There is an oft-neglected principle taught in the New Testament. I call it the principle of "graduated responsibility." This principle is taught by Jesus in Luke 12:48: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" (NIV).
This saying is part of the parable of the faithful steward. It underscores the terms of the judgment the lord in the parable renders to his servants. The punishment meted out is given in direct proportion to the prior knowledge each servant had:
"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows." (vv. 47-48, NIV)
Here we see that judgment and punishment are rendered according to knowledge as well as action. The greater the knowledge, the greater the accountability.
Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God
Are you a faithful steward over all that God has entrusted to you?
For Further Study
Luke 12:47-48: "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."
1 Corinthians 4:2: "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."
© R.C. Sproul. All rights reserved.
6 comments:
Our pastor once gave a sermon and was talking about how rustrated he was having to power wash his house one Saturday afternoon and how he could be doing so many other things. Then, the Lord stepped in. Pastor Jim to a step back and assessed the situation and realized how truly blessed he was. He had a beautiful home which the Lord had entrusted in his care and that this exercise in powerwashing should actually be a time of thankful worship. Can I get an Amen?? maybe two?? I think our culture is becoming more and more infected with a the disease of entitlement and should spend more time counting our blessings (with a thankful heart).
Blessing
cas
AMEN, brother CAS, Good memory of the sermon! That's a good challenge that I have with my faith. This devotion for me is focused on me being a good steward of the knowledge that God loves me and wants to have a relationship with me and the rest of His kids. He is holding me accountable for that knowledge now and will hold me accountable at the judgement seat.
I take that sense of entitlement that CAS talked about with my faith. Now that most of my family and my closest friends have the saving knowledge I take it for granted. It is truly a priviledge to be in the HOLY FAMILY!
You guys, especially CAS, thanks for holding me accountable.
CORAM DEO everybody!!!
R U Ready 4 Some Football!!
I am so ready for some football.
That is soooo true. I should be very thankful for the things God has entrusted to me. I have to admit sometimes I have a very bad attitude.
What time is the game tonight?
8:30 pm go steelers
Post a Comment