Wrong Verses Right: Luke 17:10 KJV

“You say, ‘We are unprofitable servants’…”

“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.” ~Luke 17:10 KJV

Wrong Interpretation:

Certain people have interpreted this scripture to mean that we should stop acting like servants. Instead, we should act like kings who take authority by demanding or commanding supernatural blessings with passion in Jesus’ name or commanding the Lord to act in our prayers to Him.

*sigh*

Right Interpretation:

This scripture means that if we had even a little bit of faith, we would believe we did well after obeying God’s commands. By saying we were “not profitable for His use” because we “only did what was commanded”— and also because he did not thank us— we end up with a “God wouldn’t use me” mentality.

Have faith.

The apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith. The Lord told them if they had even a tiny amount of faith, they should be able to command trees to pluck up.

Then, the Lord explains that a master with a servant does not thank him for doing what was commanded (because it is expected.)

Then, He explains that the apostles do what was commanded like a servant, but they say, “We are unprofitable because that is all we did.”

If you do His commands, you are profitable because, as God’s servant, it is expected that you do what is required. In other words, because you are obedient to His commands, you must believe you are worthy.

Also, if you are one of those “imperfect Christians” confessing how unworthy you are, you are missing the mark.

Yes, you must work to be worthy. DO NOT confuse this with working for salvation. Worthiness is about working out your salvation with fear and trembling, not trying to find salvation. Salvation is having Christ’s righteousness readily available to you, but “working it out” shows your application of it.  Next, you must believe you are worthy because you have been diligently obedient.  Not only will this strengthen your heart and mind to not rely on reward, believing this will increase your faith.

Salvation is being saved by Christ Jesus.

Righteousness is being free from guilt or sin because you live in repentance applying Christ.

Being obedient increases your faith. However, God does not necessarily thank you with outpourings of grace for being obedient, but you must understand that grace is being stored up for you in your time of need.

Be a believer.  Come boldly to the throne of grace.

Find out how grace, the reward of favor— and the power of Christ— is earned.

Hint:
Less of you, more for others…
“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.”

[8] Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; [9] And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; ~Hebrews 5:8-9 KJV

Also, read Isaiah 58.

Understand that we are made “sons” too; copying Him.

[23] And He said to them all, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. [24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. [25] For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? [26] For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” ~Luke 9:23-26 KJV

Jesus is speaking to the disciples:

[28] Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. ~Matthew 11:28-30 KJV