“We Are Unworthy Slaves”

Much of the denominational world is under the heavy influence of Calvinism. As a result, many people believe the false concepts of unconditional election and irresistible grace. Because of this, they object to the teaching that obedience is necessary for salvation – even though this is what the Bible teaches (cf. Hebrews 5:9; James 2:24). They argue that if one believes that salvation is conditioned upon obedience, then that one must believe he can “earn” his salvation. Yet this is not the case. Notice what Jesus said in the following passage:

“Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:7-10).

Jesus’ words in this passage are helpful in showing us the connection between grace and obedience. So let us briefly examine this passage.

The Nature of Slavery

When we think of slavery, we often think of it in the context of American history in which slaves were sorely mistreated and thought of as subhuman. Yet in the first century, people would sometimes choose to become slaves – either to escape severe poverty or to pay off a debt.

Our slavery to Christ is in no way like the abhorrent slavery that existed in this country. Instead, we choose to become slaves of Christ. We were in debt because of sin (cf. Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4). We have been redeemed with the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19) and are now “slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:18). In order to escape the penalty for sin – death (Romans 6:23) – we voluntarily become “bondslaves of God” (1 Peter 2:16).

Our Job Is to Work

Being a slave necessarily involves obedience. Paul wrote, “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” (Romans 6:16, emphasis mine).

It is also important to note that our obligation to work does not end when we decide it does, but when the master says we are done. Jesus made this point in our text. After working in the field, the slave does not get to come into the house and be served. Instead, he must first serve his master (Luke 17:7-8). As slaves of Christ, the Lord expects us to faithfully serve Him until death. It is not until after death that we “may rest from [our] labors” (Revelation 14:13). Therefore, as long as we live, we must do everything in His name (Colossians 3:17).

Fulfilling Our Obligation

Jesus made the point that the faithful slave does not receive thanks from his master (Luke 17:9). The reason for this is because the slave has not earned anything – he simply “did the things which were commanded” (Luke 17:9).

This principle applies to us as well: “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:10). We should not think that our service to the Lord earns us anything. Salvation is a “free gift” (Romans 6:23). What we deserve (what we have earned) is death. This is true for all men (Romans 3:23).

Even though we cannot ever earn the free gift of salvation, we must still be doing what we ought to do. Obedience is expected of God’s people (Hebrews 5:9). But to what extent are we to be obedient? Jesus said His disciples were to “observe all that [He] commanded” (Matthew 28:20). This does not contradict the fact that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8); instead, we must realize that God expects those who have been saved by His grace to work to carry out His will (Ephesians 2:10).

We Have a Better Master

Jesus said that earthly masters provide no thanks to their slaves. Even masters who are good and fair will still treat a slave as a slave – obedience is expected; therefore, a slave’s faithfulness is not worthy of special praise.

In our spiritual lives, the Lord is our master. Therefore, we are treated and rewarded differently than those enslaved according to the customs of men. Jesus “is not ashamed to call [us] brethren” (Hebrews 2:11). Though slaves, we are still “called children of God” (1 John 3:1). Paul wrote, “Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God” (Galatians 4:7). Our obedience is expected and, therefore, earns us no reward. Yet by the grace of God, we may “share in the inheritance of the saints in Light” (Colossians 1:12).

Conclusion

The Lord has a reward in heaven prepared for us. This reward is nothing that we have earned – we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). Yet we are still “slaves of Christ” (Ephesians 6:6; Luke 17:10). Therefore, we must obey the Lord in all things (Matthew 28:20; Colossians 3:17).