's endeavor to be loving servants of our Lord.
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