1. When Jesus began talking about His return in vs.36, He indicated that no one knows when He will come back. 2. He continued by telling His followers: a. to "watch" (vs.42) b. to be "ready" (vs.44). 3. To illustrate what is involved in watching and being ready, Jesus contrasted 2 servants in vs.45-51. a. The first servant is described as "faithful and wise" (vs.45-47). 1) He fulfilled his responsibilities while his master was away. 2) He would receive a great reward when his master returned. b. The second servant is described as "evil" (vs.48-51). 1) He was not faithful, and he was not wise. 2) He did not fulfill his responsibilities while his master was away. 3) He would be punished when his master returned. 4. As we watch for the Lord's return, and as we strive to be ready, "let us be faithful servants."
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE REPEATEDLY TEACHES THE LORD'S FOLLOWERS TO BE FAITHFUL SERVANTS
A. Matthew 10:22b B. Acts 11:22-23 C. Acts 14:21-22 D. 1 Corinthians 4:2 E. Hebrews 10:23 F. Revelation 2:10b
II. IN THE BOOK OF ACTS WE READ ABOUT MANY OF THE LORD'S FOLLOWERS WHO WERE FAITHFUL SERVANTS
A. The Christians in Jerusalem were faithful (Acts 2:42, 46). B. Peter and John were faithful (Acts 4:15-20). C. The apostles were faithful (Acts 5:40-42). D. Stephen was faithful (Acts 7:54-60). E. Paul and Silas were faithful (Acts 16:22-25).
III. SPECIAL BLESSINGS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE LORD'S FAITHFUL SERVANTS
A. Psalm 31:23 B. Matthew 25:21, 23 C. Revelation 2:10b D. Revelation 14:13
Conclusion:
1. In our lesson we have examined: a. passages that teach the Lord's followers to be faithful servants b. several of the Lord's followers in Acts who were faithful servants c. blessings available to the Lord's faithful servants. 2. On the basis of the information we have covered, "let us be faithful servants."
